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".
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 fêtes. 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.
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.
This research is key to my success because without proper instruction on how to take a good photograph my newspaper will look childish and lack an overall feel of professionalism. Press photography is difficult and the main image on a newspapers front cover will make it stand out, or not, from other newspapers. I have learnt and gained some idea about how to present and capture my own imagery and look forward to becoming more knowledgeable in this area.
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".
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 fêtes. 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.
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.
This research is key to my success because without proper instruction on how to take a good photograph my newspaper will look childish and lack an overall feel of professionalism. Press photography is difficult and the main image on a newspapers front cover will make it stand out, or not, from other newspapers. I have learnt and gained some idea about how to present and capture my own imagery and look forward to becoming more knowledgeable in this area.
