Black Star, the 73-year-old photographic agency that helped introduce contemporary photojournalism to the United States, today announced the release of an e-book -- Photojournalism, Technology and Ethics: What's Right and Wrong Today? -- that examines photojournalism's ethical challenges through the prism of the profession's past, present and future.

Download the free e-book at rising.blackstar.com.

"The profession of photojournalism as we know it is threatened by technological transformation, the rise of video, and the fragmentation of the media,” said John P. Chapnick, executive vice president of Black Star. "It's under fire from a suspicious public – watchdog bloggers, cable and radio pundits, and other critics who question the profession's credibility and authority to bring us an accurate picture of the world.

"This e-book looks at the implications of these changes for the future of photojournalism. It also asks what actions photographers, editors and publishers can take to ensure photojournalism's authority with audiences, now and in the years ahead.”

Authored by Black Star editorial director Anh D. Stack and Black Star Rising editor Scott Baradell, Photojournalism, Technology and Ethics explores issues such as Photoshop manipulation, shot-staging, and the politicization of photojournalism. It includes probing interviews with working photojournalists and academics.

The e-book's chapters include:

* "Our Pictures Must Always Tell the Truth”
* The Golden Age of Photojournalism
* Altered Photographs, Staged Shots and the Era of Distrust
* Toward a 21st Century Ethical Model

For more viewpoints and advice on photojournalism and the business of photography, visit Black Star Rising at http://rising.blackstar.com.