Photographers play a role in newspaper journalism as critical as that of reporters. Both professionals tell a story and make the public aware of current events. While reporters use words, photographers present their vision through visual images. There are many components to being a newspaper photographer. First, photographers take photographs daily on assignment. Assignments may come from the news, business, features, or sports departments. Technology facilitates the work of photographers, enabling them to send photos directly from location back to the office using computer photo editing software. Photographers generally edit themselves by knowing what to focus on in their coverage. However, due to journalistic ethics, reporters and photographers alike, are aware that their works should not be altered in any ways that would distort the truth of the event.

Kenneth K. Lam has been a photojournalist with the Baltimore Sun since 1989.

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