Photojournalists take pictures to illustrate newspaper and magazine articles. They tell stories in pictures and investigate and highlight the critical issues facing us and the world today by photographing real people, real stories and real life.

Overview of photojournalism

We are living in an age of where almost everything we do can be documented and shared around the world in a flash. Because of this, photojournalism has become a competitive fields and breaking into it can depend as much on luck as it does on skill.

So, if every Joe Bloggs with a camera has the potential to snap the next breaking news moment, how will you stand out in the competitive world of photojournalism? Read our definitive guide to the best way of going about it.

The academic route

You can study photography at GCSE and A-level as well as at HNC, HND and BTEC levels. City & Guilds also offer various photography courses and qualifications. These will teach you the basics of photography and provide an excellent foundation for a career in photojournalism.

UK universities offer BA Honours which offer degrees in photojournalism include Southampton Solent, the University of the Arts, London and Falmouth. The tutors who interview you will want to see a portfolio of your photographs and they’ll be looking out for your style, your skill and how clearly you convey your ideas.

Start local

Hang that camera around your neck and go out on your own. It might seem as though nothing exciting ever happens in your town but maybe you’re not looking hard enough? Take photos of the people who live around you. Who are they? What are they doing? Maybe a lady just dropped her shopping bags and the milk spilled all over the pavement. Maybe a dog stole a sandwich from a couple picnicking in the park. These shots may not seem ground-breaking or newsworthy but if you’re serious about a career in photojournalism, taking photos like these will serve as great photography practice, it will stop you feeling self-conscious and enable you to get in amongst the action.

Seek out interesting events

Go to a concert, a show, or a protest. Speak to people, ask questions be curious. Capturing that unique story on camera will impress any editor and it will also give your work some variety.

Get some experience

Most towns have local newspapers and magazines and they are always looking to give a platform to keen photographers who want to get into photojournalism. It might seem like menial work at first but it will help you to get used to working for a client and working to a brief.

Start your own blog

Start a blog and keep it like a diary. Starting a blog is the best way to put yourself out there and for people to see your work. Think of it as a business to market and promote your own work. Make up your own photojournalism projects, come up with punchy captions and work hard to develop your own photographic style and vision.

Inspiration

If you need some inspiration take a look at the Magnum Photos website or check out the work of Henri Cartier Bresson, the father of photojournalism. You can also go to our Arts and Media web page for further information on photography careers. There is no shame in imitating the greats! Good luck and get snapping!