Picture Editor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Picture Editor (also known as a photo editor) is a specialized professional position in which one collects and reviews photographs and/or illustrations for publication in alignment with preset guidelines. Publications include, but are not limited to, websites, books, magazines, newspapers, art galleries, and corporate products, such as annual reports. Picture editors are aware of their publication’s standards, and for photographs and illustrations. They often review options that include stock photography, commercial photography or photojournalism.

Picture editors are often managers and have previously worked as professional photographers. They oversee budgets, personnel (many are photographers), and contracts with photo agencies and freelance photographers. Picture editors should also have a good understanding of copyright and intellectual property laws.

Technology plays an increasing role in picture editing. More assignments are completed using digital camera instead of film. Programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and Photo Mechanic have replaced light boxes and strips of film at many picture editors’ desks. Also, many picture editors are expected to have multimedia skills to connect still images with audio clips.

At some publications, picture editing have specialized their talents. There are research picture editors, who look through agencies and other photo databases for photographs. In newspapers, there are assignment photo editors, who organize daily assignments and send the available photographers to event. Some pictures editors work closely with art directors to produce unique photo shoots with photographers and models for their publication exclusively.

Websites with job postings seeking picture editors or photo editors include nppa.org, journalismjobs.com, and mediabistro.org. Key qualities listed include being well-organized, have good time-management and able to juggle multiple projects at once, strong visual instincts (or ‘the eye’), have connections in the photography industry with freelance photographers, and good news judgment.

Picture editors are often the link between photographers and others (such as art directions, editors and clients) putting together a presentation. They are responsible for relaying the needs of the publication to the photographer as well as giving possible ideas without limiting the photographer. Picture editors have the duty to present the photographer’s work in good light; to edit photos down to a few key pictures that tell the story. They are the “photographer’s advocate.” ^[1]