ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly highlights some of the more recent developments in this field while explaining workings within the industry, in order to lay a contextualizing foundation for the interviews. A photo typically represents a fraction of a second of time, recorded visually, from a vantage point chosen by the photographer. If “the truth” is often understood as an unassailable and comprehensive consistency with fact, then a photo, for all of its visual precision and documentary value, must be acknowledged as the creation of a subjective photographer. Many photographers talk of wanting to raise awareness in order to help situations, whether of crisis, injustice, or other forms of suffering. A freelance photographer, not on staff with a media entity, may be hired for specific assignments and can work for multiple clients. Photographers also run the risk of kidnapping, injury (sometimes coupled with a lack of medical training), and psychological and emotional stresses.
