How to Become a Journalistic Photographer

If you thrive on action, have a knack for visual technologies and dream of a career that allows you to travel, consider becoming a journalistic photographer, also known as a photojournalist. You might be assigned to a war zone or have to deal with harsh elements, but you won't be spending your days sitting in an office cubicle. The goal of photojournalists is to tell the stories of other people and places through images, and this career path gives you the option of working anywhere in the world.

Instructions

Getting Started

1. Prepare for your career in high school by learning how to use a wide variety of cameras, including still image and video cameras. Buy an inexpensive camera and take photos of people, places and things in your free time. Experiment with free online photo-editing tools.

2. Join the school newspaper and yearbook staffs to hone your skills. Many schools have expensive, professional-level cameras you may not otherwise have access to at a young age. Many school newspapers have expensive photo and video-editing software programs. Take advantage of this and learn both basic and advanced editing skills in this environment.

3. Research professional-level cameras, such as the basic 35mm camera used by old-school photojournalists or a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. If you plan on focusing your craft in outdoor environments, research cameras that are waterproof or have other types of protective features. If you can afford it, buy a new version of the camera with an extended warranty. If not, search online for cheaper, used versions, or visit your local pawn shop to get a bargain.

Traditional and Non-Traditional Routes

1. Attend college if you prefer a structured learning environment. Take photojournalism classes, regardless of your major. You can major in a variety of studies, including photojournalism, journalism, politics, government, foreign languages, psychology, art or international relations. Choose a major that fits your career path goals.

2. Purchase editing software and learn it at home, if you choose to forgo the traditional education route. Take online courses, participate in professional workshops and read software manuals to learn the technological aspects of photojournalism.

3. Bring your camera with you everywhere, and practice your craft on a daily basis.

Getting the Job

1. Create both a physical and online portfolio of your work. Write grammatically correct photo captions that capture the essence of the photos.

2. Apply for internships at your local newspaper and television studios.

3. Follow the local news and go to any potential newsworthy spots, such as an apartment fire. Take photos and submit them to news outlets to get your foot in the door.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Photographers
• National Press Photographers Association: Getting Started in Photojournalism; Jim McNay