Photo selection and placement

Photo selection and placement

ThoughtfulPhoto selection and placement

Photographs and footage of the scene, location and method of suicide can lead to imitative action by people who are vulnerable.

  • Avoid the use of dramatic photographs or images related to the suicide. For example photographs of people standing on ledges about to jump or people falling to their deaths.

  • Exercise caution in reporting suicide locations. Giving details of locations used for suicide may result in these places becoming ‘popular’ for suicide attempts.

  • Consider placement of photos, front page should be avoided where possible to guard against over-dramatising.

  • Avoid reprinting photographs of the deceased on anniversaries or at the time of others’ deaths, where possible, as this can have a detrimental effect on the grief of family and friends.