Are You Really Blessed With Good Photography Skills?

Know how to utilize them

Photojournalists have the talent to depict stories through pictures.

It’s an interesting career where there’s never a dull or boring moment.

Everything seems so charming.

But, to be a successful person in this fast-paced world, photojournalists must be knowledgeable

about the tools of the trade, be willing to work long hours in unusual conditions and meet tight

deadlines, while working independently.

What the term ‘Photojournalist’ mean?

The role of a photojournalist is to tell a story with pictures.

As the Journalist write, photojournalists snap photos.

Both fields are important when reporting the news, but as a picture is worth a thousand words,

photojournalists have a leg up on most other kinds of media.

As television, websites, blogs, and other online publications grow, the need for skilled

photojournalists will also grow on a faster rate.

Because viewers depend on photos to capture a moment in time, individuals entering this field must

have an expert working knowledge of photography equipment, digital software, lighting, editing and

color correcting tools, and more.

They must be able to set up a photo or photos, edit the photos without changing the content or

significance of the occasion, and upload it to the internet for publication using a variety of software.

Beyond technical skills, photojournalists must also have exceptional people skills.

Even if a photojournalist works alone, which many do, they must still interact with people while at

photo shoots and must conduct themselves professionally.

Photojournalists find themselves in a variety of working conditions, including in the field with a new

team, taking pictures of events, or working at photo shoots with companies who employ them.

They might work in severe weather and under severe conditions, and sometimes are witnesses to

appalling disasters.

Photojournalists work long, often odd hours, weekends and holidays when news happens.

They also often work in high-pressure environments and must strive to meet tight deadlines, and be

on call to communicate with others on a breaking news story.

In addition, all journalists must understand all legal and ethical issues when using photos, and how

to write a contract and diplomatically receive approval prior to publishing a photo.

Fundamentals of Photo Journalism

Most photojournalists earn a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or photography.

Some students will major in photography and minor or choose a concentration in journalism, or vice

versa.

However, employers do look for photography experience no matter the degree field.

Photojournalism coursework focuses on shooting photos, learning relevant software programs,

digital photography, journalism law and ethics, and training in multimedia.

It is also fundamental that photojournalists work across all platforms; social media, online, print, and

broadcast.

Because photojournalists often upload photos to the Internet and content is delivered on websites,

television, mobile devices, etc., acquiring experience with programming, graphic design software,

and coding can’t hurt and may even help your application reach the top of the pile.

And, as to how and where people view news and information changes almost daily, photojournalists

must also have the ability to develop stories with graphics, data, audio, and video.

Career Aspirations

Photojournalists can also advance their career by gaining work experience through internships or by

working for school newspapers, volunteering for non-profits, or simply by honing their craft through

studying new camera techniques, lighting, playing with a different lens, etc.

Although photojournalists tell stories through pictures, there are a number of job duties beyond

taking pictures, including processing and printing negatives or film, preparing audio to accompany

video segments, traveling to shoot locations, editing photographs, pitching ideas to editorial staff,

writing copy, headlines, and captions to accompany photos, and capturing images in an ethical

manner.

Following Professionalism in Photo Journalism

Photojournalists are skilled artists in their own right.

Depending on location, photojournalism jobs may be scarce, and competition can be great.

Establishing a network of professionals in similar career fields, such as college professors, reporters,

and editors, can help someone just starting out in the field.

Building a professional portfolio, filled with pictures of all types, such as people, places, and events

will give a prospective employer an idea of your talents and capabilities.

It’s also important to constantly update your portfolio to show growth and improvement in your

photographic skill.