Photographer

A news gathering Photojournalist operates camera and editing equipment for the purpose of gathering the news and documenting society.    The primary role of a photojournalist is the faithful and comprehensive depiction of the subject at hand.  The photojournalist will both shoot and edit material for station broadcasts and digital platforms also operate the equipment responsible for transmitting gathered material back to the station.  The skills of a photojournalist are both creative and technical and require the individual to make numerous decisions throughout the work day that will support and enhance our ability to gather and present a quality product on deadline.  Photojournalists will work independently and as a team with other journalists.

The responsibilities of a Photojournalist are numerous, and they can vary depending on the situation and assignment.  The following outlines the core duties:

• Shoot and edit material for on-air and online productions such as newscasts, sports, special events, special programs and digital platforms, for example. Work closely with reporters, producers, assignment editors and other newsroom employees on producing content suitable for on air and online broadcasts.

• Operate ENG live trucks and/or other station vehicles. Considerable time each day is spent driving to various story locations.  Once at a location, photojournalists are responsible for setting up any technical equipment associated with capturing the story, editing the story, and performing a live shot.

• Troubleshoot technical problems with equipment (both in the field and at the station). The photojournalist must have the technical aptitude to solve or find work around solutions to potential problems to ensure content deadlines are met. Difficult situations that arise in the field do not necessarily always involve equipment problems or failures though they do happen.  Whether it is due to equipment problems or other unforeseen complications, the photojournalist will need to find other ways to accomplish the task at hand by relying on their technical skills and experience. 

• Communicate with the public and the newsroom. Photojournalists must deal with all sorts of people in all sorts of situations.  Whether it is firefighters or police, athletes or politicians, or regular citizens in difficult situations, the photojournalist’s job is to get these people to talk to the camera.  At times the photojournalist may be sent to a scene alone and will need to get the sound and pictures from a breaking news event.  They can also be required to gather the relevant information for the story by taking notes, etc. and relying crucial information back to the station.

• Use additional production skills and techniques to enhance story presentation and maintain the highest quality control (examples include: proper lighting techniques; proper shot composition; ensuring proper technical standards are met; proper use of audio and sound; video editing techniques and making editorial decisions to determine what pictures best tell the story).

Must have a Valid Drivers’ License and pass live truck safety test. 

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism or other related field. 

Minimum of three years’ experience as a news photographer and editor.  Knowledge of journalism and production standards and techniques.  Experience with the operation of digital camera’s and non-linear editing equipment.

Proven production techniques as it relates to shooting and editing together.  Must be able to produce interesting and visual news packages.  Ability to contribute ideas and execute same in regard to on-air appearance of all edited material. 

Must understand technical terms and language used in newsrooms and control rooms, etc.  Ability to adapt to a fast paced quickly changing technical environment.  Ability to function in stressful situations and meet deadlines.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with piers and superiors. 

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