Documentary Photography Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One
Table of Contents
What Are Documentary Photography Jobs?
Documentary photography jobs focus on using cameras and film to capture an image of a person or event. In this role, you may help create a portfolio of images for a documentary project, travel to support various production needs, and shoot additional material for photojournalism needs. Documentary photography is not the same as regular journalistic photography, which usually involves fewer images and shorter reports than documentaries. Many documentary photographers travel extensively for this job, sometimes internationally or to particularly remote areas. As such, the ability to carry heavy equipment long distances and survive in the wilderness is an essential component of this role.
How Can I Get a Documentary Photography Job?
The primary qualifications for getting a documentary photography job depend on the company but usually include several years of experience with a camera. Some people practice this in an amateur format to help learn more about photography, but employers rarely hire new photographers for this position because of the investment required for many projects. This is an almost exclusively skill-based position, so it is possible to become a documentary photographer earlier in your career if your portfolio is good enough. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a documentary photography job requires research skills, patience, physical stamina, adaptability, and a valid passport.
