16 Photojournalist Skills for Your Career and Resume

Photojournalists are visual storytellers who use their camera to capture images that inform and entertain the public. They have a unique set of skills that allows them to not only take great photos, but also to find and tell stories that people want to hear. If you’re interested in becoming a photojournalist, it’s important to understand the skills that are necessary for success in this field.

Storytelling

Storytelling is the ability to create a narrative through your images. Photojournalists often work with reporters, so they need to be able to tell stories visually as well as verbally. This means that photojournalists should have an understanding of how their images can convey information and emotions. They also need to know how to sequence their images in order to build a story.

Interviewing

Photojournalists often conduct interviews to gather information for their stories. They need to be able to ask questions that help them understand the subject’s perspective and get details about what happened. Photojournalists also use interviewing skills when they want to learn more about a topic or find sources for their work. This is especially important if they’re working on investigative pieces, which require in-depth research.

Editing

Photojournalists use editing skills to review their work and make changes. This can include adjusting the brightness or contrast of an image, removing objects from a photo or cropping it to remove unnecessary details. It’s important for photojournalists to be able to edit their images so they can provide accurate information to their audience.

Editing also includes adding text to photos, which is often necessary when explaining complex topics. Photojournalists may also need to add graphics or other elements to their images to help explain them better.

Physical Stamina

Photojournalists often work long hours and travel frequently to cover breaking news stories. They need physical stamina so they can keep up with their subjects, who may be running or moving quickly. Photojournalists also spend a lot of time outdoors, so they need the ability to endure outdoor conditions such as extreme heat or cold, rain or snow.

Crowd Control

Crowd control is the ability to navigate through a crowd of people and keep everyone safe. Photojournalists often work in public spaces, so they need to be able to direct crowds away from their equipment or subjects. Crowd control also includes knowing how to handle large groups of people who may become emotional during an event. For example, if someone gets hurt at a sporting event, photojournalists must know how to calm down the crowd while still getting the shot.

Creativity

Photojournalists often need to be creative when it comes to finding the right shot. They may have to think of unique ways to capture a story, such as by using props or taking pictures from different perspectives. Creativity can also help them come up with interesting angles for their shots and develop new techniques that they can use in the future.

Persistence

Photojournalists often work on long projects, so persistence is an important skill for them to have. They may need to wait for the right moment to capture a photo or video and they might also need to keep trying when their equipment fails. Photojournalists should be able to stay focused on their task even if it takes a while to complete.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt quickly and change your plans when necessary. Photojournalists often have to be flexible with their schedules, locations and assignments. They may also need to adjust their approach if they find that a situation has changed or if they can’t get the shot they want. Being able to adapt to new situations can help you stay focused on completing your assignment while keeping yourself safe.

Photography

Photographers use photography skills to take pictures of people, places and things. Photojournalists often need these skills to capture images that tell a story. They also use their photography skills to frame the image properly and adjust lighting or other elements in the scene to make sure they get the best shot possible.

Field Reporting

Field reporting is the ability to write articles and blog posts about events, people or places. Photojournalists often use their field reporting skills when they create content for a publication’s website. They may also use these skills to pitch stories to editors and publishers.

Field reporting requires strong writing skills and an attention to detail. Photojournalists should be able to interview subjects and ask them questions that are interesting to readers.

News Writing

Photojournalists use their news writing skills to write articles about the events they cover. They need to be able to clearly explain what happened, who was involved and why it’s important. This requires them to have a strong grasp of grammar and punctuation rules as well as an ability to craft engaging sentences that keep readers interested in reading more.

Social Media

Social media is a tool that photojournalists use to promote their work and connect with other professionals in the industry. It’s important for these professionals to understand how social media works so they can effectively share their content, interact with others and build their reputation as an expert in their field. Photojournalists also use social media to find story ideas and learn about breaking news before it hits mainstream media.

Patience

Photojournalists often work on tight deadlines and have to meet the expectations of their employers. They also need to be patient when waiting for subjects to arrive at a location or finish an activity. Patience is important because it allows photojournalists to get the best shots possible and ensures they don’t miss any opportunities. It’s also helpful in dealing with clients, who may not understand why certain images are necessary or take longer than expected to produce.

Videography

Videography is the process of recording video, which can be used in conjunction with still photography to tell a story. Photojournalists often use videography skills when they’re documenting an event or situation that requires them to capture footage over a period of time. For example, if a photojournalist is covering a natural disaster and wants to show how conditions have changed over time, they may take still photographs at different intervals and combine them into a short video.

Broadcast Journalism

A background in broadcast journalism can be beneficial for a photojournalist because it provides them with the skills necessary to write and produce their own stories. This is especially important if they work independently, as most freelance photojournalists do. Having a background in broadcast journalism also allows them to understand how to create content that appeals to viewers and ensures that they get paid by the station or publication.

Visualization

Visualization is the ability to imagine what a scene will look like when you take a picture. This skill can help photojournalists create more interesting images and tell stories through their photographs. It’s important for them to be able to visualize how different elements of a scene might interact with each other, such as where the light source will fall or how people in the scene might move.

How Can I Learn These Photojournalist Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a photojournalist. One way is to take a journalism class or a photography class at a local college or university. You can also join a local photography club or group and attend workshops and events. Additionally, there are many online resources that can teach you the basics of photography and journalism. Finally, it is important to get experience by interning at a local news station or newspaper.