TIPS & TRICKS
Articles, Guides and Resources for Photojournalists
Checklist for Beginner Photojournalists
Getting Started
- Learn what photojournalism is and study its history
- Understand the ethics of photojournalism (truth, consent, objectivity)
- Get comfortable using a camera in manual mode (shutter, aperture, ISO)
- Start photographing events around you: school, local parks, public gatherings
- Always carry a camera or smartphone—be ready to shoot
Shooting & Storytelling
- Practice capturing candid, storytelling moments
- Shoot from different angles: wide, medium, close-up
- Think in sequences: try to tell a story in 3-5 photos
- Shoot with purpose—don’t just take random pictures
Captions & Context
- Write simple, clear captions that include who, what, when, where, and why
- Ask for people’s names and titles when photographing them
- Save captions with your images for easy organizing later
Technical & Practical Skills
- Shoot in RAW format if possible for better editing control
- Use natural light effectively—avoid using flash in most news situations
- Start learning basic photo editing in Lightroom or free tools like Snapseed
- Organize your files and keep backups of your images
Building Confidence
- Introduce yourself politely when photographing people
- Get used to photographing in public without fear
- Ask permission when appropriate—especially in sensitive situations
Learning & Growth
- Study great photojournalists and their work
- Join photography clubs, workshops, or online communities
- Ask for feedback on your photos from people you trust
- Keep shooting every week—even when you’re not on assignment