Five challenges facing young photojournalists today

Like all rewarding careers, photography is a competitive business to break into. But the Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP) gives the next generation of photojournalists a head start.

The annual event gives students the opportunity to learn from some of the most influential professionals in the photography industry through practical sessions, portfolio reviews, and workshops. Once again, 2024 included seminars and talks about the challenges student photographers face when they enter the professional world, as well as how to overcome them. Here, we take a look at some of the main issues discussed and the advice from leading experts – including Fiona Shields, Elisa Iannacone, Thomas Borberg and Paolo Verzone – on how to approach them.

As technology advances, the rise of generative AI poses a significant challenge to the authenticity of photojournalism.

Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian and a 2024 Canon Student Development Programme mentor, brings a wealth of experience in visual storytelling and ethical considerations in the media landscape.

“We are entering into this really kind of curious world of AI. The repercussions [of misinformation] would be terrible. It’s never been more important for us to be able to trust the photographers we work with,” she says.

This raises a critical question: when images can be so easily fabricated, what does it mean to capture the truth? To navigate this challenge, aspiring photographers must develop a critical eye and commit to upholding authenticity in their work.

“The mind behind the images is what matters, not just the number of images you have,” says Paolo Verzone, a seasoned photojournalist, Canon Ambassador and CSDP mentor. “If the image lacks intent,” he continues, “even great post-production can’t save it.”

"We must learn to differentiate our voices from the noise," says student photographer and 2024 CSDP finalist Eleni Albarosa, “especially in a world where images can be created without context.”

Elisa Iannacone, a dedicated photojournalist, filmmaker and human rights advocate, uses her platform to elevate underrepresented voices and highlight social issues. As part of the 2024 CSDP, Elisa gave a presentation of AI raising further concerns for photojournalists, during the 4-day workshop in Girona, Spain.

“We as individuals need to be cognisant of the rights that we have signed away to technology,” she says. “[These] are now already being used against us and there is not much that we can do about it because law is not as far had developed as we would like, so it’s just about being cognisant of where we’re at and what we need to do to be protecting ourselves as best we can.”

In an era of “fake news”, misinformation has become a significant concern. But uncovering truths and telling untold stories is nothing new for photojournalists.

According to Paolo, photojournalists must not only capture compelling images but also take additional steps to verify their content, thereby upholding their journalistic integrity and respect for the craft at the same time. “We must take responsibility for our stories,” he says. “If you aren’t honest in your representation, you lose trust, which is the foundation of this work.”

But there is also more potential in stories that accurately represent the truth. These stories, captured in a visually arresting medium, are also powerful tools for change.

“We need to shift the narrative from mere documentation to advocacy for truth. Photography can be a powerful tool for change if wielded responsibly,” Paolo continues.

Simona Supino, one of the 2024 CSDP finalists, echoes this sentiment. “It’s our responsibility as photographers to question the narrative and ensure we are representing the truth in our work,” she says.

The traditional photo essay is becoming less relevant in an online era. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok require photojournalists to adapt their storytelling techniques and make other compromises to reach audiences in an algorithmically determined competition for attention.

“Aspiring photographers need to learn that standing out today means innovating in their storytelling. “The challenge is creating impactful work that holds attention in just a few seconds,” says 2024 CSDP finalist Emeline Sauser.

To address this, Thomas Borberg, a longtime photo editor, advises that students experiment with various formats and techniques to find their unique voice. “It’s easy to get lost in trends, but as a photographer, you need to keep your visual language. Instagram is just one platform, and while it’s good for quick inspiration, your work should have a strong foundation beyond algorithms,” he says.

For photographers, adapting to new landscapes also means expanding into other types of media.

"If young people have a desire to work in hybrid ways, mixing genres, mixing fields, it works,” says Elisa. “When people ask me to describe my work, it’s not documentary. It’s not film. It’s not cinema. It’s not drama. It’s something in between, and it’s working.”

Elisa also says that publishers increasingly want motion assets to promote any piece of work on social. To this end, she’s got a favourite camera.

“What I like about the Canon EOS R5 C is the versatility of being able to shoot 45 megapixel images and footage up to 8K. So, you’ve got all the range of whatever it is that might come up."

“Mistakes are part of the process,” says Paolo. “Every day we learn from them, but don’t let them become roadblocks. The industry is tough, so find ways to balance the creative with the stable.”

Paolo’s advice addresses the potent pressure put on young photojournalists. As he knows, the pressure to consistently produce high-quality work can lead to stress and burnout. The CSDP promotes discussions about mental health so that venturing into photography can be a sustainable, nourishing career. Elisa captures this sentiment succinctly, pointing out that “the camera can be a tool for healing, not just a means of storytelling."

She adds that aspiring photographers should prioritise self-care and seek support from other photographers.

“Taking care of our mental health is just as important as developing our skills; we can’t tell stories if we’re not well ourselves,” says student Eleni Albarosa.

With the increasing dangers associated with reporting in conflict zones or covering sensitive topics, working safely is at the top of young photojournalists’ minds. The Canon Student Development Programme educates participants about risk assessment and safety protocols, ensuring that they are well-prepared to navigate challenging environments.

“As photographers, we need to be everywhere – connected to each department, each project. Building those networks is essential for safety and relevance; if people rely on you, they’re less likely to let you go,” says Thomas. “The story is important, but the storyteller must come home.”

This principle resonates deeply with students entering precarious settings, particularly those like Simona Supino, a 2024 finalist from the programme who documents critical social issues.

“Safety is not just a guideline; it’s essential for us to continue telling stories that matter,” she says.

According to the students who attend, the Canon Student Development Programme provides invaluable guidance to navigate the complexities of modern photojournalism.

“We need to reignite the sense that one person can change the world,” says Elisa . “It takes motivation and determination, but if we give up, we are all doomed.”

Fortunately, if the Canon Student Development Programme is any indication, young photojournalists today still bring the passion necessary to do the job. Moreover, by addressing these five challenges with a commitment to authenticity, adaptability and ethical practices, students can enhance their skills and position themselves for success in an ever-changing industry.

Through mentorship and engagement with seasoned professionals, this programme empowers the next generation of photographers to tell powerful stories with authenticity.