Breaking into photojournalism: pros give their advice

Stay inquisitive

"You have to be curious," says Francis Kohn, former photojournalist and Photo Director of Agence France-Presse. "You want to transmit something – it's your job – but you have to be curious, and being curious is a learning experience. Curiosity and an open mind lead to better stories and a better understanding of yourself as a photographer."

Curiosity is more than seeking a deeper understanding of your own work. Canon Ambassador Pascal Maitre recommends being "globally curious" and suggests that "wanting to read the newspaper" is a good indicator of someone who will succeed as a photojournalist.

Be respectful

"Having a natural ability to put people at ease" and being "quiet in your approach and not too forceful" will open doors, says war correspondent and Canon Ambassador Ivor Prickett. "Being gentle in my approach to photographing people, because it's a huge ask, is how I've done a lot of what I've done," he says.

Balance photography and business

"Networking is an important part of the job as a freelance photographer," says Ivor, "but essentially it all comes second to making good, individual work." He urges up-and-coming photojournalists to focus on the work above all else, and to apply a selective approach to networking.

"Target the people that you really want to work for, and focus on specific magazines, newspapers and institutions, because not everyone is suited to every publication or organisation. We all have our style and speciality, so work out where you fit in and go after that."

One unique story can change everything

"Don't let people tell you that you should be covering this thing that everybody else is covering," says Canon Female Photojournalist Award 2018 winner Laura Morton. "I started having success when I started doing the things that weren't being covered. A lot of people thought I was crazy to photograph people basically sitting at computers, but that's when my career really took off. Follow your heart, follow your interests, do your research, read a lot. Know your story and then go with it, and don't try to follow what everybody else is doing."

Persevere

"Keep going. When you get a no, try somewhere else. When you get a no there, try somewhere else. Keep going until you get a yes," says Dutch photojournalist and Canon Ambassador Ilvy Njiokiktjien. "If you find your right path in photography, there's a way for everyone to find a way to make it. But you really have to keep trying. While it's not an easy industry, it is a great one to be part of."