Stock News Photos is an employee owned, start-up website focused on providing World Class, Award Winning photojournalism to media outlets of all sizes from Fortune 500 media conglomerates to independent small market publications. We are currently taking applications for aspiring photojournalists from across the political spectrum for entry into our annual scholarship focused on propelling inexperienced independent Photojournalists on a path towards success. If the Photojournalism industry sounds like something you would like to become a part of and you are interested in creative and physically challenging work that has the potential to impact history, please read the Frequently Asked Questions and apply below.
What is the Stock News Photos Independent Photojournalism Scholarship program?
The Stock News Photos Independent Photojournalism Scholarship is a scholarship program formed specifically to compete against corporate conglomerate media, the talent whirlpool created by a small handful of overly influential media outlets and to counter the lack of independent freelance photojournalist. It is intended to put aspiring independent photojournalists on a path towards long term career success while simultaneously promoting diversity of idea. It focuses on those individuals who do not have the financial ability to attend collegiate courses.
I have no journalism, Photography or Photojournalism experience, and I do not own a camera. Can I still apply?
Absolutely. We encourage and welcome all to apply. We are not focused on who you are or the skills you have today. We are focused on who you can become tomorrow if given the opportunity to thrive. If you can meet the scholarship program requirements, this internship is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring Journalist/Photojournalist who will get paid to gain valuable industry experience, receive credit for published work, earn sponsorship to the National Press Photographers Association and also receive a professional reference plus a glowing letter of recommendation. Candidates who successfully complete this program will have all of the essential skills necessary to start a career as a Photojournalist. If you do not own a camera, a quality 20 Megapixel camera will be provided for use during the program.
What are the requirements to join the internship program?
The requirements for entry into the scholarship program, which are not only expected company wide of interns but of veteran photojournalists alike, are vital to achieving success within the news media industry. Candidates must be:
- 18 or older
- Strong work ethic
- Committed to learning & mastering your craft
- Able to be on your feet for long periods and physically fit enough to fulfill the job duties of a Photojournalist
- Able to handle the travel rigors & erratic shooting schedule that the photography industry demands
- Able to work in all climates at any time of day or night
- Able to work calmly as a team in high risk environments
- Able to stay focused on a project long term despite extended periods with breaks in work
- Able to respect client privilege, protect all news sources identities, adhere to legal Non-Disclosure Agreements and refrain from social media while on duty
- Able to follow direction well
- Located within one hour of Bloomington-Normal, IL.
What does the training process entail?
It sounded good at the begging. Who wouldn't want more rights for the historically mistreated, more opportunities for minorities and other lesser seen groups. In theory it sounded wonderful! In practice however, it has lead to some of the most divisive and destructive policies in American history. We are speaking of course about "wokism" and it's adherents. Once a fringe thread in the American tapestry, Woke is now the new social standard for which all of society at large must conform to. It is, for lack of a better comparison, the current unified heavy weight champion of sociopolitical ideology not only in the United States, but seemingly through out western society. In general, wokeism is best described as a movement of troubled and confused young people manipulated and exploited by a corporate mechanism with a vested interest in pushing forward this agenda. It is a movement full of individuals who feel morally superior to others by way of displaying their woke purity to the masses. Like a double edged sword, those who adhere to this ideology use it to wield political and social power, 'beheading' their ideological opponents with censorship, forced speech and cancel culture. And they have won. Like every ideology however, there is a growing set of young individuals who do not conform to this one size fits all mold. They are countervailing to this repressive and divisive ideology. These Gen-Zers openly accept rejection of this toxic mindset.
What kind of compensation is included with the scholarship?
Our scholarship program is a fantastic, unique opportunity for an entry level candidate who is looking to get into the Journalism/Photojournalism industry. It allows aspiring media professionals with the ability to get paid for learning the business while simultaneously maintaining creative and copyright control of their work, an unheard of standard in the industry. For Applicants who successfully complete the internship training process, we offer a $1000 total scholarship bonus including:
- $125 cash completion bonus to help cover start-up costs
- Candidates will earn a paid sponsorship into the National Press Photographers Association!
- Professional Photojournalism Portfolio
- Full professional reference
- Letter of recommendation
- Framed Certificate of completion
- Complimentary premium coffee, tea, water & snacks during office hours
- $5 cash supplementary food stipend provided for every shift when on location
- Travel to and from location included
- Gear maintenance and equipment costs included
- Software costs included
- Opportunity for tremendous financial and professional growth
It sounds like a great opportunity, but no job is perfect. What's the catch?
The catch is you will have to work hard to succeed. Yes, traveling around to different places and events researching, planning, scouting, documenting historical events & photographing subjects for future generations can be extremely fun, rich and fulfilling. Being early on the scene of a major newsworthy event or disaster & recovery effort and documenting it is exciting and full of adventure. However, anything worth doing is not often easy. In general, both photojournalism and especially business ownership have many difficult aspects. It will take a significant amount of time to produce a body of work, promote it, build a following and turn it into profit. It will not happen over night. However, If you are able to set yourself apart from the crowd, the end result can be very rewarding.
I have had legal/disciplinary issues or I have said some things or have videos about me online that stigmatize me. Will that prevent me from qualification?
No, not at all. You are a human. Humans make mistakes. We believe in second chances and in most cases, third or fourth ones too. It's O.K. to have said or done things that you regret, that have been misconstrued or are unpopular. We're really not concerned about the silly anti-Obama or anti-Trump tweet you made, the embarrassing whatever video or any other speech or action deemed offensive by some. Just be honest and tell us. Disclosure is key. We will address any concerns we may have with you and evaluate your situation fairly, on an individual basis. To error is a human quality, to forgive and accept does not seem to be unfortunately.
I have strong political positions and refuse to work with, give a platform to or cover people who do not share my political views. How will you be able accommodate me?
In short, we won't accommodate you. This is one of the most common questions we receive among young applicants. We cannot accommodate such narrow thinking. Truly, if this is your stance, it is advised against your applying with us as you are not likely fit for our organization, or for the integrity of photojournalism in general. You will eventually cover something on the job that repulses you, makes you furious or simply offends you, no matter what your political position or religious affiliation. You will have to cover Political topics from opposite sides of the isle as you for these are popular newsworthy events. For instance, you may have to cover both pro-life and pro-abortion rallies with as un-biased of coverage as possible, no matter your position on the subject. Or perhaps you will cover both pro-Biden or pro-Trump rallies, always acting in a professional manner regardless of how you vote. It is more than possible that you may be on scene around people who have just lost everything or even a loved one in a recent tragedy, and to treat them less than or refuse to share their story because they voted or think differently than you is long on the spectrum of evil and at absolute odds with the essence of what journalism is.
I have been told by some that my views or beliefs are "fringe", "conspiratorial" or "unconventional". I have even been ridiculed or ostracized for them. Can I still apply?
Yes! In fact, you just may be who we are looking for. We always
respect everyone we work with no matter their opinions, political views or beliefs. We completely understand your concerns, they are well founded. Our staff will treat you will nothing but kindness and respect.
What if I decide that photojournalism is not for me or I have a major life event that prevents me from continuing in the internship? Will I be financially liable or responsible for anything?
No, you are not responsible for anything financial or otherwise. You may quit the internship at any time for any reason, no questions asked you simply forfeit any future incentives.
I have a full-time job, children or other time commitments that prevent me from starting full time. Am I still eligible?
Certainly. For the right candidate, we will happily accommodate a part-time schedule.
