The new internet databases that drive global picture sales have no political bias but there clients often do. An image shot in Iraq may be used simultaneously by two opposing political positions to prove opposite points. Can a photographer ensure the images they produce are not misinterpreted? This research question deals with the issue of photographic meaning. In the process of production a photographer manipulates a picture to produce a message. The choice of format, crop, composition, caption, exposure etc all combine to make intentional points. However that intention can change as the image passes from photographer to publication to audience.

This question describes and discusses current ethical practice within photojournalism and asks if the new database driven economy has lessened the likelihood of images being printed with alternative meanings. It critically analyses the political and economic interests of publishers and the relation to image composition and asks how reliant a news image is on the audience's pre understanding of the issue and place.

The Hong Kong Muslim Community demonstrate against the Danish cartoons depicting their prophet.
Photograph: Adam Deane, China. (the student was given just one day to take this image)