What is a Degree in Photojournalism?

In photojournalism programs, students learn to take photos and turn them into a gripping story. Photojournalism is different from other branches of photography because of the important role played by the qualities of timeliness, objectivity and narrative, and because photojournalists must have a sense not only for visual appeal but for stories and compelling news. Degree programs in photojournalism develop these skills in students and teach them the history of and current issues in photojournalism. Many classes will use digital cameras, but students may also be expected to learn conventional darkroom techniques. Graduates of a degree program in photojournalism may find work in their chosen field, or they might use their photography skills in careers as freelance or industrial photographers.

Photojournalist

Photojournalists need to be in the right place at the right time to photograph newsworthy people or events as they happen. This may mean traveling across the country or to foreign destinations at a moment's notice. Photojournalists need to size up a situation quickly, set up equipment, gauge light levels, adjust exposure and select film speed as quickly as possible. Photojournalists may face physical danger in war zones or disaster areas. Most are employed by newspapers or other media outlets, but some may be self-employed. Photojournalists can expect average employment growth in coming years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, but competition for jobs is usually fierce. Photojournalists for newspapers and magazines made a median of $32,800 in 2004.

Freelance Photographer

Freelance photographers sell their work on the open market. They may specialize in photographing wildlife, architecture, famous people, landscapes or other subjects. They may sell work to greeting cards or calendar manufacturers, book publishers or poster companies. Fine arts photographers also sell their photographs to private collectors. Freelance photographers must have shrewd business sense in order to continue to find new customers and buyers for their work. Many work hours are spent on business concerns, including advertising and bidding, rather than on actually photographing subjects. Competition in this field is so stiff that only the very best find it possible to make a living. Freelance photographers made a median annual salary of less than $26,000 in 2004, according to the BLS.

Industrial Photographer

Industrial photographers work for businesses such as manufacturers, builders or transportation companies, taking pictures of subjects such as plans, designs, new buildings, construction sites, personnel or products. Their photographs might be used in promotional materials or for stockholder reports, among other possibilities. They may occasionally take photographs for analysis by engineers and other experts. Most of their work is done on site, away from their studios. This career, like all photography professions, will see average employment growth combined with strong competition for jobs in coming years. Median earnings for technical and related photographers in 2004 were $23,100 per annum.