Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.46672/po-mest.29.1-2.8
The Role of Photography in War Reporting: Visual Representation, Ethics and Public Perception
Krešimir Dabo
; Fakultet hrvatskih studija Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Barbara Štrbac
; Nova TV
Sažetak
This study examines the role of photography in war reporting through the perspectives of professional photojournalists. The research is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews with five internationally recognized war photographers, aiming to explore how
photography functions as a form of visual witnessing in contemporary conflict environments. The findings indicate that war photography performs multiple roles: it documents events, informs the public, and shapes collective memory, while also evoking strong emotional responses. However, the study shows that photography is not a neutral reflection of reality, but a practice constrained by political, military, and institutional conditions that influence access, framing, and distribution. Ethical considerations emerge as central to professional identity, particularly in balancing the public’s right to know with the protection of human
dignity. The results also highlight the importance of front-page imagery in framing conflicts, as well as the role of audience interpretation in shaping meaning. Additionally, the digital media environment introduces challenges related to credibility, verification, and the growing influence of user-generated content. The study concludes that war photography represents
a complex, ethically charged, and socially embedded practice that plays a crucial role in mediating contemporary conflicts.
Ključne riječi
war photography; war reporting; photojournalism; visual communication; media ethics; audience perception; conflict reporting
Hrčak ID:
350911
URI
Datum izdavanja:
5.5.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *