Press Photographer or Photojournalist
Newspaper or press photography has a glamorous image based largely on TV documentaries about larger-than-life "paparazzi" (the Italian word for "buzzing insects") whose job it is to capture images of celebrities for the national newspapers and gossip magazines.
However the vast majority of Press Photographers are skilful, diplomatic people, who work under pressure to capture the best possible images to document events, tell a story, meet the picture editor's deadlines and help sell the newspaper. Most work for local or provincial newspapers where the photographer covers every possible subject from court proceedings to business stories, hospital openings and village fetes. On national newspapers it is usual for Press Photographers to specialise in a particular field, such as sports or politics.
Press Photographers may be employed by the publication but an increasing number work on commission as freelancers. Most picture editors will consider work offered to them ‘on spec' (speculatively) if it is of a sufficiently high standard or features a subject not covered by their own photographers.
Photojournalists often provide words as well as pictures, and generally work for magazines rather than for newspapers, as well as providing images for picture libraries. They often suggest the story themselves and produce photographs that underscore a point made within the text or an editorial opinion, rather than simply document a series of events.
What is the job?
Press Photographers produce photographs of current events, and the people involved in them, on a daily basis, for national or local newspapers, news magazines and press agencies. Images are invariably shot on location, using hand-held digital cameras with a portable electronic flash, with the photographer also carrying a laptop and a mobile phone so that they can download images directly to the picture desk.
Newspapers and press agencies keep abreast of upcoming events so a great deal of Press Photography can be scheduled in advance. However, publications do organise work in shifts so that photographers are always available to cover any breaking news story. The news editor decides which stories to cover, while the picture editor decides how many images will be required and briefs photographers on the type of shots he is looking for.
The photographer may take a variety of shots, but will generally be expected to present four or five usable pictures for each news story. They are usually under pressure to get from one location to the next and must therefore be organised and efficient. Press Photographers working for local papers need to have the ability to make the mundane or commonplace appear interesting and they are therefore always looking for a fresh "angle".
Photojournalists record longer term, documentary-style stories and situations, both at home and abroad. This involves taking a more considered approach, and shooting stories from a particular point of view that reflects the philosophy of the journal's editor or owner.
Typical career routes
National newspapers only recruit experienced personnel, often with a proven track record, or flair in a particular specialist field. Most Press Photographers therefore start out on local newspapers or freesheets.
To secure work, budding Press Photographers need to be able to demonstrate artistic and technical competency (in the form of a short portfolio), as well as an ability to handle people. This is a very competitive field of work and they must also show that they have the enthusiasm, the organisation, the persistence and the stamina to be in the right place at the right time. Today's news picture is useless tomorrow, and it is imperative to meet the Picture Editor's deadlines.
Many top Photojournalists progress to their positions from earlier experience as Press Photographers, though others start out producing photojournalistic articles for smaller publications and then working their way up
Essential knowledge and skills
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words and Press Photographers should therefore have a good understanding of the needs of the publishing industry and have the ability to capture significant moments, without fumbling to select the right lens, aperture or shutter speed. They need expert knowledge of suitable photographic equipment, combined with the ability to recognise a developing situation, and to adopt the right approach, in terms of both positioning and reporting. They must be able to work quickly under pressure, effectively manipulating both equipment and people. Though Photojournalists often have more time to develop a personal relationship with their subjects, Press Photographers should also be prepared to do some research into the background of their subjects to ensure they can communicate a deeper level of story through each image.
Press Photographers, whether freelance or staff, spend long hours out of doors, waiting for the right light or weather conditions. The job can be lonely, and patience and perseverance are required to get the right shot, at the right time. They should also be prepared to dress appropriately to suit the wide variety of events they may cover.
There are National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Photo Imaging. These give a detailed breakdown of the knowledge, awareness and skills needed to effectively carry out a particular job role. The NOS relevant to this job are listed at the end of this profile.
Training and qualifications
Working on a freesheet or local newspaper is a good introduction to Press Photography. For formal entry a trainee needs at least 5 GCSEs, including English, and/or two years' experience in photography, or a further education qualification in photography.
The Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) offered by the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography) has a good reputation with employers. The PQE has traditionally taken the form of an additional year's course following on from a Higher National Diploma (HND). Today it is often incorporated into a three year degree programme. Eight colleges and universities in England and two colleges in Scotland currently offer the PQE (see the BIPP website for further details).
The NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) endorse two main training schemes. One is by direct entry to a newspaper, involving on the job training supplemented by block release to college. The other is to complete a full-time course and seek employment afterwards.
There is intense competition for places on these courses, and applicants must demonstrate the perseverance, motivation and resilience required to succeed in the job, in order to find a way into the industry.
That said, some Press Photographers are self-taught and can secure work simply on the quality of their portfolio.
Health & Safety - Press Photographers need to be aware of proper lifting techniques and Health & Safety legislation so that they do not put themselves or their subjects at unnecessary risk. Some situations will require that photographers wear protective clothing and if the are travelling to a war zone they may need to undergo specialist training. When working aboard it is essential to establish behaviour guidelines and movement directives on location. Photographers do need to be sensitive to local customs and cultural norms, They should also ensure that there is a current Public Liability insurance policy in place to cover their working practices.
For this information and more, please view the attached PDF. 
Press Photographer
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