Photography is a powerful way to communicate, it helps create a first impression, it establishes a visual presence and enhances our messaging. Thoughtful chosen imagery can transform a marketing piece and reinforce our communication goals.
When selecting photography, here are some rules to keep in mind:
Images can often contribute to the depersonalization and stigmatization of individuals affected by excess weight or obesity. Photographs or video used for journalistic purposes should be chosen carefully to avoid stigma and pejorative portrayals of individuals affected by excess weight or obesity. Examples of pejorative pictures that should be avoided include the following:
i) Photographs or video that place unnecessary emphasis on excess weight or that isolate an individual’s body parts (e.g. abdomens or buttocks). This includes pictures of individuals affected by obesity from the neck down (or with face blocked) for anonymity.
ii) Images that depict individuals affected by obesity engaging in stereotypical behaviors (e.g., eating junk food, engaging in sedentary behavior). If these photographs are chosen, they should be accompanied by pictures portraying individuals affected by obesity in ways that challenge weightbased stereotypes (e.g., eating healthy foods, engaging in physical activity).
iii) Photographs or video that depict individuals affected by obesity in scantily clad clothing or looking disheveled in their appearance.
Instead, select appropriate photographs, videos, and images that portray individuals affected by obesity in the following manner:
i) Engaging in diverse activities, roles, careers, and lifestyle behaviors.
ii) Portrayed in appropriate-fitting clothing and a well-kept appearance.
iii) Depicted in a neutral manner, free of additional characteristics that might otherwise perpetuate weight-based stereotypes.
When selecting an image, video, or photograph of an individual affected by obesity, consider the following questions:
1. Does the image imply or reinforce negative stereotypes?
2. Does the image portray an individual affected by obesity in a respectful manner? Is the individual’s dignity maintained?
3. What are the alternatives? Can another photo or image convey the same message and eliminate possible bias?
4. What is the news value of the particular image?
5. Who might be offended, and why?
6. Is there any missing information from the photograph?
7. What are the possible consequences of publishing the image?