Photojournalist, AJC

Cox Communications • Atlanta, GA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is seeking a field-based general assignment photojournalist to capture the people, places and events that define Georgia. The role covers local news, investigations, politics, education, features, entertainment and sports, including high school, college and professional teams. Photography is published across the AJC’s digital and social platforms, with assignments throughout metro Atlanta and other parts of Georgia, including coverage connected to bureaus in Savannah, Athens and Macon. The photojournalist works with reporters, editors and visual journalists to produce distinctive visual storytelling and longer-term photo essays. A successful candidate is a journalist first, with strong news judgment, exceptional visual instincts and the ability to make compelling photographs in unpredictable, fast-moving situations. The position requires regular travel and a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays as coverage requires.

The role is hybrid, with the ability to work remotely part of the week. Travel is approximately 5% of the time. Hourly base pay is $29.38–$44.09, with the rate varying based on factors such as location and the candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities. The position may be eligible for additional compensation, including commission and/or an incentive program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 2 years of experience in a related field; alternatively, a master’s degree and up to 2 years of related experience, or 6 years of related experience.
• 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.
• Strong editorial judgment and deep understanding of photojournalism principles and ethics.
• 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 and 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.
• 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.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship; OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT and visa sponsorship are not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience covering major sporting events.

Responsibilities

• Photograph daily assignments and breaking news across metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia, including coverage connected to bureaus in Savannah, Athens and Macon.
• Produce original photography across news, politics, sports, entertainment, culture, features, investigations and enterprise journalism.
• Respond quickly to breaking and developing news while exercising 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.
• 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-style captions and metadata that meet the AJC’s journalistic and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with video, social, graphics and digital teams when stories benefit from 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 about the people, communities and issues shaping Georgia, in conjunction with visual editors.

Benefits

• Minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month.
• Seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Additional paid time off for bereavement, voting, jury duty, volunteer time, military leave and parental leave.
• Benefits may include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days and/or PTO.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level