Photo Journalism: Explore the Adventure!

Photojournalism is about using images to tell a news story. It refers to still images in print journalism, while for broadcast journalism, usually a video tells the story. A photojournalist is also a reporter but s/he migh need to make decisions instantly. S/he is often exposed to significant obstacles (physical danger, weather, crowd). While interviews can happen again, if a great shot is lost, it cannot be recreated. Photo journalists have to be on their toes all the time.

Clockwork

• 9am: Leave for work
• 10am: Reach office
• 10.15am: Check out the list of assignments
• 10.30am: Fix up appointments with contacts
• 11am: Leave for assignments
• 2pm: Lunch
• 2.30pm: Follow up on assignments again
• 6pm: Come back to office
• 6.30pm: Correct pictures in Photoshop and then file them
• 7pm: Check out pictures clicked by other photojournalists on the Internet

The Payoff

Most photojournalists initially work as interns and might not get paid for work. Trainees can expect a salary of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 a month, depending on the organisation. Money increases with experience, hard work and skills. Within 10 years, you can earn between Rs 50,000 and Rs1 lakh a month. Foreign agencies like AP, AFP and Reuters give rich exposure and pay well, compared to publications. Freelancers who have good experience can make good money

Skills

• Physical endurance and a certain level of fitness
• Curiosity about events and quick reflex
• A creative eye, knowlege of current affairs

Getting There

You can learn the basics of photography from a good institute. Later, you can freelance or do an internship with a media house for a year or two. The Internet is emerging as a reliable option, especially for beginners

Institutes

• Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi
• Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai

Pros and Cons

• Academic brilliance is not required. This job is all about spontaneity and creativity
• You get to travel to a lot of places, constantly meet people, explore cultures 

 

Source: HT Horizons