Journalism is the practice of reporting newsworthy events.
Traditional journalism typically involves painting a picture of a
newsworthy situation with words. Many times, these stories will be
accompanied by a few pictures. Photojournalism, on the other hand, is
the practice of creating a visual representation of a newsworthy event
with several dynamic photographs.
The photographs that a photojournalist takes are not usually easy to
shoot. Instead of taking photographs of just objects and people
photojournalists will try to get shots that are extremely difficult,
unusual, or possibly even dangerous. Photojournalists will usually take
pictures of newsworthy events as they are happening, and these pictures
are often supposed to make the viewers feel intense emotions. For
example, photojournalists may take pictures of riots in process or
disaster survivors.
Different news media publications will usually use the photographs
used by photojournalists, including magazines, newspapers, and websites.
Some photojournalists’ pictures might even be compiled into a
commemorative book.
What Does a Photojournalist Do?
A photojournalist takes pictures of newsworthy events as they are
happening. In order to these types of shots, a photojournalist must have
excellent timing and be ready for anything. Many times, if a
photojournalist is a second too early or too late, he won’t get the
shot. In some instances, capturing these types of photographs may even
involve an element of danger.
Since photojournalism is such a fast paced career, these
professionals must be very quick on their feet and in good physical
shape. This career often involves pushing one’s body to the limits. For
example, a photojournalist will often travel frequently and stay in less
than ideal areas, including third world countries and war zones.
A photojournalist will also need to lug camera equipment around as
well. This will usually include equipment like cameras, extra batteries,
external light sources, and chargers. Depending on where a
photojournalist is shooting, he might also need to carry a traditional
film camera, along with extra rolls of film. For example, this type of
photography equipment may be needed in areas where charging a digital
camera isn’t possible.
What Skills are Necessary for a Successful Photojournalism Career?
It takes a special type of person to become a photojournalist.
A good photojournalist, for example, must be a very persistent type
of person. He should be willing to go to great lengths to get not just
good photographs, but great photographs. The best photojournalists are
also fearless, and they shouldn’t be afraid to take a few chances.
In many instances, a photojournalist’s job will require capturing the
worst moments in a person’s life as well as very volatile situations.
In some cases, the events that photojournalists witness can be very
emotionally draining and disturbing. Because of this, successful
photojournalists must be able to deal with these types of stressful
situations in a healthy manner.
Where Does a Photojournalist Work?
The majority of photojournalists work as freelancers. These
professionals travel from place to place and attempt to capture shocking
pictures of newsworthy events, which they then attempt to sell to media
outlets, such as magazines and newspapers.
Some national publications will also occasionally hire staff photographers to work as photojournalists.
What are the Education Requirements for a Photojournalism Career?
A formal education is not always necessary in order to pursue a
photojournalism career. A photojournalism career, however, can give most
aspiring photojournalists the skills that they need to jumpstart their
careers.
Typically, individuals interested in a photojournalism career will
earn degrees in photography or journalism. Many schools, however, offer
specific photojournalism degree programs.
Students who earn photojournalism degrees will usually take photography
courses, as well as journalism courses like news writing and journalism
ethics.
What is the Average Annual Salary of a Photojournalist?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t record data specifically
pertaining to photojournalist salaries, but it does record salary data
of very similar professions.
Professional photographers,
for instance, made an average annual salary of around $35,980 in 2010.
Those that worked for periodical publishers, like newspaper and magazine
publishers, made around $40,580 in that same year.
source : www.theartcareerproject.com
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