Careers in photojournalism seem exciting and fun. After all, photojournalism jobs offer the chance to get up from your desk and go out into the world. This makes them extremely desirable. Unfortunately, it also creates a very competitive industry.
Many more people want jobs in photojournalism than actual jobs. That means that if you want to snag a full-time position, you're going to have to be the best of the best. However, many photojournalists work freelance and it is possible to make a good living without having a full-time job.
If you are interested in a photojournalism career:
1. Study the technical and artistic side of shooting photos. While a college degree isn't necessary for most documentary photography jobs, knowledge of how to work the camera and how to frame photos is. Make sure that you know how to do these things.
2. In most cases, if you have a photojournalism job, you need to provide your own equipment. You don't always have to own top-of-the-line equipment, but you will need something that still take a great picture.
3. Network with others to find freelance photojournalist jobs.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Take an internship to learn valuable photojournalism career information
There's more to photojournalism than simply taking pictures. Working as an intern will help you to learn what it's like to work as a photojournalist. It helps you to decide if a photojournalism career is right for you.
I recommend: Search for internships in your area through
InternshipPrograms.com. The
National Press Photographers Association lists members that are willing to be mentors to budding photojournalists. There aren't always photojournalism internships available, so if you can't find any, look for photographers in your area and approach them for an internship.
Find steady photojournalism employment
The photojournalism industry is very competitive, but there are steady jobs out there. If you are the type of person that prefers to receive a steady paycheck, you should look for full-time employment.
I recommend: Look at available positions on
MySpace Jobs to see if anything suits you. You may also have luck at
Juju.
Break out on your own with freelance jobs in photojournalism
Many people enjoy the flexibility that comes with having a freelance position. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to not know when you'll get your next paycheck, so it's important to advertise your services so that you have a steady stream of income.
I recommend: Perhaps the easiest way to get freelance photojournalism jobs in your area is by advertising yourself as a wedding photographer.
The Knot is one of the most popular sites for wedding planning and you would do well to place an ad in your region. Alternatively, you can try to sell your photos as stock images to those that need them at
Shutter Point.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Besides a resume, you will need to have a decent portfolio in order to get photojournalism jobs. This is simply a collection of photographs you've taken along with credits from which companies printed them.
The official source of Photojournalism Jobs is the Photojournalism Jobs page at Business.com
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