The selection and layout of photographs in a newspaper reveal relevance and details about an event to readers. Such details supposedly embody a publication’ s editorial philosophy, deflect perceptions, pronounce slants, and intentions. Arguably, the pictorial representations in print journalism signpost an understanding that a set of principles guides gatekeepers. These editorial factors come into play when making decisions regarding news images, though these considerations may not always be explicit. Therefore, this research sets out to empirically ascertain the considered elements during the decision-making process, influential factors, and the overall decision's effect on photo preference and positioning in newspapers. The study examines the selection and presentation of photographs in three Nigerian newspapers (Punch, The Guardian, and Leadership) from October 2023 to March 2024. Anchored on content analysis, the research investigates the editorial factors influencing the choice and presentation of photographs depicting banditry and insecurity in Nigeria. This research draws its strength from framing theory and Lewin's theory of forces. The study reveals that the selected newspapers prominently feature harsh-toned photographs related to banditry and insecurity. However, the editorial staff lacks explicit guidelines for photograph selection and presentation, relying instead on implicit knowledge of newspaper traditions. This research contributes to understanding how newspapers shape public perceptions of insecurity with pictures and highlights the need for more transparent editorial decision-making processes.