Photojournalism In Focus - Why we need news photography

Photographic departments around the world are feeling the squeeze as news organisations cut costs and jobs. In an era of Twitpix and stock-image slideshows, professional photographers face competition from every smartphone and constant challenges to their copyright. But there’s no substitute for a professional photographer’s skill, timing and composition – and a still photograph can capture stories and intimacy beyond any other medium. There are still opportunities for photojournalists, and new models for supporting their work – and certainly no shortage of stories and moments to be captured around the world. Joining Moderator Anne Davies, senior investigative journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald are: Nick Moir, staff photographer for SMH. David Dare Parker, Walkley award winning free-lance photographer. Craig Greenhill, photojournalist at News Limited and multimedia specialist. Andrew Quilty, Walkley winner of the young Australian photojournalist of the year and freelance photographer.