Photojournalism basics

Home > Journalism > Travel Journalism > Photojournalism basics

How to take and select photos that enhance the written piece and how to create visual narratives through photojournalism.

Composition: The basic principles and techniques of framing, balance, and visual storytelling in photography.
Lighting: Understanding the different types of light sources, their effects on subjects, and how to manipulate light for best results.
Photo editing: Effective techniques for editing and enhancing digital photographs using software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
Ethics and integrity: The importance of ethical behavior in journalistic photography, including issues like objectivity, consent, and the use of images.
Equipment: Types of cameras, lenses, and other tools often used in photojournalism, as well as how to use and maintain them.
Storytelling: The essential elements of telling compelling stories through photographs, including understanding narrative structure, honing a point of view, and building tension.
Photojournalism history: A survey of the major events and trends in the history of photojournalism, including key photographers and their work.
Subject matter: Understanding and identifying the most common types of subjects in travel journalism, including landscapes, people, and events.
Research and reporting: Techniques for researching and preparing for travel photography assignments, including scouting locations, interviewing subjects, and developing a shot list.
Business and marketing: Strategies for building a successful career in photojournalism, including how to market oneself, negotiate contracts, and protect one's intellectual property.
Documentary photography: This type of photojournalism is concerned with capturing a specific event or topic in a comprehensive and objective manner, often providing context and backstory to the images captured.
Environmental photojournalism: This type of photojournalism focuses on raising awareness and educating the public about environmental issues, often using images to illustrate the impact of human activities and development on the natural world.
Travel photojournalism: This type of photojournalism focuses on capturing the essence of a specific place or region, often highlighting the culture, history, and landmarks of a destination for tourists.
Conflict photojournalism: This type of photojournalism involves capturing images during times of war and conflict, providing a glimpse into the reality of war and its impact on civilians.
Sports photojournalism: This type of photojournalism documents sporting events and captures the intensity and drama of athletic competition.
Fashion photojournalism: This type of photojournalism documents the latest trends and styles in the fashion industry, often featuring high-quality runway shots and behind-the-scenes images from fashion shows and events.
News photojournalism: This type of photojournalism focuses on capturing current events and news stories as they unfold, often providing a visual reference for readers and viewers.
- "Photojournalism is journalism that uses images to tell a news story."
- "It usually only refers to still images, but can also refer to video used in broadcast journalism."
- "Photojournalism is distinguished from other close branches of photography by having a rigid ethical framework."
- "It demands an honest but impartial approach that tells a story in strictly journalistic terms."
- "Photojournalists contribute to the news media and help communities connect with one another."
- "They must be well-informed and knowledgeable."
- "They are able to deliver news in a creative manner that is both informative and entertaining."
- "Similar to a writer, a photojournalist is a reporter."
- "They must often make decisions instantly and carry photographic equipment, often while exposed to significant obstacles."
- "Immediate physical danger, bad weather, large crowds, and limited physical access to their subjects."
- "They must have a rigid ethical framework that demands an honest but impartial approach."
- "Using images to tell a news story."
- "It can also refer to video used in broadcast journalism."
- "They help communities connect with one another."
- "Tells a story in strictly journalistic terms."
- "Photojournalism is distinguished from other close branches of photography such as documentary photography."
- "They are often exposed to bad weather."
- "They must be well-informed and knowledgeable."
- "Creative manner, well-informed, and knowledgeable."
- "Similar to a writer, a photojournalist is a reporter."