Press Photographer / Photojournalist
OFO No: 343101
Other names for Photojournalist:
- Aerial Photographer
- Documentary Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Landscape Photographer
- Medical Photographer
- News Photographer
- Photo Finish / Post Production Photographer
- Photographer and Image Recording Equipment Operato
- Photographer
- Portrait Photographer
- Sports Photographer
- Technical Photographer
What is a Press Photographer? What is a Photojournalist?
A Press Photographer (Photojournalist) tells a news story mainly through pictures (using both stills and video).
The “press” usually refers to newspapers.
Press Photographers or Photojournalists tend to travel a lot. Their bags are usually small and light for easy movement. They usually carry with them a couple of cameras, lenses, a flash and a notebook and pen to record details and even write stories. Most Photojournalists are also reporters.
Photojournalists work within a strict ethical framework which demands that the work is both honest and impartial.
What does a Photojournalist do?
- getting and finishing between 2 and 6 assignments (approx.) in an eight-hour workday.
- spotting possible news worthy stories
- setting deadlines
- getting accurate directions to locations
- arriving early at locations
- setting up equipment, prepare backgrounds and work out angles
- taking photographs
- editing them according to ‘press’ specifications
- being on call, working shifts, being ready 24-7 to shoot news stories
- being ready at all times with equipment
Are you … ?
- interested in the news?
- love photography?
- work on your own?
- motivated?
- quick thinker?
- confident?
- energetic?
- a keen writer?
- handle yourself in stressful or volatile situations?
- stake out locations for long periods of time?
How do I become a Press Photographer? How do I become a Photojournalist?
Photojournalists usually need a college degree or diploma in photography. They must keep up-to-date with the latest photography equipment eg cameras, scanners, software and internet technology.
Photojournalists are always attending launches of new products, conferences etc to keep themselves skilled.
A good Photojournalist always maintains their portfolio. This shows the photographer’s skill with a wide variety of photographic subjects and covers a wide range of techniques. Their portfolio usually consists of approximately 20 images. It’s important that Photojournalists get their photography published.
For TRAINING OPTIONS: CLICK HERE
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Camera Operator … or … Photographer
Is becoming a Press Photographer / Photojournalist the right career choice for me?
