Intermediate Photojournalist Checklist

 Storytelling & Shooting

•  Plan and shoot multi-image photo stories
•  Capture a beginning, middle, and end in your sequences
•  Include a variety of shots: wide, medium, tight, detail
•  Focus on underreported or local stories
•  Revisit scenes or subjects over time to build depth

Editing & Curation

•  Narrow edits to only the strongest, most essential frames
•  Avoid duplicates or near-identical frames in final stories
•  Maintain a working portfolio of 12–20 strong images
•  Organize images into themes or projects—not random galleries

Captions & Metadata

•  Write accurate, complete AP-style captions for each photo
•  Include full metadata (who, what, when, where, why)
•  Credit all images properly and consistently

Workflow & Archiving

•  Edit efficiently using tools like Lightroom or Photo Mechanic
•  Keep a clean folder structure for shoots/projects
•  Use cloud and physical backups
•  Keyword and tag images for future retrieval

Professional Development

•  Pitch stories to local or regional editors
•  Follow up after assignments with thank-yous and follow-ups
•  Build or refine a clean, mobile-friendly online portfolio
•  Apply to grants, contests, and exhibitions
•  Keep a basic contract or licensing agreement template on hand

Community & Growth

•  Ask for critique from trusted pros, not just compliments
•  Join professional groups (e.g., NPPA, Women Photograph, Diversify Photo)
•  Follow and study the work of respected photojournalists
•  Stay up to date on current issues in journalism and ethics

Gear & Versatility

•  Be confident shooting in low light, weather, and fast action
•  Carry the right gear for each type of assignment
•  Know how to work fast and light with minimal setup
•  Practice using primes or limited gear to sharpen skills

Personal Projects

•  Work on a longer-term photo story with personal significance
•  Set aside time to shoot outside of assignments
•  Keep a list of story ideas or moments worth following up