Press photographer
Press photographers produce up-to - date, reproducible images of people, processes or events for print media such as newspapers , journals , and magazines, but also for other media such as television stations or online media . They are the creators of current events. The classic entry point as a press photographer is usually a photographer training or a degree. A traineeship at local newspapers or photo agencies as a freelancer often paves the way for a career.
Essentially, this includes the photojournalism for two types of reporting: daily reporting (e.g. for daily newspapers) and reporting , which in the context of photojournalism focuses more on the topic than on the point in time. The photos taken by press photographers can include photos of politicians, public figures, people with a special social position, but in local reporting often also of ordinary people at local festivities, anniversaries and topics with local political relevance.
The employers of press photographers are mostly daily newspapers, magazines or picture agencies . In the context of the change in the media and increasing privatization, an ever increasing number of press photographers are working as self-employed . In the local sections of the daily newspapers, the number of permanent press photographers continues to decline. Often newspapers no longer send an editor / reporter and a photographer as they used to, but only one editor who also takes photos.
Press photographers also document current events that cannot be planned, such as disasters, fires, accidents and crimes. Unforeseeable events and accidents require a constant readiness for action, which quickly leaves private preferences behind.
Press photographers choose the motif according to the criteria of topicality and expressiveness and determine the best camera location . A high degree of flexibility and resistance to stress is often essential.
Some of the press photographers do the image processing themselves. The photographer's profession is one of the poorly paid jobs. In the case of press photographers, the customer (newspaper or magazine publisher) determines the fee, there is hardly any leeway for fee negotiations. In most cases, remuneration is based on the usual in-house photo fee.
In their work they must observe the relevant press law provisions . The right to one's own image is of particular importance .
