I was pleasently surprised the past few months when VR photography was used in online editions of 2 respected newspapers: The Guardian and The Washington Post. They were used to cover current events and the 360˚ photography really added a new dimension to the reporter’s words.

But I am still surprised these 2 newspapers and others are not using it on a daily basis. Having an online edition allows these news organizations to provide updated news that is made available to be delivered where ever their readers are and allow readers’ comments. And since they are using an interactive medium like the web, they might as well use its full potential. VR Photography provides that immersive experience that adds to the journalists’ words and can not be replicated on the printed edition.

And there is no shortage in talent, just check IVRPA’s member list to find a VR photographer near you.

I do hear that there is an issue of digital manipulation that may occur while producing a VR photo which understandably is not tolerated in photojournalism. This goes back to the ethics of the reporter. A video news piece could be editted in a way to exagerate what is happening or words could be written to imply that something is fine when it is not. And like any new tool, there is a good way to use it and there is a bad way to use it.

Take a look at VR photography successes in photojournalism:

Travis Fox for the Washington Post: Attacks on Civilians Southern Lebanon | Reminders of War in Gaza | Pope John Paul II funeral.

Gary O’Brien for the Charlotte Observer: Soul Food on Clarkson Street | Flags of Remembrance.

Edward Fink for the Washington Post: New Orleans After Katrina.

Hans Nyberg for the Danish Radio: Danish Royal Wedding.

Mickael Therer for the Guardian Unlimited: Walking With Aids.

Dan Chung for the Guardian Unlimited: Ms. Cherie Blair at Labour Party Conference 2006 | Sir Menzies Campbell’s first speech at the Lib Dem conference in Brighton | Ming’s photocall at the Brighton seafront.

Since the motivation of VR photographers and news organizations are the same: To show a complete picture of what is important to people. I have a good feeling that the day when VR photojournalism becomes regularly used is coming soon.