State of the industry. Calling for working photojournalists to list the status of their industry in their area.

Hey guys,

As I sit here on a train for an hour and a half to my job at the only newspaper in the region that seems to be hiring staffers, I'm curious if other working press/photoj snappers would be willing to post how their industry fairs in their part of the world. I'll start.

For me here in Melbourne, Australia: Two major newspapers rule - one owned by News Corp and one owned by Fairfax. The Herald Sun (News Corp) has roughly double the readership of The Age (Fairfax). News Corp seems to be hiring casuals on the regular but I haven't seen any listings of full time positions in quite some time. Their quality of imagery isn't great, stemming mostly from a lack of hard news in their journalism. It's a glorified tabloid.

Fairfax has recently laid off most of it's photographers, contracting out most of their work to Getty. Getty has no positions advertised, suggesting that they've absorbed most of the photography department. Their image quality has remained strong, photographers like Eddie Jim, in my opinion, leading the pack.

The market here is tough. I'm lucky enough to have a spot, however I've had to go regional to stay in the game, hoping for something in the CBD to open up and leaving me in a good position if it does.

And in before people from the area ask how to break into the market:

1. Build a folio (through tafe/uni is a great way, but not necessarily the best for some)

2. Get to know local papers and journos even outside of your comfort zone

3. Submit for jobs when listed and always ask friends if they know of any openings.

4. You should be set after that, just stay in as long as you can.