Five Visual Journalism Tips To Make Your Work Stand Out

Do you need help to get an audience for your work? With nearly everyone uploading content nowadays, it is challenging to stand out from the clutter. Whether you are an aspiring journalist or looking to further your career, here are five visual journalism tips to make your work stand out. 

Specialised programmes like the MA in Visual Journalism and Storytelling at the University of Bolton help you develop all the creative and practical expertise needed to build a successful career in media, photography and photojournalism. 

How to Make Your Work Stand Out 

Earn Your Qualifications from a Credible Institution 

The top visual journalists in the world all have training from reputable institutions. This proves that they value their work and builds audience confidence. Visual journalism is more than clicking pictures and adding catchy punchlines. Plenty of work goes on behind the scenes to produce compelling stories. 

The University of Bolton has invested £10 million in purpose-built facilities, including four professional photographic studios, video editing suites, high-quality audio recording facilities, and industry-standard computer suites. Our staff and alums have recognition from the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as World Press Photo and the George Polk Award. 

Find Your Golden Goose 

Specialisation is a key element to making your work stand out. You may have a working knowledge of all fields of visual journalism, but there is one that appeals most to you. Focusing your efforts on a single subject will enhance your passion and ensure your commitment to delivering quality work. The feeling resonates with your target audience, making them return for more. Gary Knight has been documenting conflict zones for over 25 years, appearing in top-tier publications and winning several prestigious awards. 

Build a Relevant Network 

Guest posting and referrals are great ways to build hype. Reach out to visual journalists you admire and tell them you like their work. You can also ask for tips on how to become better. It will surprise you how much help you get if you are genuine. 

Guest posting is another way to increase awareness of your work. Look for high-domain authority websites in your niche and submit quality material that benefits their audience. You will gain from their wider exposure, and some of them will pay you for consistency. At the University of Bolton, you can connect with professionals worldwide through guest speakers and masterclasses. 

Practice Ethical Journalism 

A spike in fake news and propaganda has led to public mistrust. With numerous online information sources now available, you can make your work stand out by practicing ethical journalism. Ensure you apply the best ideals of journalistic excellence for your chosen platform and produce inclusive work that shows global diversity awareness. 

Have an Active Online Presence 

The internet is the primary source of information for most people. Having an active online presence increases your chances of your work being discovered. Platforms such as LinkedIn allow you to share your resume with potential employers, while Shutterstock and Mequoda let you showcase your portfolio of visual stories. 

Why Study at The University of Bolton? 

- You will learn the most relevant curriculum. Our board of industry advisors and guest lectures ensure the knowledge we share is at par with current industry standards 

- You can speak your mind. Our teaching involves bringing real-time industry practices and debates. And we encourage you to question, explore and navigate new practices, discourses and media landscapes 

- Your success is our priority. We purposefully have small class sizes, up to 30 students, to ensure maximum knowledge retention through face-to-face formative and summative feedback sessions. We also encourage you to apply for work placements with creative companies, graduate internships, and prizes like the neo: artists and REDEYE awards. Your study will also include trips to important cultural centres, including MediaCityUK, HOME, Liverpool Tate, and the Bolton Octagon Theatre 

- Our graduates have successful careers at national and international media organisations, including The European Journalism Centre, CNN, Reuters, and several UN agencies. 

To learn more about these opportunities, check out the MA in Visual Journalism and Storytelling page for the full course details. 

You can also contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call us on 01204 903807 for more information.