Imagine a career in which your travel around the globe to exciting places, photographing news and other unfolding events. Then imagine your work being published by major media sources and displayed to the world. That is the reality for those who succeed in a photojournalism career. Could it be the right choice for you?
Photojournalism is a particular branch of journalism. A photojournalist records events with a camera instead of taking notes in a journal or with a digital devise. Unlike many photography careers, this particular career requires a significant investment in training, education and other types of preparation.
An Education in Photojournalism
Degrees in both photography and in journalism are available at colleges and universities. A degree is not a strict requirement, but will assuredly help in terms of contacts, specialized skills and in making yourself appealing to employers. You can also study photojournalism through distance education. For example, CTJT, located in the UK, offers fully accredited training in photojournalism and other aspects of journalism. They provide training to students in over forty countries of the world.
Equally importantly, you will need to produce a portfolio of photographs that showcase your abilities to take pictures that are not only technically excellent, but that capture the essence of the situation.
For example, you are undoubtedly familiar with the Pulitzer prize- winning photograph taken by AP photographer Nick Ut during the Vietnamese war. Ut's picture of the little girl running naked on the street after experiencing severe napalm burns captured the heart of the story. While any number of photographs would have been possible, Ut understood that this particular picture would reach people in a deep and meaningful way.
Your academic education is a good start but you will need experience, insight and talent to be become an "in demand" photojournalist.
Honing Your Skills
A good starting point is to identify the expert photojournalists and study their work. When you encounter a photograph in a newspaper, magazine or other outlet, the photographer's name is often included.
Perform an Internet search using this name as the search string. The hits will probably include a number of images taken by this individual. Study these photographs. Pay particular attention to each photographer's style and approach to a subject. What is it about their work that stands out from the crowd? How is their work different than the photographs you find on Flickr of other online galleries?
With that in mind, begin taking photos of your own. At this point in your career, you are unlikely to be permitted to photograph restricted events but there are many other possibilities. Hone your skills by seeking out other photographic opportunities. Your goal is to acquire your own unique style while simultaneously creating a portfolio.
Your Contacts
As is the case in almost any career, your network of contacts is instrumental in helping you get established. This is particularly true for those seeking a career in photojournalism.
Determine whether you might access an association or networking organization that photojournalists are likely to attend. If so, find out the membership requirements and join if and when possible. Similarly, make a point of attending events and meetings that may attract other photojournalists. When you encounter such people, introduce yourself and ask if you might talk to them about your career aspirations. Ask insightful questions and pay close attention to the information you receive. You will find that many people are helpful if you are courteous and respectful.
You might also look for Internet forums and online networking groups. The online world has many forums, message boards, Facebook groups and other places where you can mingle with others who are on the same career path.
Photojournalism and Technology
Photojournalists work globally, often travelling to distant locates for their work. You must be familiar with the technologies that allow you to upload pictures, transmit them to a home base and make contact with publishers everywhere. If you are not computer savvy, consider this to be among the skill sets you must develop. Similarly, you computer equipment is as important to your career as is your camera.
Consider an Internship
Internships are invaluable ways to gain experience, build your network and acquire references. Contact a local newspaper, news magazine or broadcast media outlet and ask about opportunities. Some publishers may offer paid internships but for the most part, be prepared to work for free. Viewing this as a valuable training opportunity.,
An ideal situation is one in which you accompany a photojournalist to a breaking news event. If this is not permitted, use the internship to network and to learn as much as you can from the photojournalists when they are not out on the road.
The Rewards
A photojournalism career is a richly rewarding one to those who have the ability and willingness to learn. If you are truly a beginner, but suspect you might grow into this career, check out guides like Beginners Guide to Digital Photography. The site also has a number of articles covering various ways to make money frojm digital photography.
Photojournalism is a particular branch of journalism. A photojournalist records events with a camera instead of taking notes in a journal or with a digital devise. Unlike many photography careers, this particular career requires a significant investment in training, education and other types of preparation.
An Education in Photojournalism
Degrees in both photography and in journalism are available at colleges and universities. A degree is not a strict requirement, but will assuredly help in terms of contacts, specialized skills and in making yourself appealing to employers. You can also study photojournalism through distance education. For example, CTJT, located in the UK, offers fully accredited training in photojournalism and other aspects of journalism. They provide training to students in over forty countries of the world.
Equally importantly, you will need to produce a portfolio of photographs that showcase your abilities to take pictures that are not only technically excellent, but that capture the essence of the situation.
For example, you are undoubtedly familiar with the Pulitzer prize- winning photograph taken by AP photographer Nick Ut during the Vietnamese war. Ut's picture of the little girl running naked on the street after experiencing severe napalm burns captured the heart of the story. While any number of photographs would have been possible, Ut understood that this particular picture would reach people in a deep and meaningful way.
Your academic education is a good start but you will need experience, insight and talent to be become an "in demand" photojournalist.
Honing Your Skills
A good starting point is to identify the expert photojournalists and study their work. When you encounter a photograph in a newspaper, magazine or other outlet, the photographer's name is often included.
Perform an Internet search using this name as the search string. The hits will probably include a number of images taken by this individual. Study these photographs. Pay particular attention to each photographer's style and approach to a subject. What is it about their work that stands out from the crowd? How is their work different than the photographs you find on Flickr of other online galleries?
With that in mind, begin taking photos of your own. At this point in your career, you are unlikely to be permitted to photograph restricted events but there are many other possibilities. Hone your skills by seeking out other photographic opportunities. Your goal is to acquire your own unique style while simultaneously creating a portfolio.
Your Contacts
As is the case in almost any career, your network of contacts is instrumental in helping you get established. This is particularly true for those seeking a career in photojournalism.
Determine whether you might access an association or networking organization that photojournalists are likely to attend. If so, find out the membership requirements and join if and when possible. Similarly, make a point of attending events and meetings that may attract other photojournalists. When you encounter such people, introduce yourself and ask if you might talk to them about your career aspirations. Ask insightful questions and pay close attention to the information you receive. You will find that many people are helpful if you are courteous and respectful.
You might also look for Internet forums and online networking groups. The online world has many forums, message boards, Facebook groups and other places where you can mingle with others who are on the same career path.
Photojournalism and Technology
Photojournalists work globally, often travelling to distant locates for their work. You must be familiar with the technologies that allow you to upload pictures, transmit them to a home base and make contact with publishers everywhere. If you are not computer savvy, consider this to be among the skill sets you must develop. Similarly, you computer equipment is as important to your career as is your camera.
Consider an Internship
Internships are invaluable ways to gain experience, build your network and acquire references. Contact a local newspaper, news magazine or broadcast media outlet and ask about opportunities. Some publishers may offer paid internships but for the most part, be prepared to work for free. Viewing this as a valuable training opportunity.,
An ideal situation is one in which you accompany a photojournalist to a breaking news event. If this is not permitted, use the internship to network and to learn as much as you can from the photojournalists when they are not out on the road.
The Rewards
A photojournalism career is a richly rewarding one to those who have the ability and willingness to learn. If you are truly a beginner, but suspect you might grow into this career, check out guides like Beginners Guide to Digital Photography. The site also has a number of articles covering various ways to make money frojm digital photography.
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