Photojournalist

A Photojournalist uses pictures to tell a story. While this at times can fall under the category of Editorial Photographer, who shoots images used to support written text, a Photojournalist’s work can also stand alone as an independent narrative. As such, Photojournalists use their work as their journalistic voice to expose news and bring perspective on current events.

Because you are using your photos as your journalistic voice, you are bound by the same principles of journalistic integrity as your media colleagues. And while in practice this might not seem to amount to much, in theory it binds you to a strict code of ethics and objectivity.

Your daily tasks will involve sniffing out stories and going where the action is. This could mean free-speech rallies in the Middle East, or a local St Patricks Day parade. But wherever it is you and your camera are on the prowl for interesting shots, scenes of strong emotions, or any sort of vivid scene.

Because you are working in the news business, you have quick turn around times and need to edit and select your pictures quickly so they can get to print. And like other Journalists your work environment can be dangerous, unstable, fast moving. Aside from personal concerns, this has artistic implications in that you do not get to arrange your shots, but must parse out poignant moments from an uncontrollable surrounding.