Starting off as a press photographer / photojournalist

8utters

8utters

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I'v almost finished my degree, and really want to get into photojournalism or become a press photographer.

Ideally, i'd LOVE to work for a newspaper like The Independent in London (or any London newspaper, i'd be extatic to work for any of them) or perhaps the Manchester Evening News (odviously in Manchester).

My plan was to try and get a contact in the right department of any newspaper I can find and try and get an interview or something similar, since nowhere advertises jobs like press photographer or photojournalist.

Also, my degree isn't in Photography or Photojournalism, do you think that it's even possible to get into press photography without a degree in it? I really want to just show that i'm enthusiastic, have the talent (well, you be the judge, I think i'm pretty good) and have a passion for photography which I do.

It's basically my dream job, anyone have any comments on getting into this side of photography?
 
I asked my other half this question (He's a part time press officer for an event in Bristol/Birmingham)

He said to get a copy of the The Writers Handbook (Amazon, Play.com Waterstones) All the editors of the various publications are listed there as well as a lot of agencies. You should be able to get some contacts that way.

The MEN is not bad at publishing pics from readers so it would be well worth your while going and covering a few events yourself and sending them in along with a letter introducing yourself and offering your services. Send them to the picture editor.

I chose to ignore the spelling errors but when you are corresponding with potential employers a spell checker should be your friend.

Hope that helps.
 
SPELL
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Actually, it is a well-known fact that press photographers cannot spell!

8utters ... www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk advertises jobs for press photographers. The best thing to do is to contact your local newspaper and ask if you can go in for a week for work experience. If they like you, and you can deliver, they may keep your details and if they need any freelance coverage they might give you a call. Keep your eye open for breaking news ... crashes, fires etc ... and email pics to the picture editor. Enthusiasm is a key attribute. Your dream job may be some time coming ... you'll have to be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up
 
Cant see the spelling everyone is going on about - loving the really helpfull post by ivortripod.....but anyway, as this is a photography forum not an English lesson, I would add to what AliB said by saying try and get some access to some events to photograph in a press/photo journalistic style, to give you a very strong portfolio. I think that editors etc will be more impressed with that then wether you have a photography related degree. I have managed to wangle a press pass or two before, it is just a case of blagging you way in, claim you are building a stock photo library and their event could appear globably tagged with the word "celebration" etc..it worked for me :D - guess you might have more luck in Manchester with this as they are probably a bit stricter in London..though that is only a guess. I managed it in Edinburgh.
 
Try to cover local events. These can be advertised in local libraries and such. Send speculative submissions to local papers. If you get a good shot, then send to a national. Build up your portfolio. Then you can approach a newspaper, or news agency. Check Getty images editorial site to get a feel of what style is current, how can you differ.

If for example you are covering a teachers strike or demonstration, can you get some shots that are specific to the day, and some generic ones for future use at the same time.
 
Hmmmm yeah i'm trying to build up my portfolio, I won't be applying to for anything until after the summer when i'm properly looking for a job.

I'm prepared to work my way up, was not expecting to just get straight into a job like photojournalism.

I'd be more than happy to cover tons of events like protests etc. (basically go out every day) in Manchester, I just find it hard to find out when/where they take place so I can actually go. Anyone know any good sites that have upcoming events or suchlike in Manchester or London?

Oh and spelling wise, there were only a few mistakes, i'm dyspraxic so it's difficult for me to spell. Plus I typed it up in a rush. I always use a spell checker for official things (like applying to jobs, I also get others to check through my spelling and grammar), for posting here I was under the impression that spelling wasn’t essential.

Thanks for the info guys, anything anyone else can share would be great!
 
If you have the summer 'off' as such, why not find a few events to cover and both shoot and write about them?

Pick a few articles in the photojourno style, and copy their approach - effectively creating a portfolio of 'articles' rather than just images. Then (assuming you have Photoshop or such) make up the articles to look like they'd drop into a mag or newspaper

I'd suggest you aim for 20 killer shots/articles and put them in a quality portfolio presenter (not WHSmith) - remember, at the early career stage you're not looking to beat the best, you only need to beat those other newbie applicants alongside you to the job

Good luck

DD
 
8utters, I'm in Manchester too and am usually out and about taking pics (usually wildlife in the suburbs but spend a lot of time in the city!), I know it is hard to find out when things are happening, I missed the St Georges day parade somehow!!

If you ever want to meet up to cover an event or something let me know :)
 
DiddyDave said:
If you have the summer 'off' as such, why not find a few events to cover and both shoot and write about them?

Pick a few articles in the photojourno style, and copy their approach - effectively creating a portfolio of 'articles' rather than just images. Then (assuming you have Photoshop or such) make up the articles to look like they'd drop into a mag or newspaper

I'd suggest you aim for 20 killer shots/articles and put them in a quality portfolio presenter (not WHSmith) - remember, at the early career stage you're not looking to beat the best, you only need to beat those other newbie applicants alongside you to the job

Good luck

DD
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Yeah that's a really good idea, i'm going on holiday a few times this year and will of course I will be taking my camera kit with me. Have plenty of time in the UK at home aswel to get some good shots on the go. Also going to the Benicassim music festival this year so am hoping to blag a press pass :D

Got Photoshop (of course) and have been using it for about 6 years so know it inside out and backwards.

My plan was actually to get a really nice portfolio binder/book thing (not from WHSmith lol) and put together a proper portfolio. I have a website but I have always thought that being able to physically flick through a really good looking portfolio feels so much better.

@purpleclouds - Yeah awesome, thanks for the offer! I'm not here for much longer but will try and get out more on the events-side of things.
 
MEN and Metro publish "what's on" in their papers. Pick up a MEN next time you are out. Look out for the local sports events and try to get in on that. The Commonweath facilities in Manchester host a whole load of UK sporting events.

Tourist information for any festivals etc. Gay pride is a HUGE event each year, look it up.

Music? Manchester has a bit of a history for music so get into the local venues and work with the new local talent if you can. They get publicity shots- you get the portfolio.

Also if you are at Uni, they must publish a mag there? After all students are the hotbed of most protests surely :)

Need to go a huntin'!
 
"being able to physically flick through a really good looking portfolio feels so much better."

When you turn up for an interview, the interviewer is NOT going to be impressed by having to find a website - hardcopy, good one with good prints (not Photobox) is a must IMO

Oh, and even if the portfolio is 300 hours work and cost you £300 to put together, don't be surprised if it gets little more than a glance - but a trained eye can see talent/effort/commitment even in a glance

DD
 
AliB - Ok yeah i'l get the MEN, not really a fan of sports but it's good to have some variaty in your portfolio. We don't have a mag, but we have a student newspaper. One of my photos was printed in the last edition (posted a topic about it here).

DD - Yeah exactly, I would never go to an interview with just my website, and am happy to spend plenty of time and money on my portfolio.
 
DiddyDave said:
Pick a few articles in the photojourno style, and copy their approach - effectively creating a portfolio of 'articles' rather than just images. Then (assuming you have Photoshop or such) make up the articles to look like they'd drop into a mag or newspaper
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TBH that sounds like a really bad idea. Creating fake articles to fill a portfolio? It might end up look silly and amateurish. Fill a portfolio with full page images, and if you need any text put that on the next page. Don't try to be anything that you aren't. You're a photographer. Take and display photos. Don't try and be an editor. They'll know that the photos go into newspapers and how a newspaper looks.
 
a friend of mine did Astro Physics at Uni but worked his way up the Student Paper then went on to work for a news agency once he'd finished his degree. He's now a staff photographer at the Times. He put in a lot of hard work and had a lot of patience going out getting news shots that were required and it paid off.
 
I'm attempting to head down the same route, in coming to the end of a geography degree and my path has been something like this:

- Work for student newspaper as much as possible covering a range of stories to get experience
- Sent in a few photos to the local paper
- Emailed local paper with some photos attached mentioning those that I have previously had published requesting work experience
- On work experience stay late, work hard, take all the jobs i am given
- Boss is quite impressed with my commitment sorts me out some more work experience at a large photo agency
- Other work experience gets me a few contacts for larger agencies that offer training pro grammes/work experience.
- Cover as many different jobs and work for as many different publications as possible in general. Its all about work experience!

You are also going to have to accept that you will have to work very hard for no money and little recognition for quite a while!
 
petemc said:
TBH that sounds like a really bad idea. Creating fake articles to fill a portfolio? It might end up look silly and amateurish. Fill a portfolio with full page images, and if you need any text put that on the next page. Don't try to be anything that you aren't. You're a photographer. Take and display photos. Don't try and be an editor. They'll know that the photos go into newspapers and how a newspaper looks.
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Interesting point Pete - but he says he wants to be a Photojournalist OR a Press Photographer

Definition - photojournalism - noun - (the activity of creating) a news article using mainly photographs

Perhaps I've totally missed the point of being a Photojournalist, but I thought it meant writing something???

:shrug::shrug::shrug:

If so, why show you can take pics but offer no evidence you can write ???

DD
 
isnt it all about creating stories with photographs? i dont think writing comes into it. a lot of journalists have photographers with them. i guess it would depend on if he was interested in writing or not. there will be some jobs out there for both writing and snapping, and some not.
 
catchpole_11 said:
isnt it all about creating stories with photographs? i dont think writing comes into it. a lot of journalists have photographers with them. i guess it would depend on if he was interested in writing or not. there will be some jobs out there for both writing and snapping, and some not.
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Okay - don't mind admitting I'm wrong then

Just shows that I know NO-ONE at all in that line of work !!!

:lol:

OP - forget the writing bit, just go with great images - soz for misleading

DD
 
Blag yourself into events. Started off doing this when I was 14, now at 28 still getting into things reserved for "the media". I tend to focus on things which interest me so car events, motor shows, major fashion shows etc. I collect all my badges as well cos i'm really sad like that. This is the only way you can build a more realistic portfolio IMHO.

Be prepared for setbacks and lots of no's but once you get one or 2 events under your belt you'll be laughing.
 
Sound advice from Russ. As for being able to write and take pictures making you more versatile ... I can't argue with the theory, but unless you are exceptional at both, I think you run the risk of weakening your strongest talent. And, although the approach of newspapers is changing with the growth of other media outlets, I doubt there are many newspapers who would employ someone to do both jobs...unless maybe if it was a cost-cutting measure!
 
There is some writing involved, but you're not a writer. You're a photographer. Its sorta in the title. "Photo" journalist. Not a journalist. You tell the story with your photos.
 
Photojournalists arn't journalists, no, but they are required to write about there photos. Not really full length articles, but their photos are need to tell as story, and they need to be able to describe said story in words (that's what I read anyway).

russbates said:
I'm attempting to head down the same route, in coming to the end of a geography degree and my path has been something like this:

- Work for student newspaper as much as possible covering a range of stories to get experience
- Sent in a few photos to the local paper
- Emailed local paper with some photos attached mentioning those that I have previously had published requesting work experience
- On work experience stay late, work hard, take all the jobs i am given
- Boss is quite impressed with my commitment sorts me out some more work experience at a large photo agency
- Other work experience gets me a few contacts for larger agencies that offer training pro grammes/work experience.
- Cover as many different jobs and work for as many different publications as possible in general. Its all about work experience!

You are also going to have to accept that you will have to work very hard for no money and little recognition for quite a while!
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Yep good advice there, pretty much what i'm planning to do hehe. It might be a bit late for me to take photos for my student paper as i'm now basically graduated, but I got one published in it a week or so ago so that's a good start I guess.

Not really expecting to earn alot of money at the start. If I went into computer games (which is what my degree is in) then it's the same situation, i'l be working for little money for a year or two just trying to get my foot in the door properly.

I also have another good entry point that my housemate suggested. Basically in Manchester there's a media company that has it's own TV station called ChannelM. They THRIVE off Salford University students and have a very strong connection with the university, so I might contact them and see if I can dig anything up. Probably alot easier to get something through them compared to one of the bigger newspapers. ChannelM is also owned by the Guardian Media Group.

Infact i'd quite like to work in Manchester as I want to stay up here for another year before returning to London.
 
It is a shame that you've almost finished. Uni provides you with lots of opportunities. Student paper, free NUJ card, resources and connections. Once you're out its all on you to do everything to succeed, which is hard work. You have to network, always be on the look out for a story and such. Its tough some days and you forget that you're actually a person. Every new face you meet is the same old spiel. "I'm a photographer. I do this. If you hear anything blah blah" When it works though, its awesome and so rewarding.
 
Ohhh I might sign up for the NUJ now while I have the chance actually (as i'm still technically a student for a month or so more), looks like a good resouce, thanks for the heads up pete! :D
 
You actually have to pay £25 but it's a one-off fee I think, if you arn't a student you have to pay a monthly ammount.
 
8utters said:
You actually have to pay £25 but it's a one-off fee I think, if you arn't a student you have to pay a monthly ammount.
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8utters you're at Salford uni too?? I'm about to graduate in 3D design over at Adelphia campus :)

Just signed up....but....

"The fee covers membership for the duration of your course. " :(
 
Yeah I do Computer and Video Games, also on the Adelphi campus!

Crazy, what are the chances eh?

Where do you live? Uni or rented accomodation? (Or at home?)
 
Rented accomodation in Swinton...about 10 mins out from uni! Will be moving soon though, in about 2 and a half weeks actually! God knows where to yet :eek:

Hope you have had a better time at uni than I have lol...
 
Cool...i'm living in a house round the corner from Castle Irwell Student Village (about a 5 mins drive from Adelphi).

Gonna move back home to London for the summer but am hoping to stay in Manchester for another year, will probably live with 2 of my friends in an appartment in the city center.

I'm planning to go into town next week and get some shots of the football fans for the huge match next week (Rangers vs Zenit Petersberg for the UEFA Cup), apparently 100,000 fans are traveling to Manchester, the council might be putting up some giant TVs for them all to watch, should be some good opportunities there...
 
Yea I was reading about this in the MEN earlier, wouldn't mind spending a couple of hours in town to see whats happening!!
 
Yep, football fans (particularly foreign ones) are always so passionate, make excellent subjects for photography.

Plus the foriegn team are from Russia. Eastern European fans are so entertaining to watch.
 
8utters said:
Yep, football fans (particularly foreign ones) are always so passionate, make excellent subjects for photography.

Plus the foriegn team are from Russia. Eastern European fans are so entertaining to watch.
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If the weather stays this good it might be a good afternoons shooting!! Could be the start of a mini meet hehe :D

Its looking like I'm going to be moving back home to Suffolk myself 'officially' but I have a fair bit of wedding work in and around Manchester over Summer so will be spending most of it on family and friends sofas I think!! Its getting difficult to find somewhere at this short notice now!
 
AliB said:
The Commonweath facilities in Manchester host a whole load of UK sporting events.

Tourist information for any festivals etc. Gay pride is a HUGE event each year, look it up.

Music? Manchester has a bit of a history for music so get into the local venues and work with the new local talent if you can. They get publicity shots- you get the portfolio.
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I can't give you advice on getting into Photojournalists, but I can tell you that Pride is very well covered by Togs, I had a photography pass last year, and there where at least half a dozen tog in the press pit at all times on the main stage. I would think it would be hard to get something new, that would interest the likes of the MEN.

The sporting events should be a goer if you try the smaller events. Again I had a pass for the British track cycling championships, but trying to get one for the World champs or the Paralympic World Cup is impossible.
 
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