Livestock Photographers' Ethical Perspectives Regarding Digital Photo Manipulation

Abstract

Advancements in photo editing software allow photographers to use several different tools to change the shape and composition of an animal, which has left the livestock industry in need of a set of standards to reference when using editing programs. Research regarding this phenomenon and the ethical standards is extremely limited. Though the profession is commonly unheard of among the public, further research would help provide insight about agriculturalists' ethical decisions when dealing with livestock. Personal interviews with livestock photographers were conducted throughout February and March 2014 contributing to a better understanding of what is to be considered ethical photo editing. This research will consists of a qualitative analysis of the ethical perspective behind editing photos of livestock. Using a case study approach based on a utilitarianism theory, interviews were evaluated with significant horizons clumped into themes. This research comprises the views of seven (N = 7) livestock photographers and their outlook on ethics in the livestock photography industry. Findings suggest photographers in the livestock industry agree that unethical practices include changing the physical appearance of the product being presented. Participants also recognized challenges they faced in order to please their customers (producers) without losing trustworthiness among the public as photographers. In addition, participants agree that a standard code of ethics is needed to be implemented within the industry. The research concludes with participants' overview of ethics and recommendations for practice.