Code of conduct

As photographers and video journalists who are part of the Fairpicture network, as clients, and as employees of Fairpicture, you commit yourselves to the following principles:

1. The lives, dignity, safety, and security of the people involved in your work as well as your own life are more important than a(ny) picture or video.
2. To promote fairness, solidarity, justice, and human rights at all times not only with your images but also with your personal behavior.
   What visual language do we use? What is appropriate and what is not? The goal of Fairpicture is to present a realistic portrayal of the lives of people and the role of NGOs.
3. Always ask for consent before taking a picture or video, not afterwards.
4. Use images, messages, and case studies with the full understanding and consent of the subjects (or the subjects’ parents/guardians).
5. Conform to the highest standards in relation to human rights and the protection of vulnerable people.
6. Choose images and related messages based on values of respect, equality, solidarity and justice.
7. Truthfully represent any image or depicted situation both in its immediate and wider context so as to improve public understanding of the realities and complexities of people’s lives.
8. Avoid images and messages that potentially stereotype, sensationalize, or discriminate against people, situations or places.
9. Avoid a paternalistic view that shows people as dependent.
10. Ensure that those whose situation is being presented have the opportunity to communicate their stories themselves.

The implementation of the above principles in your daily work is a must and helps to promote and ensure the values of the Fairpicture network.