It’s really ironic how there’s more than a little bit of glamour attached to this totally down-to-earth profession – photojournalism is an eclectic mixture of a majority of grit and grime and a very tiny minority of fame, but there are people who have been put on the map of the world because of their courage in bringing news and pictures from war-torn countries and other dangerous locations to the rest of the world. If you’re considering a career in photojournalism, here’s what you need to be:
- A journalist: You need to have a nose for news and the persistence to ferret out the truth, no matter how unpalatable it is. Besides being a skilled photographer, you need to be able to file copy, from remote and nearby locations using the latest technology including satellite phones.
- Totally passionate about what you do: It’s not all fun and games being a photojournalist. Yes, you do get to travel and visit places if you’re lucky, but most of the time, the work is routine and humdrum. You’re also likely to have uncertain working hours and may have to pursue news at the cost of personal interests and hobbies, which is why you have to be totally passionate about what you do to survive in this field.
- Unconcerned about the money aspect: It’s not a job that pays the big bucks, at least not initially. So be prepared to work for the satisfaction you derive from your job rather than for the pay packet you get at the end of each month. Some photojournalists freelance and sell their work to the highest bidder, and this approach pays much more than average, but you need to be really good, very experienced or garner exclusives to be able to pull this off on a regular basis.
- Insensitive to atrocities and the ravages of war, famine and other disasters: There may be times when you’re forced to report hard news like the casualties of war, famine, floods, earthquakes, terrorism and other disasters that leave thousands dead and millions wounded. Many of the victims are likely to be children, so if you’re too sensitive and cannot put aside personal feelings and sentiments in order to work effectively, you’re not likely to succeed at this job.
- Willing to travel: Though not all photojournalists travel frequently, you may be suddenly asked to go places, so it’s best to like travelling, especially to places where there are limited conveniences and modern amenities.
- Willing to put yourself in the line of danger: If you’re asked to report from war-torn countries or under any other risky circumstances, you must be prepared for injuries and even death.
- Realistic: Not all photojournalists travel to exotic places, cover important events and gain fame overnight. For all you know, you may remain at the same position, in the same place, at the same desk, all your life. So be realistic when you take on the job of a photojournalist.