If you’re a writer or journalist who also enjoys photographing interesting people, places, and events, you might be interested in becoming a photojournalist. Photojournalists have a passion for writing and reporting the news, as well as a talent for taking photographs. Photojournalists get the best of both worlds in journalism and photography by documenting the world around them in words and images.
There is some debate about whether or not a college degree in journalism or photography is required to become a photojournalist. For serious journalists, getting some in-depth training in writing and journalism is recommended in order to hone their skills before taking on professional level work. Taking professional photography classes and learning the proper techniques for using a camera and lighting is also an important skill to learn as a photojournalist.
Another concern when deciding to pursue a career as a photojournalist is whether you will be able to keep up with the latest technological advancements in this demanding field. With the advent of the Internet, social media, and digital tools that are used to create stunning images and content, photojournalism continues to evolve. For someone just starting out, photojournalism can be an expensive hobby, but it can also be a lucrative business if you have exceptional skills.
Many photojournalists begin their careers by carrying their camera around with them and taking random photographs of interesting objects, people, or community events. Photojournalists create images in this way that will later be turned into a well-written story. To become a photojournalist, you’ll need a creative mind, a keen eye, and the ability to recall events as they happen for later use in writing a report or story.
When deciding whether or not to pursue a career as a photojournalist, you must first decide what type of journalism you want to pursue professionally. While many photojournalists freelance and write for a variety of online and print publications, others prefer to work for regional newspapers, journals, magazines, or news organizations. What kind of training or education you’ll need as a photojournalist depends on the type and scope of work you’ll be doing.
Many newspapers and television stations require a period of internship before full-time job offers or contracts are extended, in addition to having some form of photojournalism training. An internship can be paid or unpaid, depending on the type of work to be done, but for many aspiring photojournalists, it can be a valuable learning experience. Joining a photojournalism association or connecting with others in the field is the most effective way to become a photojournalist and get an internship.