Editorial Standards

Our Commitment

Nexpher Images is committed to the highest standards of journalism and visual storytelling. Our editorial standards guide every aspect of our work, from capturing images to distributing content to media organizations and publishers worldwide.

These standards ensure our content is accurate, fair, balanced, and maintains the trust of our audience and clients.

Core Principles

Accuracy

Accuracy is the foundation of our work. We are committed to:

• Verifying all facts and information before publication
• Ensuring captions, metadata, and descriptions are precise and truthful
• Cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources
• Promptly correcting any errors discovered after publication
• Never knowingly publishing false or misleading information

Independence

We maintain editorial independence from:

• Political affiliations and governmental influence
• Commercial pressures and advertiser interests
• Personal biases and conflicts of interest
• External parties seeking to influence our editorial decisions

Impartiality

Our photographers and editors:

• Present events fairly and without bias
• Represent all sides of a story when appropriate
• Avoid editorial content that advocates for particular viewpoints
• Separate factual reporting from opinion and analysis

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards:

• No manipulation of images beyond basic technical adjustments
• No staging or directing of editorial content
• Full disclosure of any relevant circumstances affecting our coverage

Image Integrity Standards

Acceptable Adjustments

We permit minimal technical adjustments to optimize image quality:

• Cropping to improve composition while maintaining context
• Color balance and exposure correction
• Contrast and sharpness adjustments

Prohibited Alterations

The following manipulations are strictly forbidden:

• Adding, removing, or moving elements within the frame
• Cloning or duplicating parts of the image
• Altering the content in ways that deceive viewers
• Excessive manipulation that misrepresents the scene

Caption Standards

Captions are a critical component of our editorial content. They provide essential context and information about the image, and must meet the highest standards of accuracy and clarity.

Essential Elements

Every caption must include:

• Who: Identify people in the image (when newsworthy and known)
• What: Describe the action or event being depicted
• When: Date and time of the event (not when photo was filed)
• Where: Specific location including city, state/province, country
• Why: Context or background when necessary for understanding

Caption Writing Guidelines

• Present tense: Use present tense to describe what's visible in the image
• Past tense: Use past tense for events that occurred before or after the moment captured
• Be specific: Avoid vague terms like "recently" or "here" - be precise
• Verify spelling: Double-check all proper names, titles, and locations
• Avoid redundancy: Don't describe what's obvious in the image
• No assumptions: Only state what you can verify or what is visible
• Neutral language: Avoid loaded terms, opinions, or judgments

Special Circumstances

• Handout photos: Always note "Handout photo" and source
• File photos: Clearly label with "FILE -" at the beginning of caption
• Undated photos: Note "Undated Photographer" if unknown
• Staged photos: Disclose if subjects were posed or directed
• Composite images: Never allowed in editorial content
• Illustrations: Label clearly as illustration or photo illustration

Credit & Attribution Standards

Proper credit is essential for maintaining trust, recognizing creators, and ensuring transparency about the source of content.

Credit Line Format

All images include a credit line in the following format:

Credit Requirements

• Photographer's name must always be included in metadata and visible credit
• Credit must appear with the image whenever published
• Credit cannot be cropped, covered, or obscured
• Photographer's byline must match their official name on file
• Copyright ownership is clearly indicated (Nexpher Images retains rights)

When to Update Credits

• If photographer's name was initially unavailable
• If identity was incorrect due to error
• Never to remove credit after initial publication

Photographer Classifications

Nexpher Images works with photographers under different employment arrangements. Understanding these classifications helps clarify rights, responsibilities, and proper attribution, Their titles can be find in the Credit section of each image and video

All Content Must:

• Adhere to Nexpher Images editorial standards and ethics
• Provide accurate captions and metadata
• Deliver unmanipulated images or RAW files when requested
• Obtain necessary permissions and releases
• Disclose any conflicts of interest

Labeling & Source Attribution Standards

Transparency about the source and nature of content is essential for maintaining credibility and meeting audience expectations.

Third-Party Content

When distributing content not originally created by Nexpher Images photographers:

Commissioned Assignments

When Nexpher Images photographers are commissioned by external organizations:

File Photos

When using archive images for current stories:

• Begin caption with "FILE -"
• Include date of original photograph
• Include date of Publish
• Maintain original photographer credit
• Explain in caption why file photo is being used

Verification and Fact-Checking

All content undergoes rigorous verification:

• Location, date, and time verification using metadata and independent sources
• Identity verification of subjects and sources
• Context verification to ensure accurate representation
• Caption accuracy checked against photographer notes and available information
• Review by experienced editors before publication
• Original RAW files maintained for verification purposes

Conflicts of Interest

Our contributors and staff must:

• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to editors
• Avoid assignments where personal interests may compromise objectivity
• Decline gifts, payments, or favors that could influence coverage
• Maintain clear boundaries between editorial and commercial work

Accountability

We are accountable to our audience and maintain:

• A transparent corrections policy for addressing errors
• Clear channels for feedback and complaints
• Regular training and guidance for all contributors
• Consequences for violations of editorial standards

Related Policies

For more information, please review:

• Editorial Policy - Comprehensive editorial guidelines
• Ethics Guidelines - Ethical standards for journalists
• Corrections Policy - How we handle errors

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about our editorial standards or wish to report a concern, please contact our editorial team at [email protected]