Photography - Photojournalist
Photojournalists travel the world recording visual images of what is occurring in the world around them. Some photojournalists work locally only whereas others are international journalists that bring other parts of the world into focus in the news and information media. A photojournalist may work freelance, which includes taking pictures and then selling or marketing them to a new agency, magazine or journal, or may work as a staff member for a news or documentary team. For those photojournalists that work on staff they are assigned a topic to take pictures of and they work closely with the reporter or writer to accurately reflect in pictures the content of the story.
Photojournalists usually develop their own pictures, which may include working with various computer programs for digital photography. Photojournalists use strict ethical guidelines when working with digital images and are careful not to change the actual image when working with the picture. Many photojournalists still use traditional cameras such as 35mm and will be responsible for the actual development of the pictures from the film to the final image.
Photojournalists have to have an "eye" for seeing things in a new and creative way. They must often be able to capture images in war conditions, extremely dangerous situations, or even in split seconds. Timing is everything for a photojournalist and having fast reflexes and an ability to be in the right spot at the right time is critical. As part of the team the photojournalist must have good communication skills but must also be able to act independently to get spectacular photographs.
Common work activities include:
- Traveling to various locations either locally, nationally or internationally to capture images on film that will be used to provide information to news sources.
- Developing film and pictures through a variety of methods including film development and digital computer programs.
- Planning and developing story concepts in consultation with reporters, writers or editors.
- Capturing images in an accurate and authentic manner to reflect what is happening in a given area or situation.
- Marketing, selling and negotiating for sales of photos if the journalist works freelance or independently of a media organization.
- Maintaining and checking all equipment to ensure that it is in the best possible working order at all times.
Programs related to Photography - Photojournalist careers
BS in Political Science from Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology
The Bachelor of Science in Political Science provides students with an understanding of the current and historic political forces and decisions that have shaped the world that we live in. Students interested in government, civic administration or public… Additional Information »