New Reuters guidelines on use of Photoshop.

[johnastovall]

Full rules here but this is the meat.

" Only minor Photoshop work should be performed in the field.
(Especially from laptops). We require only cropping, sizing and levels with resolution set to 300dpi. Where possible, ask your regional or global picture desks to perform any required further Photo-shopping on their calibrated hi-resolution screens. This typically entails lightening/darkening, sharpening, removal
of dust and basic colour correction."

I put this up in the PJ section but got to thinking others might be interested in seeing what a profession photo outlet such as Reuters is now asking of those submitting.

[robert t]

I wonder why????? Could someone have manipulated an image for dramatic purposes? (snickering)

[Tapper]

I've read in other places that photoshopping and scene staging are turning into a huge problem for the news services.

The photogs for Al Jazeera are particularly notorious for creating photos and videos that are more marketing than journalism, but the phenomena has been spreading all over the world, as Journalists start trying to manipulate the news to reflect their personal agendas.

Maybe this is a first step towards limiting that?

[Dobick]

It will be great when the world has full coverage of highspeed data connections so that news agencies can just require raw files, and be done with photoshop completely. It would seem to me that a raw file would be the closest reproduction of the film days. As far as PJ is concerned, there should be no need for photoshop at all (with the one notable exception listed below):

Cloning, Healing or Brush Tools are not to be used. The single exception to this rule is sensor dust removal. The cloning tool will only be used below the 100 pixels radius setting. Unless performed on a well-calibrated screen under good working conditions we strongly recommend photographers to request dust removal by pictures desks.

Are there any other uses of photoshop in PJ that do not create ethical dilemas that cannot be accomplished with other programs?