National Press Photographers Association

American organization

Also known as: NPPA

Written by

Nicole Smith Dahmen

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

History

The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) is a professional organization in the United States that advocates for visual journalists and their work. Since its founding in the 1940s the NPPA has recognized technological change, and in the 21st century it encompasses still images, video, and multimedia as the three areas of visual journalism. The association provides a community for visual journalists as well as resources including training, advocacy, and competitions. Among its most visible activities, the NPPA publishes News Photographer magazine and has established a leading and often-referenced code of ethics.

History

The NPPA was founded in 1946 by 21 individuals. One of them, Joseph Costa, was elected as the first NPPA president and served from 1946 to 1948. The organization was established to provide a voice for a branch of journalism that was not necessarily valued at the time. In its early years the NPPA fought for cameras to be allowed in courtrooms and sought to improve the relationship between media and government. Over the decades the organization has embraced changes in the journalism industry while encouraging visual journalists to reflect high standards in both their work and their personal ethics.

In 2015 the NPPA moved its headquarters from Durham, North Carolina, to the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia in Athens. The partnership with the University of Georgia solidified the NPPA’s commitment to advocacy and education.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

The NPPA is a nonprofit professional organization governed by a board of directors composed of both elected and appointed members. The primary duties of the board include supporting the NPPA’s mission, overseeing finances, and submitting an annual report of activities. The NPPA is divided into nine geographic regions with elected leaders for each region: New England, New York/International, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, South, Midwest, Central, West, and Northwest.

Work

The NPPA is dedicated to the advancement of visual journalism across all news media. The association gives a voice to visual journalists in the rapidly and ever-changing landscape of media communications. The NPPA is committed to diversity in all its forms and works to oppose legislation unfavorable or prejudicial to visual journalists. The NPPA is a strong advocate of freedom of the press and actively opposes violations and infringements of the rights of visual journalists.

The NPPA is committed to educational opportunities and supports visual journalists through such activities as professional training in short courses and workshops as well as certifications and competitions. The association’s commitment to education is further evidenced through student memberships and university NPPA chapters. The association honors select visual journalists with awards in categories such as service to the community and the profession, dedication to the First Amendment and ethics, and technical and educational achievement.

All NPPA members are expected to follow the association’s code of ethics. The preamble to the code recognizes that visual journalists are trustees of the public by providing independent, diverse views of events and issues and exposing wrongdoing. The preamble also states that visual journalists should adhere to the highest standards in their work and in their practice to help strengthen public trust, recognizing the great damage that can be done through intrusion or manipulation. The code states that visual journalists are responsible for ensuring their work is accurate and comprehensive and is not manipulated by staged opportunities or hampered by efforts to limit access to the public’s business. The code also specifies that visual journalists should seek out diversity of subjects and viewpoints and be especially mindful of private moments of grief and of subjects who are victims of crime or tragedy. Finally, the code advocates for the integrity of the profession and respect for the captured moment.

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