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Photojournalist Resume Samples
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6-10 years of experience
Selected for transfer to Washington DC based on exceptional performance in Beijing, China. Capture photos of significant events of the White House and Capitol Hill and manage feature projects including hearings and press conferences. Research background and facts to provide captions for each edited photo.
- Led the editing of team coverage of President Obama’s address to the joint session of Congress in both 2010 and 2013.
- Visually documented the 2012 Presidential election while also appointed to provide pool photographic coverage of the four 2012 Presidential election public debates.
- Selected to take photos of the New START nuclear treaty signing in Prague.
- Covered events and political presentations surrounding the passage of historic health care legislation.
- Managed social media platforms; accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook; publishing news on regular basis
0-5 years of experience
- Assisted production team with the layout of the daily publication
- Managed and trained a team of 10 photographers
- Photographed a wide range of college sports, events, and profiles on a daily basis
- Edited personal and staff photographs for each section, and produced cutlines for all photographs of an award winning newspaper reaching 14,000 readers daily
- Implemented a new approach in the hiring and training of new photographers resulting in the photography staff having an increase in productivity by 30%
- Created new methods of communication with publication staff thereby simplifying the distribution of assignments and increasing the production rate by 10%
6-10 years of experience
Captured crucial investigative record and information imagery documentation
- Dispensed time-crucial alert photography support to Base Security Forces
- Oversaw customer support operations, coordinated customers’ schedules and produced superior digital photographic prints
- Managed process for transmitting, receiving and archiving imagery for investigative purposes
- Accomplished in computer-based photo-editing software skills, selected and edited imagery to enhance Air Force publications
- Continually inspected and directed a detailed inventory of $500,000 photographic equipment; ensured 100% accountability and functionality of all equipment
- Created and managed website posts and blogs concerning deployment information while deployed to Afghanistan; ensured maximum content exposure on an international level
0-5 years of experience
Oversaw the instruction of 100+ service members in basic still photography theories, principals and imagery techniques.
- Developed and implemented over 16 lesson plans covering 104+ hours of instruction.
- Administered practical exercises, field/classroom activities and knowledge exams in order to assist students in meeting course objectives.
- Provided guidance, technical direction and evaluated student progress with imagery composition techniques.
- Analyzed deficiencies in students whose academic progress indicated probable failure and recommended means to overcome deficiencies.
- Counseled students concerning their academic progress, performance deficiencies.
0-5 years of experience
Managed product development as a Noncommissioned officer.
- Contributed articles to 15,000 issues published weekly to more than 127,000 readers.
- Managed social media sites that included DVIDs, Army CORE, Facebook and Twitter.
- Designed visuals for customer basted interaction and feedback.
0-5 years of experience
- Developed the humanitarian project and raised $5,000 in the 1st month.
- Selected and managed creative teams in US, UK and Europe.
- Conceptualized and photographed 100+ photo sessions.
- Planned and executed multi-media exhibition featuring 30 compelling stories.
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for shooting and editing highlights of Prep games that aired on TV and website.
- Made sure high school website content was updated in timely manner.
- Organized and have good news judgment.
- Operated camera and editing equipment.
- Communicated and coordinate coverage plans to the rest of the department.
- Produced, wrote and edited feature stories.
- Experience with Edius editing system.
0-5 years of experience
Supervised administration of Army public affairs programs primarily through news releases, newspaper articles, web-based material and photographs for use in command newsletter and civilian newspapers.
- Researched, prepared, and distributed news releases on Army personnel and activities.
- Gathered information for military news programs and publications.
- Arranged and conducted interviews with local soldiers, commanders, city and state officials to gather information for feature news and promotional articles.
- Coordinated with retention and recruiting sections to increase publicity efforts.
- Deployed and redeployed personnel and equipment to a warzone in Afghanistan.
- Trained and managed a team that researched and facilitated reporters from news agencies from around the world.
10+ years of experience
Responsible for shooting news, sports and feature assignments, editing and captioning images
- Teamed with town editors and reporters to improve local coverage
- Progressed from weekly community paper to major metro daily as photo staffs were combined with other Sun-Times Media properties
- Acted as fill-in photo chief, managing as many at 15 staffers and countless freelancers for weeks at a time
- Assigned as many as 50 weekday and 100 weekend assignments while attending editors meetings and fielding a constant flow of questions and phone requests
- Developed and documented numerous short and long-term photo stories using contacts and local connections cultivated over the years.
- Utilized experience gained while migrating from black and white wet darkrooms through mechanized processing of color film and scanners to full digital imaging and video with remote transmission
- Worked to improve and streamline the department’s imaging and assignment workflow
0-5 years of experience
Oversaw media sponsorship contracts.
- Organized photography sessions with clients.
- Assisted in managing social media pages that reach over 600,000 people.
- Coordinated partnerships with domestic and international companies to provide media coverage of motorsport events.
0-5 years of experience
- Produced daily content for broadcast news
- Shot video, edited, conducted interviews, wrote scripts, voiced packages, etc.
- Managed time between projects, meeting hard, daily deadlines
- Responded to breaking news at a moment’s notice
- Worked both independently, as well as in close partnerships
0-5 years of experience
Conceptualized and created UTM Unlimited, a special series of UTM features
- Conceptualized and created Voice It! a blog for students to voice their opinions
- Designed all feature print layouts
- Photographed and wrote feature articles
- Created both photo galleries and videos
- Copy edited both print and online material
- Wrote articles, designed page layouts and copy edited 2013 Taking Flight magazine
- Helped to compile 2012-2013 Special Commencement Issue
0-5 years of experience
Managed photo department for tri-weekly newspaper with exceptional organizational skills.
- Produced award winning photographs for advertising and editorial sections.
- Worked with a diverse group of journalist in a fast paced environment to meet deadlines tri-weekly.
- Responsible for generating all lab work.
- Special Recognition: 1988 Washington Newspaper Publishers Association-2nd place
- Best of Color Photo, Features.
0-5 years of experience
Operations Supervisor
- Oversaw and facilitated media movement into and out of Kandahar and outlying areas by arranging vehicle convoy, helicopter and airplane reservations and liaising with down range units receiving media
- Arranged transportation of bulk material when required
- Wrote and submitted articles for publication
0-5 years of experience
- Used journalism skill to deliver Altus Air Force Base key messages to a community of more than 24,000.
- Accomplished a myriad of photographic assignments utilizing various techniques and digital photography systems.
- Used computer and customer service skills to service a community of 4,000+. Efficient in Microsoft Office applications and Adobe applications.
- Wing Staff Airman of the Year. Organized and led four tours for local boy scouts and high schools.
- Published more than 400 images and 90 articles of Altus Air Force Base Mission to reach worldwide viewers.
- Supervised group Self Aid and Emergency Medical Readiness program. Ensured compliance of seventeen agencies and ninety personnel.
- Selected for Community Relations office. Coordinated with Altus Chamber of Commerce to organize nine city-wide events to improve base and community relations.
- Documented largest single day delivery of relief items in fifteen years. 125,000 pounds of food delivered to more than ten-thousand children.
- Supported eight military installations by documenting NATO Patriot Missile Deployment during joint-service mission to Turkey.
0-5 years of experience
Produced photos, stories, press releases and media advisories for publication that highlighted any advances in Navy Medicine or NMCSD’s personnel and NMCSD’s continuous efforts to improve patient care.
- Informed local media of special events happening at NMCSD such as technological advances or exceptional personnel.
- Tracked and archived any video or print publications that involved Naval Medical Center San Diego or staff.
- Escorted distinguished visitors around the hospital.
- Worked as front desk team lead at the hospital, ensuring my staff maintained the high standards that come along with wearing a military uniform.
- Provided customer service to patients, staff and visitors needing assistance in any way possible.
0-5 years of experience
Wrote articles, profiles, previews and reviews on a variety of East End topics
- Provided a variety of dynamic photography for all stories
- Shot photos of a variety of events, including events, parties and festivals
- Color corrected photos and edited for size
10+ years of experience
Provide news, feature, and sports photography as well as photography cut lines for publication into two local newspapers.
- Proficient in Microsoft Windows XP and Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and printing.
- Have photographed high profile heads of state, as well as elite college and professional athletes.
- Some Works have been published in national trade magazines.
0-5 years of experience
Photograph newsworthy events and people for use in Our Time Press publication, using still camera. Travel to assigned location and take pictures.
- Write copy for features. Develop negatives and print film. Submit negatives and pictures to editorial personnel.
- Documented images for the entertainment, features and spot news.
- Wrote narration to accompany images captured.
6-10 years of experience
- Produced, directed and edited SportsZone, a weekly thirty-minute interview program featuring nationally known players, coaches, authors and sports management guests
- Primary photojournalist and EFP specialist for all field productions including Media Day interviews for Big 12 and Conference USA basketball and football. Segments edited and distributed nationally on [company name]
- Principal handheld camera specialist for live and tape delayed sports production remotes
0-5 years of experience
Researched, shot, and edited documentary videos for web – Published content to website, social media and TV – Shot promotional photos
- Shot and edited photos for web, social media, archives – Edited reporter photos
- Videographer for documentary, music, talk show shoots – Assistant Director for Lost River Sessions music program
- Wrote articles, captions in AP style
0-5 years of experience
- Shot and edited news pieces for daily broadcast
- Operated ENG, satellite trucks, and Flir helicopter camera
- Created promotional materials and generated news content through contacts
0-5 years of experience
- Edited “photo essay” section: wrote about the weekly selected candidate with portraits
- Field photographer & videographer for weekly newspaper
- Translating articles from Korean to English and vice versa
- Researched stories for the articles
0-5 years of experience
Work together with correspondents and producers to create engaging stories for an international audience.
- Knowledge of Sony PDW 700 XDCAM Camcorder
- Work with non-linear editing software – Final Cut Pro and Dalet
- Run robotic cameras, teleprompter, and camera jib for live newscast
- Ability to technical direct live talk backs for segments of newscast
0-5 years of experience
Operate and supervise all automated and live cameras in studio for My Sun Coast News
- Work closely with the Director to finalize daily screen plays and manage daily video production
- Write and edit English, Spanish, and Russian sub-titles for on-air news interviews
- Film daily news programs using a variety of camera equipment including Sony PMW XDCAM, Sony PDW-530, and Nikon D3200
- Experienced working with several advanced digital audio systems including the Max Air, S5 Fusion, and System 5
0-5 years of experience
Operate and supervise all automated and live cameras in studio for My Sun Coast News
- Work closely with the Director to finalize daily screen plays and manage daily video production
- Write and edit English, Spanish, and Russian sub-titles for on-air news interviews
- Film daily news programs using a variety of camera equipment including Sony PMW XDCAM, Sony PDW-530, and Nikon D3200
- Experienced working with several advanced digital audio systems including the Max Air, S5 Fusion, and System 5
0-5 years of experience
- Responsible for recording and editing multiple stories daily with reporter under strict deadlines
- Only photojournalist sent to manage all 2010 Orange Bowl and 2009 Outback Bowl video coverage
- Create content for broadcast i.e. conduct interviews and copy for shows
- Efficient in recognizing and using the best video and sound available to keep the viewer watching and engaged
- Responsible for all video content during the Iowa Floods of ’08 wall to wall coverage while managing all editors
- Edited 2.5 hours of video content for 4 different newscasts daily
0-5 years of experience
Worked three nights a week editing photographs for production the following day.
- Went on various assignments each day to cover every event on campus.
- Worked 2-3 hours each day (non-assignment) for office hours where I edited photos and sorted them into folders.
- Assist the visual editor in organizing assignments, camera equipment and hosting weekly meetings.
- Organized folders and photographs, kept in contact with every photojournalist and worked five nights a week in the office editing photographs for production.
- Interviewed and hired every photographer on the visual desk.
- Taught each photographer how to edit their photographs and place them in the correct folders.
- Kept track of camera equipment, checked equipment in and out to photographers and conducted weekly meetings to pass out assignments.
- Worked closely with professors, collegues and students to produce a daily newspaper. Attended twice daily editorial meetings.
Photojournalist Duties and Responsibilities
Photojournalists employed in any venue perform the same or similar core tasks. We have examined several job listings and found the following to be among those duties and responsibilities most often mentioned by employers seeking individuals to fill this position:
Take Pictures and Videos for News Outlets Working independently or directly for news stations or magazines, photojournalists take pictures and videos to accompany stories or that visually tell a story on their own. Photojournalists employ styles as outlined by specific sources, use appropriate lighting techniques, and are willing to shoot pictures in indoor studios or outdoor locations. They take pictures recording breaking news, sports events, investigative features, or political news stories.
Use Photo Software to Edit and Enhance Images Photojournalists often make use of editing software to touch up or enhance images as needed. They might use software to add or edit sound, crop pictures to fit certain media, or edit pictures to accompany stories.
Maintain Photography Equipment Photojournalists make sure that their digital cameras and video recorders are working properly. They must update equipment or make repairs as needed to capture the clearest and most compelling images needed to support or enhance news stories. They must possess the creativity to incorporate the most updated photography technologies into their assignments.
Attend Editorial Meetings and Suggest Story/Photo Ideas Photojournalists often attend meetings with reporters, editors, and other staff members to add their creativity to current stories, make suggestions for photo opportunities in future stories, and suggest story topics for which they can lend their services.
Photojournalist Skills and Qualifications
Creative, detail-oriented individuals with an eye for images that would capture readers’ attention are often the most successful photojournalists. The following skills and abilities are among those most commonly sought by employers of these professionals:
- Equipment skills – thorough knowledge of digital camera equipment, lighting equipment, lenses, and other necessary photography tools is essential to photojournalists
- Editing skills – knowing what to enhance and what to take away from images is an important ability for photojournalists to master
- Creativity – photojournalists must consistently find creative ways in which to visually depict the stories they are covering to draw readers in and maintain interest in stories covered by the magazine/news station/website they are working for
- Collaboration – it is crucial that photojournalists work closely with reporters, editors, and news managers to generate story ideas, review images, and assist in choosing which stories would benefit from their photography skills
- Organizational skills – a photojournalist might spend anywhere from a day to a week shooting images in various locations, for various stories, and it is important that they maintain organization of their images and corresponding stories
- Time management – often being involved in breaking news or current stories, photojournalists must be adept at keeping to schedules and delivering edited images for stories in a short period of time
- Flexibility – stories do not often break at any set time; photojournalists have to be available at different times and days; their schedule must be flexible to accommodate the last-minute needs of their employers
Photojournalist Education and Training
Many employers seek candidates for photojournalist positions who hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications. The completion of photography courses at a community or vocational college, such as those offering courses in photography techniques, design, and equipment usage, can be helpful and are sometimes required by some employers. Often, a photojournalist might be asked to produce a portfolio; this useful employment tool can be created by apprenticing or working for an experienced photojournalist or photographer for a time before embarking on this career.
Photojournalist Salary
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes the median annual salary for all photographers, including photojournalists, to be $34,070. Those earning in the 10th percentile make $19,110 annually, while top earners realize a yearly salary of $76,220. Photojournalists employed by newspaper, periodical, and other publishers see a mean annual wage of $46,670, while those in radio and television broadcasting make slightly more at $49,230. Annual mean salaries for this type of work is reportedly highest in states such as the District of Columbia ($63,750), New York ($61,530), Massachusetts ($60,130), and California ($51,080); notably, where many top newspaper and magazine publishers, as well as news media, are located. With the decline in print news expected to continue, the BLS reports an expected 34 percent drop in the employment of photojournalists through 2026. However, this decline can be offset by the need for photojournalists for electronic and video media. In addition, the employment rate of freelance photographers is expected to rise 12 percent over the same time period, expanding the possibilities for self-employed photojournalists.
Photojournalist Helpful Resources
The additional resources below shed more light on what it takes to become and work as a photojournalist. If you want to learn more about this exciting career, click on the following links:
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) – The NPPA offers networking and training opportunities, as well as conferences, workshops, and competitions. It provides a great outlet for photojournalists to mingle with other professionals and improve and hone their skills.
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) – Founded in 1944, the ASMP offers photojournalists webinars, podcasts, forums, current news, and professional advocacy.
Storytelling for Photojournalists: Reportage and Documentary Photography Techniques – Capturing a photojournalistic image is more than just pointing the camera at an opportune time; use the book to find details about idea development, proper equipment choice, cultural issues to consider, and more.
Photojournalism Now – A website containing current photojournalistic images along with commentaries, interviews, and articles.
PDN Pulse – In the photojournalism section of this photography blog site, you’ll find articles offering insight into best practices, professional tips, current news, and other relevant information for photojournalists.
PHOTOJOURNALIST: The Life Story of Ara Guler – What better way to find out about any career than to examine the professional life of one who has succeeded at it? This book explores the techniques, accomplishments, and images of the award-winning photojournalist.
Photojournalism: The Professionals’ Approach (7th edition) – Review interviews with professionals, information about photojournalism in social media, case studies, and business practices for photojournalists in this comprehensive and insightful book.