Johannah in the Spotlight

Weakness of the Times #3

Today I just want to point out what I see as one of the most embarrassing aspects of NY Times journalism - the politicized photo editing. As a part time events-photographer, and someone who has studied propaganda photography, this is a field with which I have some familiarity.

Before raising the issue I will just point out that there is never an accident. There are always better photos available – probably dozens of them.

Consider the juxtaposition of these two photos on the front page of the Times on 5/7/2008.

I am no Clinton supporter. However, this kind of disrespect of a presidential candidate is a disgrace. How can the times be taken seriously when they choose to express their political bias through humiliating photos?

This photo should have been consigned to the recycle bin for imminent deletion. As a photographer, I would not feel that I was acting in good conscience if I gave an image like this to my editor. It demonstrates a serious lack of respect for the subject and the profession of photojournalism.

This journalistic failure is enhanced by the fact that the Times has an incredible photography staff and its pages are often graced by incredibly compelling images.

I never thought I would see the day when this paper would turn on a Clinton so blatantly.

More to come...