How to Become an AP Photographer

The Associated Press is a cooperative news agency that provides content to newspapers, television and radio. AP photographers work all over the world, around the clock capturing images that help relate the latest news and current happenings. It is one of the most esteemed news organizations that a photojournalist can work for. To be an AP photographer, you must have a talent for telling stories through images, have technical skill with the camera and computer and a lot of persistence.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Enroll in a university or art institute that offers a photojournalism major. Studying photojournalism will give you the training to effectively tell a story and the knowledge of camera equipment and editing software and processes. If you're switching careers, there are graduate studies in photojournalism you can enroll in.

2. Apply for news photography internships. Internships are a way of building experience and building a portfolio of your best work. The AP offers a 12-week internship to photography students in their junior, senior year and in the graduate level of study.

3. Search for a news photography position at daily newspaper. AP photographers are required to have at least 18 months or up to five years of experience at a daily newspaper to be considered for an AP position.

4. Write to the human resources department at the Associated Press to check if they have photographer positions open. Send your cover letter and resume to The Associated Press, HR Department, 450 W. 33rd St., New York, NY 10001. You can also check the AP website (see Resources) for openings. You'll be required to register in order to browse open positions but it's relatively fast and easy.

Resources

• AP Jobs