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 Journalists/Photojournalists from across the political spectrum for entry into our annual scholarship focused on increasing the number of independent Journalists/Photojournalists in the media industry and propelling them on a path towards success. If the Journalism/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 Journalism 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 Journalists/Photojournalist. It is intended to put aspiring independent Journalists 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, Writing or Photography/Photojournalism experience and I do not have a traditional photogenic look., body type or abilities. Nor do I own a camera, any gear or equipment. Can I still apply?
Absolutely. We encourage and welcome all to apply. All skill levels, ages, looks, shapes, abilities and sizes are invited to apply. We are not focused on who you are or the skills you have today. 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 a sponsorship into 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 Journalist or 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 Journalists and 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 handle working in all climates and times, 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 or able to provide your own transportation to that radius
What does the training process entail?
Truly the training process in this industry never ends. There is always something new and exciting to learn even after years on the job. The program consists of a total approx. 340-360 hours including both classroom and practical application in the field. Candidates are cross trained and will gain a vast knowledge that will encompass a multitude of topics such as journalism, photography, photojournalism, ethics, philosophy, photo editing in lightroom and photoshop, video editing in Adobe Premier lighting, accounting, marketing, business administration, creating publishable books/magazines utilizing InDesign and much, much more. Accepted applicants will become understudies and accompany an award winning NPPA accredited photojournalist on location to learn both the art and business of Journalism/Photojournalism while building their own portfolio. Depending on many factors in and outside of our control including candidate availability, ability to absorb course material, frequency of news worthy events, engagements cancellation, weather conditions, the state of the economy and the social atmosphere of our nation among others, the training process will last between 12-26 Weeks. Upon successful completion of the program candidates will have absorbed a rich variety of vocational trainings and disciplines, earned numerous professional skills and become fully capable of running a successful small business.
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:
- $100 graduation bonus
- Candidates will earn a sponsorship paid for by Stock News Photos into the National Press Photographers Association!
- Professional Journalism/Photojournalism Portfolio upon program completion
- 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 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, reporting on or 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 journalism 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 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, we advise against your applying with us as you are not likely a good 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 affiliation. You will have to cover Political topics from opposite sides of the isle as 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, short on compassion and at absolute odds with the essence of what journalism is.
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 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.
