Photojournalists often develop their own pictures, many of which are taken with traditional 35mm cameras. Some photojournalists also use computer programs for digital photography and are often responsible for a picture’s development into its final image. Photojournalists also often face mental and physical challenges, carrying heavy equipment in every kind of weather, racing the clock to get their work in before deadlines, and striving to produce balanced reporting about the opposing viewpoints on the topics they are assigned to cover.
Photojournalists must have not only technical expertise and a creative eye but also extremely quick reflexes, which allow them to capture an image at just the right moment. They often must work in war conditions or other dangerous situations and should have excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to work alone to get the perfect picture. Meticulous attention to detail is also needed, not only for capturing great images but also for getting names, dates, and places correct in photo captions.
If you are an aspiring photojournalist, learn to be aggressive enough to get the shot but still sensitive towards the subject. Invest in such high-end equipment as a Canon or Nikon digital or film camera, as well as different flashes, lenses, and lighting gear.
Attend a journalism or photography school, which will give you a good background in both local and international journalism, as well as help to improve your creativity and technique. Your time in school should also give you opportunities to make contacts in the world of journalism.
Obtain an internship with a newspaper, magazine, or the Associated Press in order to gain invaluable experience and possibly an opportunity to land a full-time job.
Compile a portfolio that displays your skills in a diverse range of subjects, from sports action shots to longer photo essays. Though employers often prefer to see published photographs, student work will still get you an internship or entry-level position.
Get training in Adobe Photoshop and other image editing software, and learn how to download images or scan prints from your camera.
Once you become a photojournalist, join the National Press Photographers Association (NPAA) for news, events, discounts on equipment, educational opportunities, and business tips about the field.
The NPPA has more than 10,000 members, including paid professional and student members. The association, which was founded in 1946, ''is dedicated to the advancement of photojournalism, its creation, editing, and distribution, in all news media. [The] NPPA encourages photojournalists to reflect high standards of quality in their professional performance and in their personal code of ethics [and] vigorously promotes freedom of the press in all its forms,'' according to the mission statement on the group’s website.
The NPPA also sponsors competitions for photojournalists, including the Women in Photojournalism Contest, a $15,000 NPPA/Nikon Documentary Sabbatical Grant, and a monthly Multimedia Contest for photojournalists who produce multimedia for the Internet. The NPPA also offers a mentoring program and professional guidance and criticism for beginning news photographers’ portfolios, both in print and video.
Finally, careers as photo editors and college professors are also available to those photojournalists who have gained a great deal of experience in the field.
