Photojournalist

Do you want to tell a story using your very own photos? Then Why not become a photojournalist? Find out everything you need to know about this job right here!

Job Responsibilities

  • Take pictures either in a studio or on locations 
  • Review sets of photographs to select the best ones 
  • Work with clients to create photographic images 
  • Use creative knowledge to compose photograph
  • Operate various types of photographic and computer equipment to create images.

As a photojournalists you will be expected to take care of the equipment you use. You need to make sure that all the tools are working properly.

What to Study

Digital Photography: Comprehensive Certificate Course

This comprehensive course will teach you how to get the most out of your photographic equipment. You will learn how to take the best photos you can imagine.
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Digital Photography: Certificate Course

Photographers can make moments even more special. This is by knowing their equipment well and by having an eye for the right moment, lighting and so on.
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Digital Photography: Short Course Certificate

Skills Academy offers three courses in Photography Studies, all designed to help improve your knowledge and skills in the world of Photography. Sign Up Now!
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What is a Photojournalist? 

A photojournalist is someone who captures, edits and displays images in order to tell a visual story. To perform their duties, they visit different locations to get photographs of people, events or scenery.

Duties: 

  • Take pictures either in a studio or on location
  • Work with clients to create photographic images
  • Use creative knowledge to compose photographs
  • Review sets of photographs to select the best ones
  • Operate various types of photographic and computer equipment to create images.

How can I Become a Photojournalist? 

The work of a photojournalist is very diversified. To become successful, you need to put in a lot of effort in different fields. Use the ways below as a guide to getting started.

Get Educated 

A degree in photography or journalism may not be needed to become a photojournalist, but taking courses can be beneficial for anyone starting out. Skills Academy offers three Photography courses through distance learning. These courses will teach you the basics to build on your career.

Do an Internship 

This is the best way to learn about the industry and gain working experience at the same time. Interns typically work with an established photojournalist and assist them in the field. You might also get the chance to take photos and work with camera equipment and editing software. Places you could intern at include magazine and newspaper publications.

Create a Portfolio 

Before you start looking for a job, you should create a portfolio of your best work. This can be from projects you have done or any work you did as an intern. Your work should be updated as you gain more experience. A portfolio helps you represent yourself to a potential employer by showing them how well you work.

What are the Benefits of Being a Photojournalist? 

Wondering if a career as a photojournalist is right for you? Take a look at the benefits below:

  • You can work from almost anywhere in the world.
  • The career field inspires creativity.
  • The advancement of digital technology makes it easier to become skilled as a photographer
  • You can choose to work as a photographer on a freelance basis.

Photojournalist taking a picture while covering a story.

 

How Much Does a Photojournalist Earn? 

Interested in knowing what a photojournalist can earn? On average, a photojournalist can earn around R15 875 a month in South Africa.

Skills Needed to Become a Photojournalist 

Photojournalists often have one chance to get the best shot that can make or break a story. This takes a certain skill set to accomplish. This includes some of the following skills:

Creativity 

You need to find creative ways to take and display your photographs so they attract readers and keep them interested in any news stories that your images accompany.

Organisational Skills 

It’s important as a photojournalist to keep all your images and their corresponding stories in order. This makes it easier for you to work on.

Time Management

A story can break out at any time. Due to this, you need to be able to stick to a deadline by delivering edited images for stories on time.

Equipment Skills

It’s essential to have knowledge on camera equipment, lenses, lighting equipment and other necessary photography tools.

Editing skills 

As a photojournalist, you need to know what to enhance and what to take away from images before they can be used for a story.

Flexibility 

Stories don’t break out at set times so you need to be available at different times and days. Your schedule needs to be flexible enough to accommodate last-minute changes.

Start Your Career as a Photojournalist in a Flash! 

Get in touch with us by using one of the following options:

  • Call us for free at 0800 39 0027
  • Chat to us on Whatsapp at 082 318 8892 
  • Complete our online registration form

Author: Thiana Pretorius 

Last Updated: August 21, 2020