Photojournalist Alleges Competitive Tactics and "Stolen Shots" at Migrant Location

A New York City-based independent photographer operating under the social media handle "Viral News NYC" has publicly accused fellow photojournalists of engaging in aggressive and unethical competitive practices, including attempting to "steal shots" at sensitive migrant arrival locations. The allegations, shared via a recent tweet, describe a past incident and a more recent attempt involving another photographer.

According to the tweet from "Viral News NYC," the individual recounted a previous occasion where they posted about a migrant arrival location, leading to two photographers being dispatched to "steal my shot." The account stated, "I ended up telling the people I was with to throw them off lol 🤣🤣🤣." This suggests a confrontational response to perceived poaching of news opportunities.

The social media post further alleged a similar, more recent incident, claiming to be "hearing they tried to get this photographer to do the same thing yet again." The tweet specifically named an individual, referring to them as "Juan's a little bitch," highlighting the intense rivalry and personal animosity described by the account. "Viral News NYC" identifies as an "Independent photographer in NYC" focused on "Breaking News | Viral Videos," often covering events such as the ongoing migrant crisis in the city.

The claims bring to light the ethical considerations and competitive pressures within photojournalism, particularly when covering sensitive subjects like migration. Industry standards typically emphasize respect for subjects, minimizing harm, and avoiding actions that could compromise the integrity of the reporting or the safety of those being documented. While direct "shot stealing" is not a formalized ethical breach, aggressive competition for exclusive access or imagery can lead to contentious situations among photographers in the field.