Journalism
Career as a Photojournalist
Overview
Journalism is a very broad field and has various specializations like sports, film, television, photo, print, etc. Photojournalism is one of them and it's a very important part of today's journalism.
Photojournalism is a different way of journalism, in this form, the news represents in the form of images or videos. The journalist who works in this form is called a photojournalist. Earlier it referred only to images, but in today's digital world, it includes videos also.
Also Read: Career as a Sport Journalist
The photojournalist needs to carry the photography equipment. The primary role of a photojournalist is, to photograph, edit, and represent the news in a different way. The purpose of photojournalism is to enhance the news for the reader.
Other career options for photography lovers:
There are different fields in Photojournalism like a criminal photojournalist, natural calamity photojournalist, political photojournalist, sports photojournalist, fashion/ film photojournalist, etc. Choose the field you are interested in.
Job duties of a photojournalist:
- Take the photos or shoot videos
- Process and edit the image or video
- Prepare the caption and heading for the news
- Prepare the audio to accompany the video
- Travel from one place to another to capture the incident or event
- Keep updated about the latest photo technologies
- Equipped with latest photography equipments
- Take picture with such impact that it convey the news with a clearly understandable manner
Skills required for photojournalist:
- Knowledge of latest photo and video technologies
- Strong photography skills
- Knowledge of latest photo editing tools like Photoshop.
- Quick decision making skills
- Ability to work across all platforms like broadcast, print, online and social media.
- Ability to take photos in any situation like to surround with the crowd, on the go, riots or war zone.
- Ability to work under pressure and any situation
Eligibility
Bachelor or master's degree in Journalism or mass communication and a specialization course in photography. The eligibility for the bachelor's degree is 10+2 and for a master's degree, bachelor's degree in journalism, or mass communication.How to be there?
- Get a degree or diploma in journalism / mass communication
- Join a photography specialization course to learn photography skills and the use of different related equipment
- Choose the area you want to work like sports, crime, travel photography etc.
- Hone your photography skills for that particular area
- Start your website or blog and start posting your photos on it
- Create your resume and start applying for jobs
- If choose to work as a freelancer, then make a contact list of all news media houses and start taking photos and sell them to interested media house
Who should choose this career?
This is the perfect career option who love travel, photography, and adventures. If you are a sports lover you can choose to expertise in sports, if love adventures become a wildlife photographer etc.Work Hours
Well, this is not a 9 to 5 job, it's a 24/7 job. The situation can occur anytime. One has to be ready on short notice like a single call or a message and he/she has to be on foot.Salary
The average salary of the photojournalist in India is 3 - 6 lacs per annum. It can be more or less, depending on your experience, skills, and employment type like working with a publication house as an employee or working as a freelancer. Further, it depends on the area you are working like simple people photographs, sports, crime, war or riots photographs, etc.Career Scope
You can find jobs in different news media like newspapers, television channels, magazines, websites, etc. You can start your own blog, website, or YouTube channel too. You can work as a freelancer too, and sell your news to any media house instead of bond with one. But remember, the nature of work and responsibilities won't change whether you choose to do a job or work as a freelancer.Pros and Cons
Pros:Opportunity to travel around the world
Opportunity to meet new people
Could work from anywhere
Can work as a freelancer too
Cons:
Long and odd work hours
Lots of travelling
Need to update with latest technology and with the latest equipment, that costs high
Needs continuous efforts to reach at the level where you can earn handful money
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