What Is Photojournalism?
Photojournalism is a practice that combines, as the name suggests, photography and journalism. It is closely related to news reporting as well as various kinds of photography. In order to study photojournalism, you will likely need to pursue a degree in either photography or journalism, or both if possible, while also building your skills on your own. Photojournalism can be a powerful way of disseminating information around the world, and it is an important part of the way that people understand the world around them.
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What Does a Photojournalist Do?
Interested in learning how to be a photojournalist? Photojournalists often travel to take pictures for news articles and magazines that either tell stories on their own or provide visual images that accompany an article. In addition to taking photos, some photojournalists are also responsible for editing and developing the pictures and preparing them for publication. Some work as freelancers and may find stiff competition for assignments, while others might be steadily employed by newspapers or magazine publications. Being a photojournalist can be a very interesting career that is not without its challenges.
The journalistic aspect of photojournalism cannot be ignored, as some photojournalists are also writers and editors; excellent writing skills are a necessity. Some photojournalists will need to be prepared to pitch stories to publications, while others will contribute written work to stories in addition to photography. Travel is also a major part of the job, and sometimes this involves travel to challenging or dangerous locations based on the requirements of a given publication. Photojournalists may also be involved in self-marketing or marketing on their publication's behalf.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | No degree requirements; bachelor's degree may help improve employability |
| Degree Field | Photojournalism |
| Licensure/Certification | No licensure or certification needed, but membership in the American Society of Media Photographers can offer professional resources and networking opportunities |
| Experience | Internships available; professional portfolio is required |
| Key Skills | Stress-management; ability to meet deadlines; communication; decision-making; computer skills with photo editing software; technical skills with camera technology |
| Median Salary (2020) | $41,280 per year (for photographers) |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monster.com, American Society of Media Photographers.
How to Become a Photojournalist
Step 1: Graduate with a Bachelor's Degree
How do you become a photojournalist? Individuals interested in becoming a photojournalist can pursue bachelor's degree programs in photojournalism. Students learn about the history and theory behind photojournalism and begin developing skills in photography, journalism, and storytelling. Topics covered in the courses include news reporting, picture story, visual editing, magazine design, visual communication, news design, and electronic photojournalism. Students may also choose to major in photography and minor in journalism if a specific school doesn't offer a formal photojournalism program.
In addition to learning about photography and journalism, students can benefit from taking electives that cover editing software programs. Having the ability to edit and color-correct photos may help or open up additional employment opportunities.
Step 2: Participate in an Internship
A bachelor's degree program typically offers students the opportunity to complete an internship with a newspaper or magazine publication. Anyone who is a photojournalist has likely benefited from a similar program at some point. While students may not be able to perform the duties of a photojournalist, they will get opportunities to learn about the industry. In some instances, interns may assist photojournalists out in the field. Working for a school newspaper provides experience in the field. Opportunities are available to take pictures and work with cameras and photo editing and desktop publishing software programs.
Step 3: Create a Portfolio
Before seeking employment, recent graduates should create a portfolio of their best work. Pictures may come from projects completed as school assignments or by working for a school's newspaper. Prospective employers will want to see a portfolio in order to evaluate an applicant's. It is also possible for some people to work on becoming a freelance photojournalist rather than working for a single publication. A portfolio is arguably even more important in that case. As photojournalists gain more experience in the field, older work should be replaced with newer, more professional photos. A solid portfolio will help aspiring photojournalists present themselves to employers in the best possible manner.
Key Skills for a Photojournalism Career Path
There are a number of skills that are helpful for photojournalists in order to make them as successful as possible in their careers. These include the following:
- Attention to detail
- Excellent visual eye
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Photo editing skills
- Understanding of journalistic practice and ethics
- Communication skills
- Ability to conduct relatively self-directed work
Photojournalist Salary & Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report specifically on photojournalists, but it does include data on photographers and journalists separately. As of May, 2020, the median salary for all photographers was reported at $41,280, with the highest-paid 10% of photographers earning a median of $86,850. The BLS also reported that at the same time, journalists made a median salary of $49,300, and that the highest earners made $127,370 or more. The job outlook for photographers is projected at an increase of 12% between 2020 and 2030. For journalists, the BLS projects a decline of 6% in the same time frame.
