Profession photojournalist

Photojournalists cover all kinds of news events by taken informative images. They tell stories by taking, editing and presenting images for newspapers, journals, magazines, television and other media.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Spelling

    The rules concerning the way words are spelled.

  • Grammar

    The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.

  • Writing techniques

    The different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.

  • Copyright legislation

    Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

  • Photography

    Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.

  • Interview techniques

    The techniques for getting information out of people by asking the right questions in the right way and to make them feel comfortable.

  • Editorial standards

    The guidelines on how to deal with and report on privacy, children, and death according to impartiality, and other standards.

Skills

  • Follow the news

    Follow current events in politics, economics, social communities, cultural sectors, internationally, and in sports.

  • Adapt to type of media

    Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.

  • Follow ethical code of conduct of journalists

    Follow the ethical code of conduct of journalists, such as freedom of speech, right of reply, being objective, and other rules.

  • Select camera apertures

    Adjust lens apertures, shutter speeds and camera focus.

  • Build contacts to maintain news flow

    Build contacts to maintain a flow of news, for example, police and emergency services, local council, community groups, health trusts, press officers from a variety of organisations, the general public, etc.

  • Apply grammar and spelling rules

    Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.

  • Consult information sources

    Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.

  • Study topics

    Carry out effective research on relevant topics to be able to produce summary information appropriate to different audiences. The research may involve looking at books, journals, the internet, and/or verbal discussions with knowledgeable persons.

  • Interview people

    Interview people in a range of different circumstances.

  • Meet deadlines

    Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

  • Set up photographic equipment

    Choose the best position and orientation of the camera to capture the scene, along with other necessary equipment.

  • Use specific writing techniques

    Use writing techniques depending on the type of media, the genre, and the story.

  • Write to a deadline

    Schedule and respect tight deadlines, especially for theatre, screen and radio projects.

  • Participate in editorial meetings

    Participate in meetings with fellow editors and journalists to discuss possible topics and to divide the tasks and workload.

  • Select photographic equipment

    Select appropriate photographic equipment and background properties, and adapt it according to subjects, materials, and conditions.

  • Evaluate writings in response to feedback

    Edit and adapt work in response to comments from peers and publishers.

  • Develop professional network

    Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.

  • Stay up to date with social media

    Keep up with the trends and people on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Optional knowledge and skills

write captions check correctness of information maintain an artistic portfolio adapt to changing situations edit digital moving images manage writing administration edit negatives record multi-track sound perform video editing promote yourself direct photographic workers create online news content edit recorded sound manage personal finances write headlines perform image editing develop film use photographic equipment audio editing software test photographic equipment press law edit photographs maintain photographic equipment follow directions of on-site director

Source: Sisyphus ODB