The main function of press photographers is to photograph newsworthy events.
Dramatic front-page news photographs sell newspapers, so press photography places particular demands and challenges on photographers. The pictures need to have a sense of immediacy and to portray the essence of a situation in one shot.
Press photographers, therefore, need to be able to get to situations quickly, since newspaper deadlines are very pressing and the photographs have to be prepared for publication. They will often be called upon to produce usable images under tough conditions.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work
- working in a creative field, which is perceived to be glamorous
- opportunities to freelance and set up own business
Demanding aspects
- doing detailed work
- sometimes working irregular hours
- working weekends, evenings and holidays
- being away from home for long periods, sometimes in dangerous places
Requirements
A press photographer should:
- have and show initiative;
- have a 'nose for news';
- be able to think, act and move quickly and spontaneously;
- be able to deal with people assertively and tactfully at all times as a press
camera can often incite hostility in a volatile situation;
- have sound technical knowledge to produce images under very adverse conditions;
- be versatile to be able to cover a range of different subjects in the course of a day.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Visual Arts
Training
Diploma: The N.Dip. Photography - CUT, CPUT, DUT, TUT, VUT, NMMU. The course takes 3 years to complete. At some of these universities of technology, a fourth year of study will culminate in the BTech Photography degree.
Certificate: Some technical colleges and various private colleges, such as the National College of Photography, offer a one-year Diploma in Professional Photography.
Short courses are offered by the Tshwane South College for FET and by the Professional Photographers of Southern Africa.
Most novices are expected to spend a few years as assistants, as practical experience is very important.
Employer
- newspapers (daily and weekly as well as quieter regional newspapers)
- self-employment, with freelance work
Contact
Professional Photographers of Southern Africa
National College of Photography
P O Box 12361
Hatfield, 0028
Tel. (012) 342- 4770 Fax: (012) 342-1821
www.photocollege.co.za