How to Become a News Photographer

Learn the steps you need to take to become a news photographer and tell a story using pictures.

Step 1: Learn the basics Develop a working knowledge of news photography through self-education or photojournalism classes.
Step 2: Build a portfolio Create a portfolio. If you are a still photographer, put together a collection of your best photographs with captions. If your goal is to work in television news, make a video demo.
Step 3: Gain experience Receive real-world experience through internships at newspapers, magazines, or television stations.
Step 4: Be Persistent Get the story done even if people don’t cooperate. Persist until you find people who will.
TIP: The key to success is telling a story with multimedia and digital tools.
Step 5: Be ethical Present your work in the original way it was shot and avoid any manipulation. Distorting any facts will damage your credibility.
Step 6: Become familiar with the business side Learn about business issues such as contracts, copyright law, and finance.
Step 7: Keep up with the technology Understand new technologies and stay up to date on equipment such as new cameras or hard drives.
Step 8: Don’t do it for the money Be passionate. Most photojournalists don’t become rich, but still earn plenty to live on.
FACT: Did you know? The term photography comes from the Greek words "phos" meaning "light" and "graphos" meaning "writing."