Photojournalist Interview

As a photojournalist, this aspect of journalism has hold of my highest interests.  I've had the chance to chew the fat with a few other photojournalists here locally.  One who has sort of become a mentor and example to me is Jeff Allred, who shoots for the Deseret News in SLC, UT.  I had a chance to pick his brain about some of the plights, challenges, and expectations of the photojournalism industry:

Jeff Allred Deseret News:  On the Photojournalism Industry

 

            Jeff Allred is a veteran Photojournalist for the Deseret News in Salt Lake.  Having a chance to talk with him about the Photojournalism profession and the future of the profession was insightful yet unsettling at the same time.

 

            He first discussed the type of skills and education needed to pursue a career in photojournalism.  Many photojournalists come from different education backgrounds.  If feel that I’m on the right track as far as my school goes but that I might also need to seriously consider graduate school for (photo)journalism.  He also mentioned the importance of multimedia in the journalism world today.  Photojournalists as opposed to only requiring still photography are requiring more and more photo, video, and computer skills.

 

            Photojournalism as an occupation, Allred said, can be a narrow field.  You are basically looking news publishing.  However, it is possible to break off to other areas of photography, i.e. advertising, teaching, wedding photography, etc.  Unfortunately with the way the economy is going, Allred doesn’t believe things will be getting better all that soon.  Many photographers have been getting laid off from major newspapers in major cities. 

 

            Security lies in being a veteran photographer with a newspaper, but even then that isn’t a guarantee for employment.  The salary of an established photographer depends on the newspaper, its size, and its circulation, but the expected average is around 40,000—45,000 dollars.  For any entry level photographer the expected salary is around 30,000 dollars.  I do believe, however, that this is on the higher end.  Most newspapers consider a 5-year photographer and established or veteran photographer.

 

            When looking for a newspaper or company to work for, Allred suggested reading the newspaper for a few weeks before considering a job there.  As a photographer you want to know the layout of the publication to make sure it meets your standards and so you know if your work will be properly published. 

 

Despite the weird hours, having to work some weekends and holidays, Allred considers Photojournalism “the greatest profession on the planet.”  He also stated, “…If you love something you’ll do good at it and the money will follow.   Photojournalists get to do and see things that most people only dream of.”

Snow Regan Buck is face masked by Butler's Deandre Howard In the Top of the Mountains Bowl Dec 6, 2008 in Sandy.     --Jeffrey D. Allred