With so much emphasis being placed on print media and the written word, photojournalists often fly under the radar. With the focus being on photography first and words second, photojournalists don’t have many ideal platforms to share their content. However, with the emergence of Instagram and Pinterest in recent years, photojournalists finally have a place where they can shine.

Social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook are comparative to print media. While photos are used on those networks, the written word is the focus of the content. With Instagram and Pinterest, photography is the focus. Ranging from amateurs to veterans of the field, photojournalists employ the use of those two photo-centric networks to make their work stand out. Both networks are also free to use, making them all the more accessible and easy to use.

While Instagram and Pinterest have proven to be unique, they have also been threatening to a field outside of journalism. For years, professional photographers have been employed to provide print and digital media outlets for their content. With the emergence of photographers on Instagram and Pinterest, professional photographers have kind of fallen by the wayside in terms of their ability to produce unique content and sell it to news organizations. Why pay for a product when similar-quality photos can be found on Instagram and Pinterest for a much lesser price? In some cases, those photos are even free as long as the photographer’s Instagram or Pinterest page is credited.

Instagram and Pinterest have certainly been positive developments, but they have also put professional photographers in jeopardy — especially the freelance ones. Those who are employed for photography companies such as USA TODAY Sports Images are safe and do not have to worry, as their photos are exclusive to that network and will be used by all of the writers in the network. However, freelance photographers now have their backs up against the wall in terms of finding work. Instagram and Pinterest have created an interesting dynamic within the field.