Proximity and distance in the mediation of suffering: Local photographers in war-torn Aleppo and the international media circuit

Nina Grønlykke Mollerup, Mette Mortensen

Abstract

This article studies the work and working conditions of local non-professional or semi- professional photographers in Aleppo 2016, and the way they manoeuvre in relation to international networks of journalists and editors as well as to Western norms of portraying distant suffering when seeking to reach global audiences. Theoretically, the article draws upon studies of the ethics of distant spectatorship as well as of practitioners’ perspectives on photojournalism in and from conflict zones. The analysis builds on interviews with local photographers, Aleppo Media Centre, non- governmental organization employees, news agency photo editors and international journalists who have worked in Aleppo as well as digital ethnography. We argue that the relationship between Aleppian photographers and international news organisations was characterised by mutual dependency, but that their relationship was concurrently wrought with inequalities and dilemmas as the photographers’ working conditions were characterised by physical, political and economic vulnerability.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date29 Nov 2018
Publication statusPublished - 29 Nov 2018
EventVisualising Conflict: Photojournalism and the Politics of Participation - University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Duration: 29 Nov 201829 Nov 2018
https://www.mediasupport.org/visualising-conflict/

Conference

ConferenceVisualising Conflict
LocationUniversity of Copenhagen
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityCopenhagen
Period29/11/201829/11/2018
Internet address

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