One of the most exciting career options that you could choose for yourself is Photojournalism. If you are a creative wizard with an immense interest in visual storytelling, then photojournalism is for you. It entails an intriguing career path and your skills could take you to unimaginable heights.
Many fail to understand the concept of Photojournalism and often confuse it with photography. The concept differs from it and without having a clear conception of the same, you will not be able to go ahead with a career in this field.
Photojournalism is an integral part of journalism and covers a broad aspect. If you’re someone who wishes to pursue a career in this field, then this article is a perfect fit for you. Here we’ll provide you with a brief description of a career in Photojournalism.
What is Photojournalism?
Before knowing the skills you need or the best courses for making a career in this field, you’ll need to develop an idea of what it is.
Photojournalism is a specialized field of journalism that deals with the application of photography skills and aesthetics regarding a particular news reporting. Being a photojournalist, you’ll be working with newspapers, magazines, and advertising channels to bring exclusive stories across the regions.
Precisely, the work blends the role of a reporter as well as a photographer to highlight the contemporary issues that the society or world is experiencing.
Topics Covered in Photojournalism
The majority of the photojournalism courses aim to specialize the candidate in the minute corners of photojournalism, there are some common sections that the courses cover. They include:
- Photojournalism, Documentary Photography
- Art Photography and its difference with Photojournalism
- History and Theories of the Concepts
- Documentary Storytelling
- Media Theories and Law
- Photojournalism in the News
- Aesthetic Effects of Manipulating Exposure Components
- Understanding Exposure
- Dissertation
Many institutions launch course online and enable interested candidates to avail distance learning.
Required Skills to be a Photojournalist
Being a photojournalist isn’t a cakewalk but your dedication can surely help you reach your goals. You’ll need to possess certain skills that help you grow in this domain. Here are the primary skills that you need:
- Keen attention to Detail
- Speed
- Strong Communication Skills
- Image and Video Editing
- Advanced Composition Knowledge, Aesthetic Photography
- Organizational Skills
- Research Skills
- Flexibility
Best Courses in Photojournalism
Many educational institutions from around the world provide courses in Photojournalism and help candidates pursue their dream career paths.
If you grow up to be an expert in the industry, you can also sell online courses from your own website and help budding aspirants with their interests.
Here are the top courses to look out for while pursuing a career in Photojournalism.
- MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography
- Bachelors of Journalism
- Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism
- MA in New Media Photojournalism
- BFA in Photojournalism
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with Photojournalism Specialization
- B.S.V.C in Visual Communication- Photojournalism Major
Top Institutions Offering Photojournalism Courses
Let’s have a quick look at the top Institutions in India and abroad that offer photojournalism courses.
- Delhi College of Photography
- Asian Academy of Film and Television
- International Institute of Mass Media
- Creative Hut Institute of Photography
- University of Missouri, United States
- Columbia College Chicago, United States
- Ohio University, United States
- University of Westminster, UK
- University of Gloucestershire, UK
Career Prospects in Photojournalism
After completing a degree in Photojournalism, there can be diverse opportunities in front of the candidates. You can work independently as a freelancer or take a job in a corporate. Photojournalists exclusively work with broadcast firms, TV Channels, Newspapers, Magazines, Advertising Agencies, Public Relation Firms, and so on.
Here are the popular career options in Photojournalism.
- Film and Video Editor
- Reporter
- Journalist
- Video Producer
- VFX Artist
- Analyst
- Multimedia Specialist
Wrapping Up
A career in Photojournalism is tempting. It not only satisfies your wallet but gives you a pleasing professional life too. You get to travel to different places to cover stories, you can be present in a prestigious event, and even have access to famous personalities and celebrities.
For your dream to come true, you need to be confident about your abilities and put in your best efforts to make things work.
