what does it take to be a photojournalist?

Question

i want to know what makes a good photojournalist.

i want to know if college is necessary.
and how much does it pay.

Answer 1

A camera. And, start shopping your pictures around to newspapers. There are so many independents that you might get your feet in the door with a good shot of a politician sniffing cocaine or something. Just keep your eyes open.

Answer 2

I could write a book about this question but I'll try and be concise.

I think just about anyone can learn to operate a camera with a certain degree of competence. However, it takes a special individual to use a camera as a tool of communication. It's not what you "see", it's how you see it. The camera is really only a device capable of freezing a moment in time and allowing it to be observed by other individuals. What you want to communicate is the real job.

A photojournalist has to have an intense desire and drive to answer the question "WHY". Why are people shooting each other? Why are people willing to jump off tall towers for the thrill of it? Why do small children live on the street in the richest country in the world and no one seems to care? When a photojournalist really desires to learn the back story to the situation that is occurring before his eyes that is the time he/she really begins to become a photoournalist. And I also want to add the ability to make a living as a photoj is greatly enhanced by the idea of being a " journalist". The extra effort in collecting necessary information (ie. names, places and contact information) will greatly increase your ability to get the photos sold.

I also feel that a great photojournalist doesn't have to be all blood and guts (war photographer). Someone who can make me understand the plight of another person in a clear manner qualifies as a great photojournalist. Generally it take a lot of time for the photographer to understand the problems they want to photograph. I would go one step farther and say it would be nice for the shooter to also display some degree of sensitivity to the subjects he/she photographs.

A photojournalist needs a "can do" attitude. He must be able to solve problems on the fly and adapt to rapidly changing situations. He needs to be aware of the news. What is going on in the world? He MUST understand what a deadline is and what it will take to get the photos to his client.

He/she must also have an understanding spouse. Photojournalism is a consuming profession. The need to know blurs time awareness. I have walked into situations with the intent of spending a few hours and find myself still shooting 20 hours later, not missing the meals in between.

Answer 3

A good photojournalist can tell a complete story in one photo. They strive to tell the story without altering the image by posing anyone or anything in the photo.

A great eye is needed for that. Take a camera out and look around. Try to tell a story with 5 photos. Then remove one photo at a time until you are down to one good photo that conveys the whole story of the event you photographed.

Photojournalists have a very keen eye for details. A great one will usually be able to see the other story going on when most newspaper photographers only see the main point of focus.

Education is always needed. It's unfair to charge clients a price when you've had no formal training of any type (at least read a book or two).

Answer 4

As far as pay and education, they go hand in hand. A BA in journalism will help you land a better position. Many journalists start at a weekly or a small daily newspaper. I started at a small daily WITHOUT a degree and with no experience! But I only made $7.00 an hour (in 1999). Some journalists who have been at it a while make decent money, even really good money!
But any writer will tell you that they write because they feel they must. They are driven by passion. If you have that passion, go for it! The website below may help you find that first job!

Answer 5

A good eye....for something original. And a good mind, for the story that takes your image beyond the ordinary and into something newsworthy.