The Photojournalism
Life
Many independent stock photographers started out as photojournalists -- either freelancers or
Q: What advantages does newspaper photography offer a young photojournalist?
A: The chief advantage is the opportunity to cover a variety of subjects and situations on a daily basis. This will prepare young photographers for whatever they encounter later in their career. Also, the opportunity to deal with a variety of editors with different needs helps train the photojournalist to communicate effectively and learn to work with different personalities in the business.
THE BURNOUT QUESTION
Q: What are the drawbacks in your view?
A: The constant battle to avoid burnout. No matter what paper you work for, you will be asked to shoot a certain amount of no-brainer assignments which can sap your creative energy. It's important to keep self-motivated and have your own projects and goals in shooting.
Q: What advice would you give photojournalists who want to enter the newspaper field?
A: 1) Work diligently on getting a dynamic portfolio so you can get your first job. The portfolio--not an advanced degree--is what will get you the interview. Without the images, all the education in the world will not get you the job. Look at the images displayed monthly in the News Photographer Magazine and the year-end Photographer of the Year photos, and figure out how to emulate them in your work. 2) Be caring and observant. The best shooters have experienced life and have a perspective in their work that comes from knowing what their subjects are going through. Being the best technician in
Q: Do you work with freelancers at your newspaper, and if so, what do you look for in potential photojournalists?
A: Yes. We ask questions: Do the images a photographer presents to me evoke an emotional reaction? Does the photographer have a good eye? Can he/she handle difficult lighting situations, such as night-time football? How does the photographer present himself/herself when they come to see me? After all, they will be representing the newspaper while on assignment.
Ambition counts a lot. If a freelancer is weak in some areas but is ambitious I will work with them to improve their failings, but they have to have the motivation to show me they care about improving. And finally -- Don't be a pest, but call in regularly. Show me what you're working on. Ask questions. Take advice.
Michael Sedge is author of THE WRITER'S AND PHOTOGRAPHER'S GUIDE TO GLOBAL MARKETS
http://www.photosourcefolio.com
/bookstore.htm; and MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR WRITERS http://www.photosourcefolio.com
/bookstore.htm; Michael Sedge's latest book, "The Photojournalist's Guide to Making Money" is available by check or money order from The Sedge Group, 2733 Midland Road, Shelbyville, TN 37160. Price: $19.45 postage paid. Credit card orders can go to www.allworth.com.
 Tommy Thompson |
 Kerry Kolb |
 Jon Saban |
 Jake Nelson |