Former Daily Texan staffer Judy Walgren has co-authored “Critical Photojournalism: Contemporary Ethics and Practices,” which reimagines the telling of visual stories by introducing an ethic of care, providing a fresh approach to more mindful, accurate and responsible visual journalism.
Walgren is a member of The Daily Texan Hall of Fame, sponsored by Friends of The Daily Texan, Inc.
“I’m thrilled to share the release of Critical Photojournalism: Contemporary Ethics & Practices, a project I co-authored with Tara Pixley, PhD, an assistant professor of Journalism in Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Information. The book and its contents feel especially urgent right now,” Walgren said. “This book grew out of our deep belief that photojournalism must evolve—not only to keep pace with a rapidly changing media landscape, but also to meet the ethical demands of our time.”
Walgren is a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, photographer, photo editor, curator and chair of the Photography Department at Foothill College in Los Altos, California. Before returning to Foothill, she was associate director of the Michigan State School of Journalism, director of photography at the San Francisco Chronicle and a staff photojournalist for the Dallas Morning News, the Rocky Mountain News and the Denver Post. Walgren is co-author of Art as Social Practice (Routledge) and Critical Photojournalism: Contemporary Ethics & Practice to be published in 2025 by Routledge. She lives in San Francisco, CA.
“The book, at its core, is based on a framework we call an “ethic of care. For me, this means rethinking visual journalism beyond the idea of simply documenting events, Walgren said. “It’s about accuracy and powerful storytelling, but also about reducing harm to the communities we photograph, to our collaborators, and to ourselves as photojournalists.”
“Drawing on our decades of combined experience in newsrooms, classrooms, and on projects around the world, Tara and I wanted to cover the essentials—ethical decision-making, technical expertise, and safety in the field—while also addressing mental health, self-care, bias, power structures, and the complexities of consent in a global context,” she added.
The book was written for students and educators, but also for professionals who know the field is changing and want to adapt their craft in thoughtful, socially engaged ways. “With accessible language, case studies, and a companion website (criticalphotojournalism.com) full of bonus resources, we hope to provide not just guidance but inspiration,” Walgren said.
“At a time when journalism is under scrutiny and images are shaping public understanding in profound ways, I believe Critical Photojournalism offers a path forward—one grounded in integrity, inclusivity, and care.”
The book is available through Routledge – and on Amazon.
“If you are interested in learning more, reach out – [email protected]. “I would be more than happy to speak to with people involved with photo departments, newsrooms and classrooms,” Walgren said. UT alumni — Raymond Thompson, Jr. (J-School professor and grad) and John Moore (distinguished grad and also a member of The Daily Texan Hall of Fame. ) both contributed interviews for the book.