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What does a Photojournalist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A photojournalist is a journalist who tells stories through images. They may work for a news organization, or they may be freelance. Photojournalists often travel to different places to get the best shots of their subjects.

Photojournalist job duties include:

  • Researching stories and subjects
  • Arranging interviews with people who can provide information for stories
  • Taking photographs of people, places, and events
  • Writing captions or short articles to accompany photographs
  • Editing photographs using computer software
  • Selecting the best photographs to tell a story or convey a message
  • Sending photographs to editors or clients electronically or by mail
  • Keeping up with current affairs and popular culture
  • Maintaining equipment

Photojournalist Job Requirements

A photojournalist is a person who takes photographs to tell a story. A photojournalist must have an eye for detail and be able to capture the emotion of a moment. A photojournalist must also be able to tell a story with his or her photos.

Most photojournalists have a college degree in photography or a related field. Many photojournalists also have certification from the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). Photojournalists typically have several years of experience working as a photographer before becoming a photojournalist.

Photojournalist Skills

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Composition
  • Technical Skill
  • Persistence
  • Flexibility
  • Objectivity
  • Awareness
  • Communication
  • Ethical Sensitivity
  • Self-Motivation
  • Physical Endurance

Related: Top Photojournalist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Photojournalist

A photojournalist is a person who takes photographs to tell a story. They are often found working for newspapers or magazines, but they can also work freelance. Photojournalists must have an eye for detail and be able to capture the feeling of a moment. They must also be able to tell a story with their photos.

If you want to become a photojournalist, you will need to start by taking some good quality photographs. You can do this by taking classes or attending workshops. Once you have some experience, you can start submitting your photos to magazines or newspapers. If you are accepted, you will be given assignments to photograph.

You will need to be patient when starting out as a photojournalist. It can take time to build up a portfolio of work. But if you are passionate about photography and telling stories, then becoming a photojournalist is a great career choice for you.

Related: Photojournalist Resume Example

Related: Photojournalist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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