115Appendix T: Service-Learning Photo Release Form

TAPPENDIX T:

SERVICE-LEARNING PHOTO RELEASE FORM

I, , hereby grant to Michigan State University, the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs and/or still video of me, in which I may be included, for editorial trade, advertising, web and any other purpose and in any manner and medium to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same. I hereby release Michigan State University, the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs and/or still video.

Participant Signature

Date

116 Appendix U: Ethical Photography Guidelines

UAPPENDIX U:

ETHICAL PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES

“It is a sacred trust to represent someone.” – Ingrid DeSanctis Theater Artist

What is Ethical Photography?Ethical photography is a conscientious way of taking pictures that

• Does Not exploit or misrepresent people, places, or cultures• Does Not violate privacy or human rights of subjects• Does Not degrade, dishonor, or rob people of their dignity• Does exhibit respect and sensitivity for people and “otherness”• Does obtain the consent and input from those being photographed• Does seek to tell the true stories of real people, places, and culture

Ethical Photography ProtocolIn order to pursue ethical photography, visual storytellers should heed the following protocols:

Before Taking Photos• Always get the subject’s consent first, especially if you want to do a

close-up.

• Examine your motives for shooting a particular frame. Do you want to inspire hope and understanding, or maybe even expose wrongdoing and neglect? It is not acceptable to use the photographs simply to harness pity.

117Appendix U: Ethical Photography Guidelines

• You should not encourage subjects to feign despair, anger, or other emotions, or seek to influence the “slant” of your photos in any way.

• Think about what you want to portray in your photo. While it is fine to portray the fears and struggles of your subjects in some photos, others should also convey the community’s strengths and expectations. Never portray your subjects as useless or inadequate.

While Taking Photos• Sometimes, it works well to photograph subjects from behind so that

only their activities, and not their faces, can be seen. For example, your photo may show the face of the doctor who is performing an eye exam, but not the patient’s face. This not only prevents the patient from getting distracted, but also protects his or her privacy.

• Be humble, considerate and respectful. Try to take the pictures without being intrusive.

• Try not to be aloof; build a relationship of mutual understanding with your subject(s).

After Taking Photos• Don’t stereotype or make false generalizations. A single photograph of

a starving African child is not representative of the whole continent. Use captions to give context.

• Photos should be used to raise public awareness, not to exploit public sympathy.

• Photos must be carefully and faithfully edited (meaning there should be minimal, but acceptable digital manipulation and no fancy embellishments) to avoid misrepresentation.

• Ensure that your photos document what you believe is the real situation of your subjects.

• Photographers should use their skills to influence public perception responsibly, and it is crucial for organizations to use images that connect people from all walks of life through the language of photos.

Adapted by Marc Hunsaker from the following resources:“Ethics and Photography in Developing Countries” by Unite for Sight, n.d., retrieved from http://www.uniteforsight.org/global-health-university/photography-ethics