Photojournalist

Photojournalism is a branch of journalism that creates images in order to tell a story. For those who have a passion for photography as well as journalism, this field might be good fit for you. It’s a creative profession with unique employment opportunities.

How to Become a Photojournalist

Students must have the aesthetic skills to communicate ideas through photography. Therefore, a degree in journalism that focuses on photography and media is a great place to start if you’re interested in working in this field. These programs help students hone their journalistic and artistic voices as well as prepare graduates to write critically about many topics related to society, communities, and social and political beliefs. Many schools offer students the option to select an area of concentration that focuses on photojournalists, teaching many of the following skills needed for employment:

Market and advertise services to attract clients
Analyze and decide how to compose a subject
Use various photographic techniques and equipment
Capture subjects in commercial-quality photographs
Enhance the subject’s appearance with natural or artificial light
Maintain a digital portfolio, often a website, to demonstrate work

Salary Data and Job Outlook for Photojournalists

Salary statistics are difficult to determine for this profession, as many factors often contribute to income potential. Location, employer type, and years of experience will play a role in how much you can earn in this field. Some photojournalists find success working as a freelancer, while others opt to work for a newspaper or online media website. You can also explore career options at a magazine or other print publishers. The good news is the employment of photographers is projected to grow by 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is most likely due to the increased use of the Internet and the demand for photos and multimedia content.

Journalism Schools and Degrees

MS in New Media Journalism	Full Sail University — The MS in new media journalism from Full Sail University allows journalists to keep their skills sharp all while meeting the demands required by today's media consumers. The degree program combines traditional methods of journalism with emerging technology. You'll learn how to produce multimedia content, use social media to engage audiences and promote your work, and publish and distribute content across digital delivery platforms. Read more about Full Sail University.
MA in Communication MA in Communication: PR MA in Communication: New Media	Southern New Hampshire University — Southern New Hampshire University offers a MA degree in communication that combines courses in communication with a solid foundation in the liberal arts. Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter careers in advertising, business writing, corporate communications, journalism, and more. Read more about Southern New Hampshire University.
MS in Communication	Walden University — Walden University offers a Master of Science degree in communication that combines communication theory with practical skills. This particular degree focuses on journalistic aspects of new media, including Web publishing, online video, podcasts, Web conferencing, and more. Assignments consist of exercises reflecting the material and interaction with other students taking the same course.
BA in Communications	Grand Canyon University — For the aspiring journalist, Grand Canyon University offers a BA in communications degree with three different specializations: digital film production, graphic design, and public relations. Students of the communications program are prepared to become leaders in the fields of media and communications.