The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is one of the most storied brands in journalism, with a legacy that stretches back more than a century. Our MISSION is to be the most essential and engaging source of news for the people of Atlanta, Georgia and the South, and we have a vision to transform this great institution into a modern media company.
That’s where you come in.
We are looking for a photojournalist who can capture the people, places and moments that define Georgia every day.
This is a field-based, general assignment journalism role for a photographer. You will work across local news, investigations, politics, education, features, entertainment and sports, including high school, college and professional teams. Your photography will reach audiences across our digital and social platforms.
You will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most accomplished journalists in the South and produce distinctive visual storytelling. You'll tell stories across metro Atlanta and parts of Georgia, from our home base in one of the nation's most dynamic and fastest-growing cities.
A successful candidate is a journalist first, with exceptional visual instincts, strong news judgment and the ability to make memorable photographs in unpredictable and fast-moving situations.
Some of your job responsibilities:
- Photograph daily assignments and breaking news across metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia, including coverage connected to our bureaus in Savannah, Athens and Macon.
- Produce compelling original photography across a wide range of coverage areas, including news, politics, sports, entertainment, culture, features, investigations and enterprise journalism.
- Respond quickly to breaking and developing news while exercising strong independent editorial judgment in the field.
- Work with reporters, editors and other visual journalists to develop creative approaches to daily and enterprise stories.
- Photograph major events, including elections, political events, protests, severe weather, major breaking news and high-profile sporting events.
- Be prepared to travel throughout Georgia and occasionally beyond the state as coverage demands.
- Deliver, edit and transmit photographs quickly and reliably from the field, often under tight deadlines.
- Write accurate, AP-stye captions and metadata that meet the AJC's journalistic and ethical standards.
- Collaborate with the AJC's video, social, graphics and digital teams when stories lend themselves to broader visual treatment.
- Stay current on photographic technology, visual storytelling techniques and evolving audience behaviors.
- Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays as news and major events require.
- Develop longer-term visual stories and photo essays that illuminate the people, communities and issues shaping Georgia in conjunction with input from visual editors.
The qualifications and experience you should have:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 2 years’ experience in a related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and up to 2 years’ experience; or 6 years’ experience in a related field.
- A portfolio demonstrating exceptional news photography, documentary storytelling and visual range.
- Proven ability to photograph breaking news and work effectively in fast-moving, unpredictable situations.
- Experience covering high-profile events such as elections, political campaigns or conventions, demonstrations, severe weather or other major news. Experience covering major sporting events is a plus
- Strong editorial judgment and a deep understanding of the principles and ethics of photojournalism.
- Demonstrated ability to find strong photographs and visual stories beyond the obvious or expected image.
- Ability to work independently in the field while collaborating with reporters, editors or other journalists.
- Excellent reporting, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work sensitively with people experiencing difficult or traumatic circumstances.
- Strong writing skills for accurate captions and contextual information.
- Ability to edit and transmit photographs quickly under deadline pressure.
- Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom and Photo Mechanic.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and shifting priorities during a fast-moving news cycle.
- Ability and willingness to travel regularly for assignments and work an extended or irregular schedule when news demands it.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to assignments throughout Georgia.
Compensation:
Hourly pay rate is in the range of $29.38 - $44.09/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.
Benefits:
Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
