Photojournalist, AJC

Cox Enterprises • Atlanta, GA

3d • $29 - $44 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is seeking a field-based general assignment photojournalist to document the people, places and events shaping Georgia. The role covers local news, investigations, politics, education, features, entertainment and sports, with photography distributed across the AJC’s digital and social platforms. Assignments span metro Atlanta and other parts of Georgia, including coverage connected to bureaus in Savannah, Athens and Macon, and may occasionally extend beyond the state.

The successful candidate is a journalist first, with strong visual instincts and news judgment and the ability to create memorable photographs in fast-moving, unpredictable circumstances. The photojournalist works with reporters, editors and visual journalists on daily and longer-term visual stories, and collaborates with video, social, graphics and digital teams. The job requires rapid, reliable editing and transmission of photographs, accurate AP-style captions and metadata, and a flexible or irregular schedule as news coverage requires.

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 experience, or 6 years of experience in a related field.
• Portfolio demonstrating exceptional news photography, documentary storytelling and visual range.
• Proven ability to photograph breaking news and work effectively in fast-moving, unpredictable situations.
• Strong editorial judgment and a 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 sensitivity when working 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.

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 such as 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.
• 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 suit 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

• At least 16 hours of paid time off per month.
• Seven paid holidays per calendar year.
• Bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave and parental leave.
• Benefits may include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation or wellness days, and PTO.

What This Job Offers

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