The New York Times' most recent edition of "Talk to the Newsroom" features Assistant Managing Editor for Photography Michele McNally. It's a must read for anyone interested in photojournalism. The questions are pretty wide-ranging, covering everything from why there aren't more pictures of wounded Americans in Iraq (the answer is diplomatic, but the subtext is pretty clear: the Pentagon doesn't let those shots happen) to why the quality of color news photos often suffers (it's difficult to register a high speed press as large as a house). Personally I would have liked to see a more direct answer to the reader who commented "I would rather see a clear black-and-white photo than one in color that is seriously out of register, which most of them are. Doesn't the technology exist to correct this problem? If not, let's go back to black and white," a sentiment I share--leave the color to USA Today--but she has some very insightful things to say about how images are chosen, the very limited roll of Photoshop in the newsroom, and what it takes to shoot for the NYT. Her advice to young photographers, in particular, bears repeating:

The most important work a young photographer can do is existential. You must figure out what kind of photographer you want to be, what do you want to say and how are you going to do it better than others have done before you.

Recognize that the career of a photojournalist is a difficult one personally, so you must love what you are doing. Be certain of your mission, but be prepared to constantly grow. Work hard, very hard. Be forever curious, persistent and gracious. When people let you into their lives, realize that it is a gift.

Don't let technical issues come between you and a great picture; make it second nature. Recognize the role of aesthetics in storytelling. And shoot, shoot and shoot some more.

[via the online photographer]