By Darren Gilbert
As photographer and cinematographer, Andreas Georghiou, says, it’s one thing to hear about a revolution unfolding, and another to be visually transported to the centre of it. “I believe that these are the types of images which end up changing the world by inspiring people to take action against injustice,” says Georghiou. Having said that, it does take a certain kind of individual to be a
good photojournalist.
A good photojournalist is a good storyteller
Similar to any writer or journalist, a photojournalist is a storyteller. However, it does need to be mentioned that having a camera doesn’t make you a photojournalist. Award-winning photographer, Herman Verwey, believes this too.
“Photojournalism isn’t just pointing your camera in a general direction of where something is taking place,” he says. “It is a vital part of the storytelling machine and it takes a highly-skilled and professional photographer to be a successful photojournalist.”
Independent Newspapers photojournalist Bertram Malgas agrees, saying any good photojournalist must be able to “pre-visualise images before picking up their camera”. In order to do that, photojournalists need to be up to date and informed so they can transport their audience into the story they’re covering.
“People are not interested in anything they cannot personally relate to in some way,” says Georghiou. For example, if the subject is scared, the primary objective of the photojournalist is to capture that fear and make the viewer feel it too.
A day in the life of a photojournalist
There is no average day in the life of a photojournalist. This is why it is so important that any good photojournalist can think on their feet. And as Malgas says, to know what to look for.
“[Working as] a photojournalist, you experience different emotions – from anger to excitement, all in one day,” explains Malgas. “Recently, I photographed the #FeesMustFall protests, where police shot rubber bullets at students. On the same day, I covered a Ciroc Vodka event which featured top South African celebrities.”
Verwey agrees; “Each day is unique, and you never know what you are going to do. It can be a boring interview with a politician, or it can be the most violent day you have ever had in your life.”
Highs and lows
Unfortunately, there are a number of realities that photojournalists have to face. For one, as Malgas points out, photojournalism is a tough industry to get into. “It’s all about your portfolio, and not always about the qualifications you have behind your name,” he says. “It’s also a small industry and everyone knows everyone.”
At the same time, the job is physically and emotionally draining; it’s not your typical Monday to Friday, nine to five job.
On the other hand, there are incredible highs. “The best part of my job is that I am recording history in my country,” says Verwey. “Years from now people will look back, and photography is a great way to tell history with.” For Malgas it’s when the images he’s taken are featured prominently in the following day’s paper.
Do you work as a photojournalist? We’d like to hear about your experiences. Tell us your story in the comments below.