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Photo Journalism



Course Description

This is an introductory course in photojournalism presented in a multimedia context. The course will be taught as a hands-on workshop. Instruction will progress from basic camera operation and the news “one shot” to more comprehensive visual storytelling that may incorporate audio, video or other multimedia components. Photographs, presented alone or as an essay in a multimedia context, continue to provide the photojournalists who make them a uniquely powerful window onto the world in which we live. Some of the topics will include single image stories, camera and technique, photo essay production, presentation and the professional marketplace, news, copyright, ethics, gender and war photography.


Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to

  • Examine and discuss the role of photojournalists and the images they produce.
  • Critically discuss and apply traditional news values, such as impact, timeliness, objectivity and human interest to the photojournalism images.
  • Produce photographs that complement and add value to written news and feature stories.
  • Identify and analyse ethical issues and decisions relevant to the activities of photojournalists
  • Identify, evaluate and critically analyse cultural, historical and theoretical practices which contextualise  photo journalism practice


Course content

  • Comprehensive instruction in the use of camera , including an introduction to the super-wide and telephoto lenses, flashes and other accessories
  • The essential elements of good visual storytelling
  • How to photograph the single-image news and feature assignment
  • Techniques for developing and structuring professional caliber long-form photo stories
  •  How to edit, caption, keyword and organize large numbers of photos and audio
  • Intermediate/advanced use of post-production software including Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, a variety of photo content management tools (CMS) such as Photo Mechanic, and several online presentation tools such as iPhoto, Jux, and WordPress.
  • Tools and standards for building a professional portfolio and presenting visual work online.


Required Reading Materials

·         Kobre, K. (2008). Photojournalism: The Professionals' Approach. (6th ed.). Oxford, UK: Focal Press Inc.

·         Mindy, M. (2005). Flash Journalism. (5th ed.).Oxford, UK: Focal Press Inc.