Paul Lowe was in the unique position of being both an accomplished conflict photographer and a scholar of photojournalism. One year on from his tragic passing, we want to remember Paul by calling attention to the central argument in one of his influential books, Understanding Photojournalism, which he co-authored with Jennifer Good.
Through a detailed historical and theoretical account that engages with practical examples, Good and Lowe set out to provide “a breakdown of the issues, challenges…and pitfalls of photojournalism” (p. 148). Indeed, they conclude:
There is, for the aspiring photojournalist, much ‘baggage’ to contend with: many ethical pitfalls, clichés and stereotypes to be avoided. We have discussed the ‘problem’ of beauty in photojournalism; the legacies of colonial ways of seeing; the dangerous lure of the exotic; the radically different audience expectations encountered within different contexts and discourses; and how, even before a photographer sets out to reveal any truth about the world, they must grapple with a spectrum of ideas about what ‘truth’ even means. In addition, there are clearly still significant imbalances in the representation of women and those from the majority world within the profession of photojournalism itself that must be addressed (p. 147).
That leads Good and Lowe to ask: “If there are so many things to get wrong, how can we get it ‘right’?”
The final chapter of their book, in which they present a rationale for the value of photojournalism as a vital part of civic discourse, is their answer.
Early on in the book, Good and Lowe outline a series of roles and identities photojournalists have deployed in their practice: recorder, observer, storyteller, witness, advocate, and interpreter. While there are overlaps, and each role is in some way distinctive, they all nonetheless have to contend with the question of objectivity—a concept they find to be problematic and potentially a source of “confusion, ideological manipulation or worse” (p. 148).
Good and Lowe sought to move beyond this question:
…rather than lamenting the impossibility of pure objectivity or focusing on an alarmist suspicion of its claims, it should be affirmed that letting go of objectivity represents a great liberation. Relinquishing the rigid ideals of indexicality, realism and the purity of truth means making room for the photographer: the individual with a point of view, embodied politics, personal history and vision (p. 148).
Their characterization of the photojournalist’s role results in this manifesto-like statement that, I believe, warrants more attention and greater commitment:
In response to these critiques, now more than ever, we believe that the work of the photojournalist should be underpinned by a foundation of considered thought which combines the immediacy of the journalistic imperative with the rigour of deep and extensive research, and then adds the personal vision of the photographer, all mediated by a worked-through and developed ethical stance.
In his final book, Photography, Bearing Witness and the Yugoslav Wars, 1988-2021: Testimonies of Light, Paul Lowe considered the practice of photojournalism rather than focusing on its consumption and use by the media, with his experience covering the wars in the former Yugoslavia as the case study. He analysed the experiences and working methods of photographers in the Balkans, showing how practitioners conceptualized their work and responded to larger questions about neutrality and moral responsibility with an ‘active’ form of witnessing.
Paul and I recorded an online conversation about this book, and the way it extended the argument of Understanding Photojournalism, in April 2023.
Paul Lowe spoke about his practice and theorizing in other VII Foundation online events, including this April 2021 event on “Reporting the Siege of Sarajevo” and this April 2022 discussion on “Bosnia 30 Years On: Lessons from Reporting the Bosnian War.”
Throughout September 2025, The VII Foundation organized the inaugural Paul Lowe Challenge in memory of Paul’s commitment to visual journalism and athletic endeavours. The challenge raised funds to provide support for visual journalists experiencing trauma and living with PTSD, as well as continuing Paul’s lifelong commitment to care and training for the transformative power of storytelling. The next challenge will be in September 2026.