Online Photojournalism Courses and Classes Overview

Online photojournalism courses help a photographer develop the understanding and skills needed to present images in a compelling style that enhances a written news story or tells one of its own. Online photojournalism courses are available as stand-alone classes or as part of a certificate or degree program in majors, such as journalism, communications, marketing and visual arts.

Review of Online Photojournalism Courses

As news and information delivery continues to shift from traditional sources, such as television and newspapers, toward online channels, including news websites, blogs and social media networks, the role of a photojournalist is changing as well. Online photojournalism courses are available in subjects such as photography, visual arts, digital imaging, electronic darkroom techniques and media studies.
Students can take online photojournalism courses as a single class for personal interest or as part of an online concentration as part of a degree program. Photojournalists work for newspapers, travel, art, science, news and leisure magazines, online news sites, blogs, broadcast and cable television stations, as self-employed photographers and as citizen journalists.

Course Requirements

Student photojournalists must know how to use a digital camera, have access to a newer computer with a large hard drive and preferably a high resolution monitor, and a basic understanding of how to adjust computer settings, such as firewalls, pop-up blockers and virus protection programs. Proficiency in the use of digital imaging software is required, as is access to an Internet connection. Some online photojournalism courses require students log in to a school's secure server to download coursework and upload homework.
Courses may utilize online videos, live or recorded webinars and online message boards and pages. There is usually extensive electronic communication between the student and instructor, and students must know how to attach, send and receive files via e-mail, as well as to read and post on online classroom message boards.

Summary of Distance Learning Photojournalism Courses

Journalism Studies Course

Journalism studies courses cover a range of topics vital toward understanding photojournalism, such as news reporting, ethics, digital photo imaging and interviewing.

Photography Sales and Skills Course

This online course teaches photographers of every skill level how to take pictures that sell, develop contacts in the publishing industry and operate a photography business. Students build a portfolio of work over time, while learning the basics of photojournalism story-telling.

Design and Digital Photography Course

Students are introduced to the basics of digital photography and design. Some programs are project-based and may require a PIN to access the online classroom. Students may be required to submit work online in a jpeg format. Use of digital imaging software, which may include Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop Elements 8, is often required.

Advanced Techniques in Digital Photography Course

This online course is for advanced photojournalists to gain proficiency in digital imaging techniques, such as image optimization, image marketing and sales, and color and file management. Students may be asked to keep a portfolio of work for public display. This type of course is usually geared toward visual artists, professional image specialists, graphic designers, archivists.

Electronic Darkroom Course

This course introduces students to the creation and alteration of digital images through color, masking, and by the merging with illustrations. Students may learn about image property rights and the ethical consequences of changing digital photographs.

Photography in Art Course

This online photojournalism course introduces students to the practical and critical styles of photography art. Students will review concepts and principles of digital photography and how that can be integrated by the artist. The course could be used to fulfill a general education requirement in an art major.