How to Become a Photojournalist

What is photography? Photography is not only about capturing happy moments, but can also be used as a sound tool to tell untold stories that are often ignored, whether by media or from outside. On the flip side, storytelling holds a vital part of Journalism, whether it is through the written and spoken word or powerful visuals. Blending these two forms of storytelling, Photojournalism is related to depicting those untold and overlooked concerns that are prevalent in the present times. So, if you want to embark on the exciting career of a Photojournalist, here is everything you need to get started.

Who is a Photojournalist?

Photojournalists are also known as news photographers. They take photos that capture news events. Their task is to tell a story with pictures. They might cover a war, the Olympic Games, an election, or a parade on a national day of a country. Not only do they take photos, but they also write captions or other supporting text to provide more detail about each photo. Photojournalists can also develop and print photos or edit films.

Skills Required for Photojournalism

They should have these skills to become a Photojournalist:

1. Analyse which images will be perfect for storytelling 

Being a Photojournalist, you might end up taking hundreds of pictures and now you would want to decide which image will be the best to depict the story. 

2. Good grammar 

As a Photojournalist, you might have to give captions to your pictures or add some detailed text along with the picture. For that, you should have a good command of grammar and writing skills.

3. Camera accessibility

A good Photojournalist should be comfortable behind a camera and should know all the functions and features of the camera. 

4. Picture editing skills

Being a Photojournalist, your task might not end with clicking pictures. At times, you might want to edit, crop or do changes to the pictures. You should know Graphic Designing too. 

5. Communication skills

Photojournalists also need to have excellent communication skills to gain access to places where the public isn’t normally allowed or for making people comfortable to face the camera.

6. Love to travel

You must be eager to travel to different places as a Photojournalist because any story might want your attendance at any place. 

A Step-By-Step Guide to Become a Photojournalist 

Step 1 – Study about Photojournalism

Do detailed research on what photojournalism is, what it involves, which universities have this course and how to become a successful Photojournalist. 

Step 2 – Learn Photography

To become a renowned Photojournalist, you need to learn photography. You can learn photography by studying it on your own, with educational books and articles, online, or by taking admissions to international universities. You can get enrolled for bachelor’s, master’s or diploma courses in Photography. Also, you need to practise photography every day.

Step 3 – Getting all Equipment 

Later, you will require all the photography equipment and also you need to learn software like Photoshop, etc. 

Step 4 – Build a Portfolio

Once you have studied Photojournalism through a university, building an excellent portfolio will not be a difficult task. 

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Photojournalism Courses

Many undergraduate and postgraduate courses are offered by various universities in the field of Photojournalism. Let us know about them:

Undergraduate Courses

• BA in Journalism (Photojournalism)
• Bachelor of Journalism (Photojournalism)
• BA (Hons) in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography
• BFA in Photojournalism
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Concentration in Photojournalism
• B.S.V.C. in Visual Communication – Photojournalism Major

Postgraduate and Diploma Courses 

• Diploma in Journalism (Photojournalism)
• MA in Journalism (Photojournalism)
• MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography
• MA in New Media Photojournalism

With the help of AI Course Finder, you can choose the courses of your choice and the top universities related to them.

Top Photojournalism Universities in the World 

University	Country	Ranking	Course
University of Gloucestershire	UK	201	BA
University of Westminster	UK	651-700	MA
University of Missouri	USA	299-391	Advanced
George Washington University	USA	355	BA, MA
London Metropolitan University	UK	751-800	BA
RMIT University	Australia	244	Advanced
University of South Wales	UK	1001–1200	BA
Central Michigan University	USA	239	BA, MA
Columbia College Chicago	USA	19	Advanced
Ohio University	USA	1001-1200	MA
Loyalist College	Canada	150	Diploma

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Top Photojournalism Universities in India

1. Delhi College of Photography
2. Creative Hut Institute of Photography
3. Light and Life Academy
4. Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University
5. University of Delhi
6. Institute of Mass Communication
7. International Institute of Mass Media
8. AJ Kidwai Mass Communication Research 
9. Asian Academy of Film and Television 
10. YMCA Centre of Mass Media

For information and help related to the application process, contact the experts at Leverage Edu on 1800572000.

Eligibility 

Intensive practical and theoretical training is required to prepare students for a demanding job. Qualifications required for direct access to relevant courses are typically four GCSEs in AC grades, including English, but courses are also available for those without the relevant qualification. 

• Most companies offer an NCTJ National Certificate in Press Photography and Photojournalism or an N(S)VQ upon successful employment. Modern apprenticeships may also be available for press photographers.
• Some suitable qualifications can also be obtained through home or distance learning courses. The Bureau of Independent Photographers (BFP) publishes a useful handbook that contains a lot of useful information.
• Pass the upper secondary (10+2) exam or equivalent recognized exam in any branch. Bachelor’s degree in Photojournalism or Journalism or a related subject. Working knowledge of Photoshop and other relevant software programs, ethics and law of photojournalism, digital photography and training in a variety of media.

Photojournalist Salary

If you’re a budding photojournalist, you’ll be happy to know that the pay is above average. The median salary for photojournalists is approximately $42,118 (32,99,776.83 INR). For newspaper photographers, it is $23.06 (1,806.66 INR) per hour.

Photojournalist Job Role 

A Photojournalist should take part in the following roles:

• Take photos or rotate video segments. 
• Conduct research to gather background information on a topic. 
• Conduct interviews to improve and verify the news. 
• Write stories about pictures. 
• Process and print negatives or film.
• Transfer digital files to a computer. 
• Use image editing software such as Photoshop or Print Shop Pro to edit images.
• Send pictures, text and other information to the editors.
• Travel to assigned locations. 
• Explore relevant story concepts with writers, reporters, and editors. 
• Check and verify news facts. 
• Operate and maintain assigned devices.
• Prepare drawings, illustrations, graphics and other audiovisual material.
• Operate a variety of television cameras.

You can also get an education loan according to your course and university to study abroad with the help of Leverage Finance. 

FAQs

If you are willing to be a successful Photojournalist and need assistance to get through your dream university around the world then Leverage Edu is for you. Our experts will help you get into any course and university of your choice. So, get in touch with us now at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute consultation.