Being a photo journalist might sometimes prove harder than being a journalist who has to face the camera or has to type out an article as one has to say whatever they want through pictures. It is like a silent film where everything has to be said without speaking or writing. That might prove difficult as timing becomes important.
For example the buzzard and the child picture said a thousand words without literally putting it down in writing, but timing was important here to be able to take the right picture.
Also, the bits and pieces that will make the picture relevant have to be present at the same place and at the same time.
Dan, was lucky that he caught the cop who ordered the firings and the girl who got hit in the same frame, so a lot depends on luck for a photojournalist as well.
The series Planet Earth on discovery is not an example of photojournalism per say, but does prove my point. The crew of the show got lucky when it came to capturing images of a pregnant polar bear and had to wait for the winter months to end to be able to show the birth of her cubs. Photo journalism requires continuity as well. But this will not be hard to maintain once the most important shot has been taken.
Also, photojournalism has become important these days as people are able to relate to events, people things etc more when they see it in a picture. Being able to see, gives a different experience, almost like a window that makes one feel they are there that only writing always may not be able to do.
Pictures definitely add to an article or story. It helps put the final piece in place. For example if I am reading an article about Barrack Obama I would want to know what he looks like, thus making his picture important.
When it comes to ethics, I believe it is subjective and depends from situation to situation. Like in Dan’s case I feel he did the right thing.
As for me, I would have definitely helped or at least tried to help regardless of medical experience.
