Photography Ethics in International Development

Photography has become an essential part of international development and aid work. Development workers and photographers hired by development organizations take photographs of the work they do in the field. These photographs are in turn shared with funders in annual reports, communications materials, and online platforms. 

This discussion-based workshop will explore the ethics of taking and sharing photographs of development work in the Global South, focusing especially on representation with dignity and obtaining informed consent. By looking at example scenarios relevant to the field of international development and aid, workshop participants will have an opportunity to engage with ethical questions about taking and using photographs that they may encounter in their own work. Experience of working through difficult ethical questions will cultivate a deeper understanding about the implications of representation and consent. 

This workshop is designed for anyone who works with international aid and development organisations. It will be particularly relevant for individuals who are responsible for taking and/or selecting photographs for use. 

The workshop is designed and facilitated by Savannah Dodd, Founder and Director of the Photography Ethics Centre. The Centre opened in 2017 with the aim of promoting awareness about photography ethics through educational programmes for individuals and consultancies for media and development organisations. 

Savannah earned her Masters in anthropology and sociology at the Graduate Institute of International Development Studies in Geneva (2015). Prior to founding the Centre, she worked for NGOs and IGOs in Switzerland, Uganda, and Thailand. Alongside her work in the Photography Ethics Centre, Savannah is pursuing her PhD in anthropology at Queen’s University Belfast.