Photojournalist

Job Description:

Photojournalists photograph, edit, and present images to tell a story more effectively than traditional journalism. Some photojournalists work on local publications, while others will travel abroad to cover important situations worldwide. The subject matter can vary from local civic issues to national political races and social unrest in sovereign countries.

Salary: On average, this job pays $43,843 a year.

Occupational Outlook:

The number of photography jobs is expected to increase by 17% between 2020 and 2030.

Links to Learn More About This Career:

https://journalismdegree.com/photojournalist-job-description/
https://learn.org/articles/Photojournalist_Career_Profile_Occupational_Outlook_and_Education_Prerequisites.html
https://www.syracuse.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors-minors/photography/
https://www.wku.edu/schoolofmedia/undergraduateprograms/photojournalism/photojournalism.php
https://www.campbellsville.edu/academics/programs/mass-communication/degrees/photojournalism/

Educational Requirements:

Most photojournalists have a bachelor's degree in photojournalism with a minor in journalism or related subject. Photojournalism courses will include photography, classes in photoshop and other software, journalism ethics, digital photography, and training in a variety of media. The typical pathway is to get a journalism degree coupled with participation in a photography program.

Syracuse University

Address: 900 South Crouse Ave.

Syracuse, NY 13244

Website: https://www.syracuse.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.syracuse.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors-minors/photography/

Western Kentucky University

Address: 1906 College Heights Blvd.

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Website: https://www.wku.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.wku.edu/schoolofmedia/undergraduateprograms/photojournalism/photojournalism.php

Campbellsville University

Address: 1 University Drive

Campbellsville, KY 42718

Website: https://www.campbellsville.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.campbellsville.edu/academics/programs/mass-communication/degrees/photojournalism/

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

Take photographs or film video segments
Process and print negatives or film
Capture images in an authentic and ethical manner
Write copy, captions or headlines to accompany photos
Use image-editing software such as Photoshop to edit images
Prepare audio to accompany video segments
Pitch ideas and photographs to editorial staff
Travel to photo shoot locations
Edit photographs or video for publication specific to Internet

Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:

Adobe Tools

Photoshop
Lightroom

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

Covering important events in history
Independent work is a major part of photojournalism
You use a diverse toolset when working

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

On-call 24-7.
Long and unstructured hours
Unusual working conditions

Typical Working Conditions For This Career:

The working conditions can vary widely, but it depends on the subject you're covering. For example, a photojournalist covering armed conflict in a foreign country might be outside all day, but a different photojournalist covering a press conference might be inside.

Career Researched By: Will Cullen

Sources & Citations

https://journalismdegree.com/photojournalist-job-description/
https://www.syracuse.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors-minors/photography/
https://www.wku.edu/schoolofmedia/undergraduateprograms/photojournalism/photojournalism.php

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