America's Longest Running Photojournalism Seminar

The 60th annual Southern Short Course in News Photography will he held in Charlotte, NC, Feb. 5-8, 2009, in conjunction with the North Carolina Press Photographers Association and South Carolina News Photographers Association.

It is America's longest running photojournalism seminar. Even though the word "southern" is in the name, the competition and presentations have no geographic limits and are open to anyone, student or professional.

Faculty includes: Michael Williamson of the Washington Post; Preston Gannaway of the Rocky Mountain News; James Gregg of the Arizona Daily Star; Bill Bangham of the International Missions Board; Ross Taylor of the Hartford Courant; Barbara Marshall of Lamb & Braswell, LLC, and Nicole Fruge of the San Antonio Express-News.

More info here.

5 Jobs for the Price of 1

Wonder what a videojournalist does? Here's an actual job description from a current help-wanted posting for a Texas media outlet:

Responsibilities include: Strong reporting skills and solid news writing. Skilled digital news photographer and familiarity with non-linear editing.

Requirements: Prior experience in a television news environment. DVC-Pro and professional non-linear editing equipment operation knowledge and experience preferred. Required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as necessary. Be able to work under deadline pressures. Must be able to lift and/or carry and manage news photography and lighting equipment.

In short, you've got to be able to do the work of five people: report, write, shoot, edit -- and shlep. And never stop.

Welcome to 2009!