Photojournalism has been at the forefront of disseminating news in today’s fast-moving world. In Kenya, the lines between photojournalism and art have become blurred as photographers build their portfolios with a wide range of work that may include storytelling, travel, or even fine art. Here are some opportunities you would find when it comes to Photojournalism in Kenya:
Freelance Journalists
Freelancers are independent journalists who contribute to media outlets on an ad hoc basis. Freelancing is one of the most common ways to get started in photojournalism. It allows you to gain experience and build a portfolio that will help secure full-time employment or other freelance opportunities. Although finding regular work can be quite challenging, the rewards far outweigh the risks. Freelancers need to research their target market to ensure they pitch stories relevant to publications they would like to work with. You should create a website where your best images can be displayed and past publications you have worked with.
Sports Photography
Sports photography is taking in Kenya, thanks mainly to social networking and the widespread use of smartphones and mobile devices. Most Kenyan photographers who cover major national and international games also rely heavily on Instagram to showcase their work and secure new jobs. If you are interested in sports photography, it is important to note that Kenya does not just have football, basketball, or rugby as many people think but other sports disciplines such as cricket, athletics, netball, and even boxing.
Varied Media Opportunities
Other than photojournalism, you can consider working for a range of media houses both locally and internationally, where your photos will be used extensively across all platforms, including print and online-based news websites. The diversity of opportunities offered by online news outlets has grown significantly since it first began giving photojournalists the chance to get their work out there. You can even try your hand at becoming a social media influencer paid to market products and services through pictures posted on personal Instagram accounts.
Get Licensed
If you are driven, self-motivated, and passionate about photojournalism, it is important to obtain a professional license that will give you the confidence needed when pitching future job opportunities since employers are always looking for someone who understands what they are doing! This can be achieved by enrolling in one of the many courses available locally or abroad, depending on where you see yourself working in the future. Having this license will also enable you to seek mentorship from better-equipped photographers who have succeeded in this industry.
In conclusion, photojournalists in Kenya have a wide range of opportunities that will continue to grow as technology advances and more people adapt to digital photography. However, photojournalists need to combine creativity with the ability to tell stories through pictures, which will stand them in good stead when working with publications or other media outlets.