How Freelance Photographers Were Left Exposed To Harassment

After National Geographic quietly let go of their deputy director of photography accused of sexual harassment, many women spoke out publicly, for the first time.

Patrick Witty was accused of repeatedly harassing his female colleagues. He left his position in December, writing a goodbye post where he talked about an "exciting new chapter", but never mentioned the reason for his leaving. 

The story published by Vox does not only document the harassment that went on for years, and the ugly mixture of misogyny and objectivation typical for sexual predators. It also shows, very clearly, why it was so hard to stop. Witty, being a very influential photo editor, savored his power over the women around him. When pushed away, he answered "I’m Patrick Witty. I get to do whatever I want." Alongside that, he was openly misogynistic, as Emilie Richardson told Vox:

“He was flirtatious and made me uncomfortable. He kept telling me how much he loved mentoring young female photographers — several times,” she said. Richardson, who says she was frustrated with the unwanted attention, responded: “If you like mentoring young women so much, why don’t you hire more?” According to Richardson, an enraged Witty screamed back at her: “Maybe if they could shoot as well as James Nachtwey, I would,” referencing the famed Time war photographer. A male photo editor present for the exchange confirmed the one-sided screaming. Richardson alleges that Witty continued, “Some people matter in this industry, like me, and some don’t, like you."

His attitudes were not a secret to women in the industry, and yet, many continued working with him because he wielded so much influence.

This current #MeToo movement has already caused several powerful men to lose their positions. But without a real change in the laws we live by, the old predators will simply be replaced by new ones.