3 Reasons Why I Became A Multimedia Journalist
Can you guess why?
Some people may think doing it all may be a lot, but with the right tools and determination, you can do anything you set your mind to.
Writing was my first love, and then I started falling in love with photography and videography afterward when I started to complete a video production course in high school and started taking my camera skills seriously in 2019.
During high school, I was wondering how I could utilize my passions to help others.
I thought to myself, "Is there something out there for me that allows me to write, take pictures, and edit videos?"
Thankfully, my video production teacher at the time introduced me to the field of multimedia journalism.
I'm happy I knew about this because this is something I can do that will impact others.
Now, to the good part, WHY did I choose this?
Besides the generic answer of "I like multimedia journalism," here are three reasons why I decided to get into this field.
1️⃣ I like editing videos myself.
There are people who like to outsource their task by hiring videographers to edit videos.
If I didn't like the way they edited the videos, I sometimes had to ask them to redo it or make a few changes.
To avoid that conversation, I decided to edit my own videos and cut the middleman, and edit the videos to my own liking without going back and forth.
2️⃣ You can never have too much footage when you are recording history in the making.
This is a term I recently coined when I wanted to explain why I decided to use three different forms of communication to tell the story.
I love how people can consume the story differently whether they would like to read the article, view the pictures, or watch the video.
What I report on can be something that readers and viewers can refer to to remember that moment in time.
3️⃣ I give people the opportunity to choose which form of communication they would like to consume.
I love helping others and to make sure I help as many people as possible, being a multimedia journalist is a good route for me to do so when it comes to helping people know what's going on in their communities.
Everybody consumes the news differently, and on my platform, they have the opportunity to choose which one is best for them.
Follow me to see what I write about next ♡
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So, you're curious about becoming a multimedia journalist after hearing my story? That's awesome! When I first embarked on this path, it wasn't just about the 'why'; it quickly became about the 'how.' It's one thing to love writing, photography, and videography, but blending them seamlessly to tell a compelling story is where the real magic (and sometimes the real challenge!) happens. One of the biggest questions I often get is, 'What does your day actually look like?' Honestly, it varies wildly, and that's part of the appeal. Some days, I'm out in the field with my camera, capturing raw footage and interviews. Other days, I'm hunched over my laptop, editing videos, refining my written pieces, and curating photos to create a cohesive narrative. It's a constant juggle, but incredibly rewarding. I've found that strong organizational skills are a must, along with a genuine curiosity about the world around you and a drive to connect with people. For anyone looking to dive into this dynamic field, my biggest piece of advice is to just start creating. Don't wait for the perfect gear or the perfect opportunity. I began with the equipment I had – my phone, a basic camera, and free editing software. It's more about the storytelling than the high-tech gadgets, especially when you're building your portfolio. Practice writing concise, impactful articles. Experiment with different camera angles and lighting for your photos. Learn the basics of video editing – even simple cuts and transitions can make a huge difference. Think of your community; there are always local stories waiting to be told, whether it's a neighborhood event, a local initiative, or a personal triumph. Another aspect I've learned is the importance of adaptability. News cycles move fast, and sometimes you have to be ready to switch gears, learn new tools, or adapt your storytelling approach. I've found that being open to feedback and constantly improving my skills, whether it's through online tutorials or connecting with other journalists, has been invaluable. It's not just about reporting; it's about connecting with your audience, understanding their needs, and presenting information in a way that resonates with them. That's why offering different formats – articles, photos, videos – truly matters, as I mentioned in my main post. It respects how diverse audiences consume news. Ultimately, being a multimedia journalist isn't just a job; it's a commitment to truth-telling and community service through versatile storytelling. It's about using every tool in your creative arsenal to paint the fullest picture possible. If you have a passion for uncovering stories and sharing them in dynamic ways, then this career might just be your calling too. Keep learning, keep creating, and keep exploring!
Thanks for sharing! This is a beautifully written breakdown for what you do. Love that it stems from wanting to help others 🥲