In times of crisis, visual journalism becomes one of the most powerful forms of storytelling. Through images and footage, the world sees not only chaos and destruction but also resilience, courage, and humanity.
Whether covering a riot in the heart of a city or a cyclone devastating coastal villages, visual journalists bear a crucial responsibility: to document the truth with care, accuracy, and ethical sensitivity.
Before entering any crisis zone, understanding the context is essential. Journalists covering riots must grasp the underlying social and political tensions, the groups involved, and the mood on the ground. For natural disasters like cyclones, tracking weather updates, heeding official warnings, and studying historical patterns are critical. Knowing the geography can mean the difference between navigating danger safely and being caught off guard. Connecting with local journalists, aid workers, and residents provides valuable insights into both the risks and the stories that need to be told.
Preparation goes beyond knowledge — it includes safety and equipment. Reliable cameras, backup batteries, audio recorders, and situation-specific protective gear are essential. Working in pairs or small teams enhances safety and sharpens decision-making in tense moments.
In the field, the challenge is documenting pain and trauma without exploiting it. The aim is to preserve one’s dignity, even in the face of suffering. Images should tell the full story — not only of loss, but of survival and strength. Shooting at eye level fosters respect and connection. Cultural sensitivity matters — observing local customs around mourning, dress, and religious rituals helps avoid misrepresentation or offense. Visual journalism can inform, but it can also harm; responsible choices matter.
The toll on journalists themselves is often overlooked. Repeated exposure to violence, disaster, and grief can leave deep emotional scars. Peer support, professional therapy, and self-care routines can make a vital difference. Media organizations also bear responsibility — offering mental health support, debriefing sessions, and compassionate leave after traumatic assignments.
Covering crises — whether driven by social unrest or natural catastrophe — is among the most vital and difficult work in journalism. It demands technical skill, courage, ethics, and humanity. It also requires acknowledging that journalists are not machines — they are witnesses who carry the emotional weight of what they document.
As the world faces more frequent and severe crises, the role of responsible visual journalism has never been more important. With careful preparation, ethical storytelling, and attention to mental well-being, journalists can continue to shine light in the darkest moments — while protecting themselves in the process.
- Writer Munir Uz Zaman is an award-winning senior press photographer for Agence France-Presse (AFP) based in Dhaka for over two decades.