aganda. It also bypasses the flow of information and images from traditional media corporations. Many of the pictures we are seeing of Ukraine shared on social media have not been filtered, or verified, by a third party or a professional news organisation. This can be viewed as both a positive and a negative.
One may feel as though it is now possible to gain access to more independent news sources than were previously available. However, images and information provided directly through social media channels are not always verified or subject to the ethical standards that most professional media organisations and photojournalists adhere to.
At the end of the day, the professional photojournalist war photographer has a single mission: to try and bear witness to what they see in as neutral a manner as possible. Whereas the citizen journalist does not necessarily have a need or desire to remain neutral. With this new blend of civilian images and photographs taken by dedicated photojournalists, the way the Ukraine war is being portrayed may arguably be the most direct and authentic coverage of a major conflict in history.
It is important to bear in mind that there are always two sides to any story (or three if you want the absolute truth). In Russia, the authorities have forbidden troops from carrying mobile phones. This prevents their soldiers from recording their own successes, suffering, and setbacks. Russian civilians are also under a social media ban, making it almost impossible for them to get an accurate understanding of what is happening in Ukraine.
Photo by Photo by Mathias P.R. Reding
Global call to action
Images and experiences from Ukraine have reached billions of people across the globe and have brought the realities of the War to millions of people via their mobile phones. By creating this global, instant connection between viewers and those involved, the world has witnessed a swift international anti-war movement including global boycotts, fundraising, refugee support, and calls for referendum.
Photography has and continues to play a key role in shaping how society perceives war. Through photographs, those physically distanced from war can gain awareness and understanding. We are now living in an era where we can more easily access raw, authentic recordings of events, not only from photojournalists but also from non-professionals on the ground.
Recognising that true neutrality is near impossible and that every image has an angle, perhaps our understanding of conflict will become richer and more balanced by being exposed to a diverse mosaic of pictures from both professional and non-professional sources.
Written by Katya Mulvaney | Katya is a brand creation and digital marketing specialist. She heads up marketing and communication here at LightRocket. If you subscribe to our emailer or follow us on social media, then you’re probably already familiar with some of her work. She also never shies away from a good plate of pasta.
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