How to Become a Photojournalist

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By Richard Burke
eHow Contributing Writer

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Jethro Tull Performs, 1974

Photojournalism usually refers to a type of journalism in which the picture is used to tell a story or express a position. Photojournalists frequently work with writers who are assigned to a “story” by a media editor. Sometimes, the journalist writes both the story and takes the pictures to support the story. Photojournalism is different then celebrity paparazzi photography. Paparazzi would argue that their work is journalistic in nature, and many times it is. One can argue, however, that an image of Brittany Spears getting out of her car without underwear is just sensationalist pandering and not at all journalistic in nature. In any case, photojournalism doesn’t have to be sensational or news; it just has to tell a story. In this article I will point out some key aspects of photojournalism and some tips to help you achieve a journalistic style.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A camera
Press credentials

Step 1

Presidential Rally

You don’t really need press credentials to be a photojournalist, but it sure helps. Since the assassinations of the 1960s it is more difficult to get close to people and stages. Even in the 1970s I could never have gotten close enough to get this photograph of Senators McGovern and Kennedy at a Pittsburgh presidential campaign rally without press credentials. Today, you can use a camera on a tripod with a telephoto lens to take pictures like this from further away. However, you will need press credentials to be able to set up a tripod and gain access the to the pool area where photographers are allowed. You will need to develop a photographic portfolio to show to editors to get them to put you in their freelance pool. You will need to be able to work at first as an independent contractor, and if you are lucky, you may some day get a full-time job at very low pay. In the old days, freelance photographers were called "stringers," today they are called underemployed. You may be required to have a background and security check before getting press credentials.
Step 2

Dawn of the Dead, 1978

To be a photojournalist you need to be able to work strange and long hours. Like a news reporter, you have to be willing to do anything for a story. In 1978, film director George Romero made “Dawn of the Dead” in a local Pittsburgh shopping mall. I was assigned to cover the story for "Pittsburgh Magazine." Since it was being shot at a shopping mall, it was filmed from 9 p.m. until 8 a.m. I would shoot at night and develop the film and make the prints during the day to be able to make the magazine deadline. This is a shot of George Romero listening to one of the movie’s producers and trying to stifle a laugh.
Step 3

Dino Valente

Sometimes, the story is not right in front of you. I was assigned to cover the One World Festival of Music in 1972 in Pittsburgh. I was sitting in the stands trying to figure out how to sneak onto the stage. I noticed some people sitting behind me and figured out it was Dino Valente and Gary Duncan from Quicksilver Messenger Service. The band was one of the headline acts that would perform later. I clicked this picture of Dino Valente kissing some unknown blond which was the best image of the day.
Step 4

WPIAL Championship, 1976

Capture the moment. Henri Cartier-Bresson was the famous French photojournalist who developed the idea that for each image there is one correct moment of capture and only one. This picture was taken at a high school football championship game, and I think illustrates that point. The facial expressions all have the one pure moment of victorious joy and the pat on the derriere offers the exclamation point to the moment. Bracket your exposures and take multiple exposures to make sure you capture the defining moment.
Step 5

Drinking Race

Always take pictures of the weird stuff you may see. One might think that this is some sort of worker in a radiation suit involved in some nuclear or chemical accident. The reality is quite different. This person was participating in a race that used to happen every spring at Penn State University. People would have to run a mile and drink six beers at six different bars along the run. Participants would dress in weird costumes and the money was donated to charity. The event was eventually canceled because the University and the town councils thought it promoted public drunkenness.

Comments

SeemissesG said

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on 11/3/2009 Richard Burke says, " photojournalists only make the big money when they are famous." Stephanie Gellepes says, "I don't want to wait till I'm famous!" DARN! (~.~)™...S.
Great article with lots of good information. Thanks.