McAdams Shares Multimedia Toolbox for Journalists

It's the next best thing to a great journalism textbook. Wait, I think it may be better in so many ways...

Mindy McAdams has compiled her 15 terrific posts that make up the "Reporter's Guide to Multimedia Proficiency" into an elegant one-stop PDF. She goes from reading and creating blogs to editing audio and delivering multimedia presentations.

Every "chapter" begins with a note of encouragement, such as this one on taking photos:

Every journalist should be able to capture a decent photo in a breaking news situation. You might be the only journalist on the scene. Sure, today it’s likely that 100 people with cell-phone cameras will be on the scene too—but why shouldn’t YOU be the one who captures the Page One image that gets picked up by Reuters or AFP and zapped around the world?

Best of all, Mindy doesn't get bogged down in technical jargon or debates over which software is better than the next -- just the tools to set you sailing. The guide is loaded with links to excellent examples and other resources.

As one of her many "fans" (Jack Zibluk) commented: "It’s all here. it’s succinct and comprehensive. The guide provides a solid foundation for anybody interested in multi-media storytelling. It’s great for beginners, and has useful tips for advanced practitioners."

I too am looking forward to sharing Mindy's excellent guide with my media students this fall.

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A Crash Course in Photojournalism

Looking for a crash course on photojournalism? Mindy McAdams has just what you're looking for in a new post on her very helpful and inspiring blog, Teaching Online Journalism.

In this seventh post of her series, “Reporter’s Guide to Multimedia Proficiency,” she tackles photojournalism. In "Learn How to Shoot Decent Photos" McAdams covers those basics on why still photos still matter, and why it's essential for young journalists to know how to take a good photo. She writes:

"Every journalist should be able to capture a decent photo in a breaking news situation. You might be the only journalist on the scene. Sure, today it’s likely that 100 people with cell-phone cameras will be on the scene too — but why shouldn’t YOU be the one who captures the Page One image that gets picked up by Reuters or AFP and zapped around the world?"

She goes on to say that you don't need the most sophisticated photo equipment to get the job done. What matters is that you know what makes a good photo, and that you can get the shot when it counts.

Finally, she has the same message I've been drilling into my students this term: Practice, practice, practice!

"Shoot lots of photos of EACH thing you think is worth shooting. Since photojournalism is real life and not posed, your subjects will be moving and changing. Part of the trick to getting a good shot is to shoot waaay more pictures than you ever did on your summer vacation."

So, what are you waiting for, get out there and take some more photos!

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(Photo credit: "Kuwait Free Photographers" by NoNo^Q8 - Free Photographer, courtesy of Flickr.com)

Good Job Advice for Journalism Students

I remember earning my journalism degree and thinking I was ready for my dream job as a reporter at the Los Angeles Times or the Orange County Register. That was several dream jobs and more than 20 years ago.

Which is to say you never know when or where your career in journalism will lead you. New media professor Mindy McAdams has some good advice for young journalists who will be looking for work before they know it: Think of that first job as the stepping stone to the job you really want.

"If you see the kind of job you would like to have, then make sure your first job will serve as good preparation for that future job," she writes in her online journalism blog.

With all that's happening online, this is one of the most exciting times ever to be getting into journalism. Sure the media is going through some tough times now, but that will change.

As always, young journalists should be looking for any way they can to get their foot in the door, whether it's an internship or a part-time/freelance reporting gig. Think twice about holding out for the the next opportunity to come your way. As McAdams points out:

"That first two years might be tough — long hours and low pay, just like you’ve been told all along. But I believe there is still light at the end of the tunnel for young journalists who pay their dues (just like always) and acquire a flexible skill set.

"Read those job ads, and make note of what the jobs you really want are asking for."

** For even more good information/inspiration on getting ahead, see this blog post on "Everyday Journalism" by Suzanne Yada.

** Also see the great advice in "Top 10 List of Tips for Journalism Students" by Greg Linch.

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(Photo credit: "Me & My Powerbook" by Brian "DoctaBu" Moore, courtesy of Flickr.com)

Blogosphere 2008: Who's Out There Anyway?

Who blogs? A new survey by Technorati breaks it all down.

For the quick overview, see the fine summary -- "What We Now Know About Blogs" -- on Mindy McAdams' blog, Teaching Online Journalism.

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