GET HIRED AS A JOURNALIST - How I became a TV News Photographer

Starting your career as a Photojournalist right out of college may seem hard to do, but if you follow these steps your transition will go amazingly. I explain how I started as a floor crew camera operator, then got promoted to become an editor, and finally landed my job as a TV News Photographer.

One major misconception is that many people believe you have to have been a journalism major at your university. But that isn't true - many TV stations, including the one I currently work at (KOB TV, channel 4 news) will hire people with any degree at all, as long as you demonstrate your skills through making a reel. Putting a reel together is one of the best pieces of advice that I have for anyone interested in getting a job at a TV station. I was a film student, and they didn't bat an eye at hiring me. I was able to use my knowledge I got from film school to learn a new type of visual storytelling.

Here I explain how I got my first broadcast journalism job in the industry, and how filming and editing a reel helped me get hired. Additionally you can't forget the importance of writing a resume and cover letter. Tailoring your resume and researching your cover letter are two vital steps that I don't see enough college students doing as they try to apply for jobs in the field of broadcast journalism.

Here I present my lessons about getting a job in video broadcast news. Whether you're wanting to be a photojournalist, a reporter, a producer, or an editor, you can follow the steps I took in order to land an interview and ultimately get a job at a TV news station.

Considering a career in video journalism? The steps I took in order to start my life as a photog, and what I did to land my first impressions. How I used my knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro to get hired as an editor, and then learned how to edit in AVID via on the job training.

A bit of vernacular for ya'll, the job of being a photojournalist is also called being a 'photographer' or even shorter - a photog.

Knowing about visual human storytelling has been the bedrock of my success in the world of news professionals. It has been crucial for me getting my footage aired on TV.

Why I moved from Las Cruces to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I had to move for my job, because I wanted to work as an editor, and then as a photographer at KOB-TV in ABQ NM.

A camera operator, also called a cameraman or camerawoman, "films the action" on the sets of movies and television shows, or at live events like concerts and sports competitions. When a news reporter broadcasts from a remote location or a television studio, the camera operator records it for the audience at home to watch either live or at some later time.

How to Become a Camera Operator
Many employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a bachelor's degree in film, broadcasting, or a related discipline. This formal training, however, is not enough. Camera operators must know their way around a tv or movie set. To gain experience, many begin their careers as production assistants. This job includes running errands and tending to simple tasks.

What Soft Skills Will Help You Succeed in This Career?
Will you make a good camera operator? The answer to this question depends on whether you have specific soft skills. These are personal qualities you were either born with or acquired through life experience. Camera operators must be creative. They need excellent visual skills and eye-hand coordination. The ability to pay attention to detail is also essential. Camera operators collaborate with producers and directors, making superb listening and speaking skills a necessity.

What Employers Will Expect From You
Here are some requirements from actual job announcements found on Indeed.com:

"Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time"
"Can carry up to 50 pounds"
"Ability to work flexible schedule, including nights and weekends"
"Ability to work from a standing position for a 2-3 hour period"
"Must be eager for unique camera shots"
"Ability to multi-task and work in a high pressure fast paced environment, usually with tight and changing deadlines"
"Must be available to work all shifts, including early mornings, evenings, holidays, and weekends"
"Dedication, patience, and stamina are needed"

News Cameraman job

IG: waldenglass

#newsjobs #journalismcareer #cameramanjob