Qualities and Duties of a Photojournalist

Like a writer, a photojournalist is a reporter but he or she must often make decisions instantly and carry photographic equipment, often while exposed to significant obstacles. For e.g., physical danger, weather, crowds, etc.

The primary role of the photojournalist is to be a visual storyteller. By photographing, editing, and presenting images, they tell a story in a way that no other media can. The subject matter can vary greatly, from local issues, national political races to social unrest in a foreign country.

Photojournalists must be knowledgeable about the tools of the trade. They need to be able to use digital as well as print photography equipment, editing tools, and publication software. Because more than half of all photojournalists are self-employed, there is often no photo editor in the middle of the process. He or she should be familiar with lighting, setting up for best exposure, and picture quality is critical for professional level photos. Timing is everything for a photojournalist, and they must have an eye for set up and the reflexes to grab that split-second opportunity.

Duties of a Photojournalist

1. Take photographs or film video segments.

2. Process and print negatives or film.

3. Capture images in an authentic and ethical manner.

4. Write copy, captions or headlines to accompany photos.

5. Use image-editing software such as Photoshop to edit images.

6. Prepare audio to accompany video segments.

7. Pitch ideas and photographs to editorial staff.

8. Travel to photo shoot locations.

9. Editphotographs or video for publication specific to Internet.

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Qualities or Values of a Reporter

There are certain qualities that make a reporter good at his/her job. Some of them are:

1. Accuracy

Accuracy is very important for a reporter. A reporter must obtain credible and precise information. Carelessness in newsgathering may result in an inaccurate and unreal news story.

2. Clarity

A reporter must attain clearness in expressing a news item. Transparency, continuity, and simplicity are the basic elements that make a news story clear and consumable.

3. Objectivity

A reporter should not be biased, in order to achieve balance in the news report. A reporter must be objective while reporting news, by accepting all different views on the report. Personal biases and one sided views may curb the truthfulness of the news story.

4. Nose for news

It is the basic quality of a reporter to find a news item. A nose for news or news sense refers to the eagerness and interest in searching for news. It helps the reporter to distinguish between news items from non – news items. A reporter should compare various news values and find the relevance of the news item.

5. Awareness

A reporter should be aware of the recent happenings and trending events. He/she should be alert and prepared all the time. This will help in finding exclusive news stories. Awareness of a subject will lead to finding major news stories on various events.

6. Punctuality

Punctuality is an important quality for a reporter. Being late to an event or meeting will cost heavily for a reporter. If a reporter is late, then he/she will have to depend on other sources for the news. Still, there are chances of missing an important piece of information on the event.

7. Speed

News reporting is a rat race. A slow reporter can never sustain in the industry. A reporter must think fast and act fast. If they are not fast enough to deliver information on time, some others will take their place. The news industry is crucial time bounded and works on deadlines. A reporter may lose his/her job only for being slow and not completing their assignments on time.

8. Curiosity

A good reporter must be curious about news items. The curiosity of the reporter will lead to truthful information and facts.

9. Doubtfulness

A reporter should be doubtful about every information and statements they receive. He/she must be sceptic while dealing with subjects and sources. Not all information will be truthful and credible.

So a reporter should verify all the statements and information from other sources before adding it to the news story. Rechecking the information will help to omit false and intentional elements.

10. Honesty

Honesty and integrity are the important ethical values that a reporter must adhere to. Every journalist must follow a code of ethics and be honest to it. A reporter may be exposed to various kinds of temptations by people with vested interests. A dishonest reporter may fall into the hands of corruption and bias.

11. Creating a social circle

A social circle is the group of people a reporter keeps contacts with. A reporter should build widespread contacts in various sections of the society. Maintaining such social circles will help in news gathering.

12. Perception

While reporting an event or happenings the reporter should observe the facts and information carefully and find the inner meanings in it. Good perception will lead to good understating of the event.

13. Courage

A courageous reporter won’t hesitate to go to any extent to find the news. Only a courageous reporter could ask repulsive questions to politicians and higher officials. Reporting styles like sting operations and investigative journalism demand fearlessness and courage for fulfilling the task.

14. Diplomacy and image building

A reporter should be diplomatic and careful to handle sensitive situations and subjects. A flexible and thoughtful reporter could build a good image in the industry. 

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