We now live in a world where people choose to get their news from
their iPhones, Blackberrys and online, the newspapers taking big
financial losses. Newspaper subscriptions and advertising revenues are
way down and some newspaper are even closing up shop altogether. For
those newspaper that are still operational upper level management are
cutting back staff at a remarkable rate. Many professional
photojournalists, editors and reporters are being laid off or forced to
do twice the amount of work they were originally hired to do. However
the demand for quality news photos and videos remains high. With reduced
amount of staff photographers newspapers must still provide photos for
their newspaper daily, but it isn't always that easy.
As newspapers continue to struggle to provide the best news coverage with their reduced staff they often turn to freelance photographers also known as Stringers to fill the pages with breaking news photos as well as video clips for their website. These newspaper Stringers earn anywhere from $75-200 per photo and sometimes even more for video content that is used on a national television show.
Breaking into the news photo business isn't as hard as it may sound and you can actually get started today if you have the proper equipment and motivation.
What are some of the things you will need to get started?
The objective is to get to the scene and make dramatic photos of the scene before newspaper or television photographers get there. The best time to hunt for news is late at night from 12am-4am as this is when most of the news staff is off, meaning no competition for you. It is possible to get exclusive content during the day but is usually more difficult because of the increased competition and traffic.
A reliable stringer with proven results can also accept photo assignments from newspapers, magazines and TV stations around the world adding to the money you make nightly chasing spot news.
As newspapers continue to struggle to provide the best news coverage with their reduced staff they often turn to freelance photographers also known as Stringers to fill the pages with breaking news photos as well as video clips for their website. These newspaper Stringers earn anywhere from $75-200 per photo and sometimes even more for video content that is used on a national television show.
Breaking into the news photo business isn't as hard as it may sound and you can actually get started today if you have the proper equipment and motivation.
What are some of the things you will need to get started?
- Digital SLR camera
- Police Scanner
- Cellphone
- Laptop with wireless access
- Reliable vehicle
- Long zoom lens 70-200mm is fine
The objective is to get to the scene and make dramatic photos of the scene before newspaper or television photographers get there. The best time to hunt for news is late at night from 12am-4am as this is when most of the news staff is off, meaning no competition for you. It is possible to get exclusive content during the day but is usually more difficult because of the increased competition and traffic.
A reliable stringer with proven results can also accept photo assignments from newspapers, magazines and TV stations around the world adding to the money you make nightly chasing spot news.
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