Tips on Getting Started in Documentary Photography

[Reyed Mia (Apprentice, DIU)]

Tips on Getting Started in Documentary Photography

Know who the players are and where you want to be

Watch documentaries, read trade publications and websites, know the players, and know for whom you'd like to work and on what kinds of projects. Is your goal to make multi-part, primetime TV series? Giant-screen theatrical films? Interactive media for museum use? Reality shows? Put yourself in a position to work with and learn from people whose storytelling skills inspire you and whose record of achievement (and professional contacts) are most relevant to you.

Approach each opportunity individually

One size does not fit all. Whether you're responding to a job listing or cold-contacting a company to see if they're hiring, make your approach specific. A generic, "Here's my résumé, I'm looking for film work," is not going to be as effective as a letter that demonstrates some knowledge of the company (or project) and why you think you're a good fit. (There are many online resources with information about how to write effective résumés and cover letters.)

Also, pay attention to the specific instructions of a job posting. Documentary filmmaking is a detail-oriented business, and the care you take with your application-sending a cover letter if one is requested; not calling if the ad says not to call-is a reflection on your future work. Make sure names and titles are accurate, and check your spelling and grammar carefully.

Hone your office skills

The amount of time a filmmaker spends shooting a project is generally miniscule compared to the time spent researching, writing, planning, fundraising, networking, budgeting, reporting, promoting-and so on. All of the filmmakers I queried stressed the importance of office skills (and a willingness to work in an office). You should have better than basic computer skills and experience with major office software, including Microsoft Word and Excel. You should have excellent phone skills. You should know how to set up and manage a filing system. And you should have good social skills, including table manners.

Hone your research and writing skills

A great deal of documentary filmmaking, including vérité, is built on the ability to conduct and communicate research--whether it's accomplished online, in libraries, in person or at archives. Entry-level employees should have solid research skills, from the ability to take notes and keep an organized bibliography and database to the ability to quickly and effectively read through material to discern what's useful and what's not. You should understand the limits of Wikipedia, know the difference between a primary and secondary source, and know how to fact-check both print and audio-visual materials. You should have solid writing and editing skills. (Good writers, whether they're crafting e-mails and business letters or helping to shape project treatments or fundraising proposals, are always in demand.)

What about film skills?

With the group I interviewed, filmmaking experience as a requirement for employment generally came second to (a) a willingness and ability to learn technical skills and (b) mastery of basic research, writing and organizational skills. With that said, experience in basic media digitizing and editing (Final Cut Pro or Avid) is strongly desired, as is knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects. Website-building experience would also often be of interest, along with general IT skills.

Source:http://www.documentary.org/content/so-you-want-work-documentary%E2%80%A6tips-getting-started