Photojournalism

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Photojournalism

Shikhar Dua | Photojournalist | Times of India

Photojournalist Shikhar Dua's Talk on Photojournalism

The Journey of Photojournalism: Insights from Shikhar Dua Photojournalism is a dynamic and multifaceted career that offers more than just a chance to take photographs; it provides a platform to tell compelling stories that resonate with society. It is a field where images meet narratives, immersing the audience in the events that shape their world. Shikhar Dua, a seasoned photojournalist with a unique background in engineering, shares his journey and insights into this captivating career, highlighting the importance of education, skills, and the day-to-day dynamics of photojournalism. What Is Photojournalism? Understanding Photojournalism Photojournalism is the art and craft of using photography to tell news stories. It involves documenting events and activities in a way that captivates the audience, making them aware of the surrounding world. Shikhar emphasizes that it is not merely about taking pictures; it's about weaving a narrative that engages the reader and provides deeper insights into the subject matter. He states, "Photojournalism is basically the documentation in terms of covering any event or a story," showcasing how this career is interwoven with storytelling. The Essence of Photojournalism This field plays a crucial role in modern journalism as it transcends geographical boundaries, enabling journalists to cover not just local news but also international events. According to Shikhar, “Photojournalism is not just about local media newspaper. If you start working in it, then there is no end to it.” This expansive nature allows photojournalists to evolve and grow, shaping their careers while contributing significantly to public discourse. Education Camera Equipment A foundational aspect of photojournalism is a solid education in camera equipment and technical skills. Shikhar notes that “70% is photography,” indicating that understanding how to operate cameras, lenses, and other accessories is critical. Mastery of technical aspects like shutter speed and aperture enhances a photojournalist's ability to capture crucial moments effectively, especially during events that may occur under challenging lighting conditions. The technical know-how ensures that photojournalists can adapt quickly to varying environments, which is vital when documenting fast-paced news stories. Language Skills Language proficiency is another essential aspect of photojournalism. Shikhar highlights the need for strong language skills to craft compelling narratives accompanying photographs. Whether writing in English, Hindi, or a regional language, the ability to convey the essence of an event affects how the photograph is understood. "The way you present it to the world depends on your language skills," he explains, suggesting that effective communication transforms a photo into a fully fleshed-out story. Local Area Knowledge and Current Affairs Being well-versed in local area knowledge and current affairs is paramount for any photojournalist. Shikhar mentions that understanding local events and maintaining a network for gathering news keeps a photojournalist alert to potential stories. He emphasizes, “If you are covering a photojournalist in your city, then you should know when, where, and what event is going to happen.” This local awareness helps enhance the relevance of the coverage and contributes to more poignant storytelling. Skills Eye for Detail To excel in photojournalism, one must possess a keen eye for detail. This skill allows photojournalists to capture small yet significant elements of a story that might otherwise be overlooked. As Shikhar articulated, “Eye for detail is very important because all the narration is done through your photograph.” The ability to discern which moments to highlight and which to omit shapes the narrative and conveys the intended message effectively. Storytelling Shikhar stresses that storytelling is at the heart of photojournalism. By effectively capturing and narrating a story through images, photojournalists enable viewers to connect emotionally with the subject. He believes the technical skills learned earlier contribute significantly to good storytelling, as the composition of a photograph directly impacts how the story unfolds. Communication and Situational Awareness Effective communication skills are vital in photojournalism, whether interviewing subjects for quotes or collaborating with local communities. Shikhar explains that adapting to varying environments is part of the job. "Situational awareness helps you put yourself in situations where you can get the best output," he states, highlighting how assessing surroundings and making quick decisions can determine the quality of a report. Impartial Reporting Lastly, impartial reporting is paramount for photojournalists who bear the moral responsibility of their narratives. Shikhar notes that the impact of their reporting shapes public perception, and it is vital to remain unbiased. He insists, “You should never be carefree about anything because you are responsible for every action that is going on.” Positives Social Impact Shikhar celebrates the social impact of photojournalism in society, noting that it raises awareness about community issues and government proposals. An example he gives is when he reported on a controversial development project in local areas, allowing community voices to be heard and influencing government decisions. “In that way, we did a story that gave a lot of awareness to the government,” he explains, showcasing how journalism can foster positive change. Travelling and Continuous Learning Travelling across various regions to cover diverse events enriches a photojournalist’s experiences and perspectives. Shikhar enjoys this facet of the job, stating, “Travelling is very important because it gives you a clear mind about what all is going on.” Exposure to different cultures not only aids personal growth but also enhances storytelling capabilities by providing a broader context. Networking Building reliable contacts is necessary for success in photojournalism. Shikhar highlights the importance of networking, stating, “The more reliable contacts you have, the better news you can get.” This network often serves as the backbone of getting timely information that leads to compelling stories that resonate within communities. Challenges Handling Situations Shikhar acknowledges that photojournalism involves managing chaotic situations effectively, especially at crowded events where multiple media outlets converge. “You have to be in the right place at the right time,” he notes, demonstrating how situational control is critical to capturing the essence of a story. Political Interference In the Indian media landscape, political interference is a significant challenge for photojournalists. Shikhar points out that political pressures can threaten impartial reporting, making it crucial for journalists to stand firm against external influences, which requires both determination and ethical integrity. Long Working Hours and Kit Readiness The demanding nature of the job leads to long, often unpredictable hours. Shikhar mentions that flexibility is key, as events can occur at any time, requiring photojournalists to be prepared to work around the clock. Furthermore, having ready-to-go photography equipment, including extra batteries and memory cards, ensures that they are always prepared to capture crucial moments. A Day In The Life Of A Photojournalist In a typical day, Shikhar begins by checking social networks and emails for updates on upcoming events. His morning routine includes physical fitness to remain alert and capable of enduring long hours. Once he is ready for the day, he juggles tasks — filing stories, selecting images from past events, and preparing for future assignments. “You have to plan for the next day so that you are mentally prepared,” he emphasizes, showcasing the preemptive nature of the career. --- In conclusion, photojournalism is not just about taking photographs but about capturing the essence of stories and events that can influence public perception and awareness. Through Shikhar Dua’s insights, we understand that this career is as much about education, skills, and dedication as it is about passion for storytelling. It provides not only the thrill of continual learning and travel but also a significant platform to effect societal change. For those drawn to the camera's lens and the power of storytelling, photojournalism can be a rewarding professional path imprinted with purpose.

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