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Career as Photo Journalist

Photo Journalist

Photo Journalists uses visual image to convey news, stories, messages, societal issues, etc. they use photography as a medium to cover what's happening in the society including current events, providing the viewers a visual representation of the story. Photo Journalists are responsible for capturing candid and thoughtful images of the event, person or thing that conveys a specific purpose.

 

Photo Journalism is a field that require excellent technical skills, photography skills and camera handling. photo Journalists must be a good story teller and should have the ability to think outside the box. They must be able to convey emotions through their photographs to the general public. Photo Journalists should have the understanding of lighting, angles and various methods of photography to capture a thought provoking and compelling image.


The role of Photo Journalists in the media industry is extremely important. They capture photographs of societal issues, important events happening in the media industry, politics and related fields and then document them for future reference. The photos captured by the Photo Journalist can inspire the general public and spread awareness at a particularly fast rate as visuals tend to stay in the viewer's mind for a longer period of time then written text.

 

There are different types of Photo Journalists such as News Photo Journalist, Sports Photo Journalist, Feature Photo Journalist, War Photo Journalist, Travel Photo Journalist and much more. 

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Eligibility Criteria

  • Educational Background: While a specific degree isn't mandatory, a bachelor's degree in fields like Mass Communication, Journalism, Photography, Visual Arts, or related disciplines can provide a strong foundation. Many universities and colleges offer journalism or media-related courses that cover photography skills and journalistic principles.

  • Photography Skills: Strong photography skills are essential. You should be proficient in using different types of cameras, lenses, lighting, and post-processing software. Building a portfolio showcasing your photographic work can be highly advantageous.

  • Journalistic Knowledge: Understanding journalistic ethics, storytelling, news values, and the role of media in society is crucial. Knowledge of current events, news trends, and various news beats helps in capturing relevant and impactful photographs.

  • Tech...

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Skills required for Course
  • Photography Proficiency
  • Visual Storytelling
  • Trend Awareness
  • Ethical Judgment
  • News Sense
  • Adaptability
  • Editing and Post-Processing
  • Visual Software proficiency
  • Time Management
  • Communication Skills
  • Situational Awareness
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Types of Job Roles

  • News Coverage: Attend events, press conferences, and news scenes to capture photographs that tell a story and provide a visual representation of current events.

  • Photography: Use cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment to capture high-quality images that are engaging, informative, and visually appealing.

  • Storytelling through Images: Convey stories, emotions, and messages through your photographs, adding depth and context to news stories.

  • Research: Understand the context of the events you're covering, research the subjects, and identify the key elements to focus on in your photographs.

  • Photo Editing: Edit and enhance photographs using photo editing software to ensure they are of high quality and meet the standards of the publication.

  • Caption Writing: Write accurate and compelling captions that provide context and information about the photographs.

  • Ethical Considerations: Adhere to ethical guidelines in journalism, respecting the subjects and ensuring accuracy and fairness in your visual representation.

  • Deadlines: Work under tight deadlines to ensure that your photographs are ready for publication in a timely manner.

  • Collaboration: Coordinate with reporters, editors, and other journalists to complement written stories with visual elements.

  • On-the-Spot Decision Making: Make quick decisions about what to photograph, how to frame the shot, and when to capture a particular moment during dynamic events.

  • Travel: Cover events across different locations, which may require travel within India or even internationally.

  • Equipment Maintenance: Keep your photography equipment well-maintained and in working order to ensure you're always ready to capture images.

  • Digital Media Management: Organize and manage digital files, ensuring proper storage and easy retrieval.

  • Social Media Engagement: Share your work on social media platforms to engage with audiences and contribute to the online presence of your media organization.

  • Building Relationships: Establish connections with subjects, sources, and colleagues to gain access to events and develop a network within the industry.

  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest photography techniques, trends, and developments in both journalism and photography.

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Admission

  • Research: Research universities, colleges, and institutes in India that offer courses in journalism, mass communication, or photography. Look for programs that focus on photojournalism or have photography as a significant component.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Check the eligibility criteria for the program you're interested in. Typically, you'll need to have completed your 10+2 schooling (or equivalent) from a recognized board with the necessary subjects, depending on the program requirements.

  • Application Form: Obtain the application form from the institution's website or admissions office. Some institutions may offer both online and offline application options.

  • Fill Out the Form: Complete the application form with accurate details about your personal information, educational background, and any other required information.

  • Portfolio Submission (if applicable): Some institutions may require you to submit a portfolio of your photographic work along with your application. This portfolio showcases your skills, creativity, and photography style.

  • Entrance Exams (if applicable): Some journalism or mass communication programs may require you to take an entrance exam that tests your aptitude, general knowledge, and language skills. Photography-focused programs may require a portfolio review as part of the admission process.

  • Interview (if applicable): Certain institutions may conduct interviews to assess your interest in photojournalism, your goals, and your understanding of the field.

  • Merit List/Selection: After reviewing applications, portfolios, and conducting entrance exams or interviews, institutions will release a merit list or announce selected candidates.

  • Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will need to provide verified copies of their educational certificates, identity proof, and any other documents requested by the institution.

  • Fee Payment: Upon receiving an offer of admission, you'll need to pay the course fees within the stipulated time to secure your seat.

Exam

CUET,IPU CET,JMIEE,AMUEE
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Subjects
  • Introduction to Photography: Fundamentals of photography, camera operation, exposure, composition, and lighting techniques.

  • Photojournalism Ethics and Principles: Understanding the ethical considerations, responsibilities, and principles of photojournalism.

  • Visual Communication: Exploring how visual elements communicate messages effectively in the context of journalism.

  • News Reporting and Writing: Developing skills in news reporting, news gathering techniques, and writing for news media.

  • Digital Imaging and Editing: Learning photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop), digital manipulation, and enhancing photo quality.

  • Media Law and Ethics: Understanding legal and ethical aspects of media, including copyright, defamation, and privacy laws.

  • Visual Storytelling: Mastering the art of telling stories through photographs, capturing emotions, and conveying messages.

  • Photography Techniques: Advanced techniques in photography, including use of different lenses, lighting setups, and shooting in various conditions.

  • Media Convergence: Exploring the integration of different media platforms and their impact on photojournalism.

  • Photo Editing and Layout: Learning to edit, select, and organize photographs for publication, as well as creating layouts for print and digital media.

  • Journalism and Society: Studying the role of journalism in society, media systems, and the impact of media on public opinion.

  • Feature Writing: Developing skills in writing in-depth and human-interest stories to complement your photojournalism work.

  • Multimedia Journalism: Incorporating multimedia elements such as audio, video, and interactive elements into your photojournalistic work.

  • Documentary Photography: Exploring the art of documenting real-life situations, cultures, and events through photographs.

  • Fieldwork and Internship: Practical experience gained through field assignments, photojournalism projects, and internships.

  • Research Methods: Learning research techniques to gather information, analyze data, and enhance your journalistic work.

 

Prep Books

  • The Perfect Study Resource for Jamia Millia Islamia by Arihant Publication
  • Mass Communication: Principles and Concepts by Seema Hasan
  • Handbook of Journalism and Mass Communication by Vir Bala Aggarwal & VS Gupta
  • History of Indian Journalism by J Natrajan
  • Jamia Millia Islamia MA Entrance Exam by Arihant Experts
  • Success Master: Journalism and Mass Communication by Arihant Publishers
  • Understanding Mass Communication by Anvesh Sharma & Ankit Kashyap

FAQ's

How much do photojournalists earn?

In the initial phase, a photojournalist can easily earn up to 2-4 LPA.

What are the different types of photojournalists?

General News Photojournalist, Sports News Photojournalist, Feature Photojournalist, Portrait/Personality Photojournalist, illustrator, etc.

What job opportunities are available for photojournalists in India?

Photojournalists can work with newspapers, magazines, online media, news agencies, and even as freelancers. They may also collaborate with NGOs, corporate communication teams, and documentary projects.

What equipment do I need as a photojournalist in India?

Essential equipment includes a digital camera, lenses (wide-angle, telephoto), external flash, tripod, memory cards, and a laptop for editing. Equipment choices may vary based on the types of events you cover.

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