Expert: Tom Carter ~ Travel China Expert - 4/27/2011

Question
I'm a senior in high school and I plan to major in journalism specializing in photojournalism in college. I have a weird obsession with China and it is my dream to travel around China and eventually do photojournalism work in China and surrounding areas, so when I saw your website I kind of freaked out. So I guess my question is: How did you get started with your photojournalism and why China? Are you a freelance photographer or did you start out with an organization or what? And if you were to give advice to a college student about photojournalism, specifically in Eastern/Southeastern Asia, what would it be?

...alright I just glanced over to the left hand column of this page and saw that you have "a personal affection for remote villages, ethnic minority culture and uncharted locales." ... I literally am the same way. Can you intern me/teach me everything you know. Just kidding...kind of.

And I'm buying your book. asap.

Answer
Dear Matthew,
Thank you for your email. I often receive emails similar to yours from aspiring photographers. As I am not a professional, card-carrying photojournalist, I am not entirely qualified to offer you advice on how to pursue a professional career in photojournalism. I am strictly freelance, which is an entirely different world. Basically, I would suggest that you enroll on a university or community college photography course to learn the necessary technical skills to be proficient in photography. At the same time, try to intern as a photographer's assistant at any newspaper or magazine that will have you; it does not matter which field. The point is to gain the background skills and experience that are essential to honing your talent and interest. If you are as interested in China as you say, then you should try to attend college in Beijing or Shanghai, and while here work at one of the local expat magazines as a freelance photographer. I also heard that there is a university photojournalism course being offered to foreigners in Dalian city, Liaoning province, that you can look into; I don't have the name on hand, but I'm sure you can Google it. Pursuing any of these paths that I have suggested are sure to launch your career, be it freelance or as a certified card-carrying photojournalist. Googe luck and please keep me updated on your career.
Best,
Tom Carter,
author, CHINA: Portrait of a People