Author: Mark E. Johnson

Blocking Photojournalists Physically and Virtually

A lot has been written about Texas Representative Jason Villalba’s proposed state legislation that would make it a crime to photograph or video record a police office from within 25 feet of them. But it’s risen to a new level of silliness as a photojournalism student asked him a question via Twitter and the response was to block her. Transparency...

A Crisis in Credibility

As part of the National Press Photographers Association’s Northern Short Course, I moderated a panel discussion on ethics and credibility in photojournalism. On the panel were Yunghi Kim, a New York based photojournalist who works around the globe, Tom Kennedy, a former director of photography at National Geographic and currently the executive director of the American Society of Media Photographers,...

Photojournalism at a Crossroads – Live Streaming Tonight

Tonight, the National Press Photographers Association’s Northern Short Course will have a panel discussion titled A Crisis in Credibility to talk about some of the current issues the field is facing and how we move forward. The event will be live streamed starting at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, March 13. Tune in or come back later to watch, a very...

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to Undergo First Amendment Training

In a refreshing turn, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has settled a lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union over police practices of questioning and detaining photographers. Members of the Sheriff’s Department will undergo new training: The training, supplied through a newsletter detailing the LASD policy and given to all new recruits and to all deputies assigned to...