Photojournalist Paper
Due 3/31/15
Each student will be required to select and contact a
working photojournalist, conduct an interview and write a paper on the
experience. The project will require research and preparation, and the ability
to contact the photojournalist. Every effort should be made to try and
accompany the photojournalist on an assignment. This will require planning and
coordination.
*WEDDING & COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
**ONLY WORKING PHOTOJOURNALISTS & NEWS PHOTOGRAPHERS!
***SELECT SOMEONE WITH REAL EXERIENCE –at least 5 years.
The goal of this assignment is for students to learn
something about the field of photojournalism, which is undergoing cataclysmic
changes, from a working professional who can offer personal insight. In
addition to the list of questions below, students should prepare their own set
of questions. Research on photographer’s background should be completed BEFORE
interview session.
Be inquisitive. Get their advice. Get a sense of the
photographer’s attitude, style, and perspective. This is a unique opportunity
to get some real career insight, even in photojournalism is not in your future.
There is much that can be learned from professionals in related fields.
1. The written paper should be minimum 2000 words (2-3
pages, no more), and written in the student’s own words... DO NOT PLAGIARIZE.
The written report must be a WORD document.
-12pt font, single-space, and submitted to the DROP FOLDER.
2. Shoot your own photo of the photojournalist, hopefully in
action.
-Copy and paste 2-3 photos of photographers work into WORD
document.
-Copy and paste 1-2 of your photos into WORD document.
3. The paper MUST follow this outline:
I. BACKGROUND
-Why was photographer selected?
-What is the photographer’s background?
-How did they get interested and started?
-Etc.
II. PHOTOGRAPHY WORK
-What type of work or projects is the photographer known
for?
-List examples, and gives description.
-Copy and paste at least 2 photos into WORD document.
-Who do they work for now, in the past?
-Describe their job/assignments.
Etc.
III. JOB
-Describe their job/assignments.
-What aspects of their jobs are most satisfying? Least
satisfying?
- What aspects of their jobs are most difficult?
-What advice do they have for young journalists?
-What are the most important skills to have to be a
successful photojournalist?
-What changes in the business have they experienced?
-What does the future hold for photojournalists?
DO’s AND DON’Ts:
-Do not wait until the last minute to contact the
photographer.
-Do not expect the photographer to get back to you
immediately.
-Be persistent and assertive, and don’t wait for returned
calls. Be proactive.
-Do research BEFORE contacting them. Impress them with what
you already know about them. This will most likely lead to a better interview,
and will show respect for their time.
-Ask for help in making initial contact.
-Make every opportunity to accompany them on an assignment.
Where to find a photojournalist?
-Get in the habit of looking for credits under published
photos.
-your local newspaper
-Visit photojournalism web sites:
www.nppa.org (National Press Photogs Association)
www.sportshooter.com (not just sports)
http://www.aphotoaday.org/ (a photo a day web site &
blog)
www.njppa.org (New Jersey Press Photogs Association)
-NJ.com
-The Record northjersey.com
-The Asbury Park Press
-The Herald News
-The NY Times
-Review the PPP’s.
