Merging Words and Images
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
But for freelance journalist Caoimhe Clements, the written word is just as vital as the perfect photo.
Having completed a degree in Photography and Video and then going on to achieve a Master's in Journalism, Caoimhe knows firsthand the importance of both written and photographic elements in compelling storytelling.
Power of Storytelling
"Photography taught me the power of visual storytelling, how to frame a moment, and how to convey emotion without words. On the other hand, journalism has given me the skills to research, investigate, and craft successful narratives. Having a background in both allows me to see stories from multiple perspectives, whether that's through a camera lens or a written piece."
Carving a Freelance Path
Having started to curate a portfolio throughout her Masters degree, Caoimhe has gone on to carve out for herself a flourishing freelancer career, covering a wide variety of topics, both locally and across the EU.
'Freelancing works for me at this stage in my career. I love the flexibility—being able to work remotely means I can travel and take part in EU-funded projects, which is something I wouldn't have as much freedom to do in a traditional newsroom setting.'
‘It's a mix of structure and unpredictability, which can be both exciting and scary.’
Already a widely published journalist and contributor to various publications, it's clear to see how her determination and dedication have helped establish her emerging career.
‘My work has been featured in publications like Belfast Telegraph, The Irish Independent, and more. In late 2024, I worked with 5 Eleven, a London-based magazine, on a feature about the best places in Belfast, which was an exciting opportunity to showcase the city's culture and hidden gems.’
With a passion for sharing stories that matter and giving a voice to the voiceless, Caoimhe has been given the opportunity to work on a variety of hard-hitting important topics.
‘My goal is to write stories that amplify voices, especially for those who may not have had a platform to speak up before. This is the power of journalism: being a voice for someone or something that needs to be heard. I'm particularly passionate about covering issues related to women's struggles and gender-based violence. I've written about sexism in the tattoo industry, shared the story of a survivor of sexual violence, and also explored topics like men's mental health.’
As with any freelancing job, there is no typical day. However, this is something that Caoimhe thrives on and is what drives her in her new career.
Life as a Freelancer
"No two days are ever the same, which is something I love about freelancing. Some days, I'm conducting interviews, writing articles, and pitching ideas to editors. Other days, I'm working on photography projects or attending events. There's also the admin side, which is the part that not everyone sees. This can include following up on invoices, networking, and researching new opportunities."
Advice for Aspiring Freelancers
‘My aim is to shed light on important conversations and create space for stories that matter to people or individuals.’
If you are where Caoimhe once was and contemplating the freelance route in Journalism, Caoimhe has some wisdom to share.
‘For students thinking of going freelance, my biggest advice would be:
- Be proactive—opportunities won't always just come to you, so put yourself out there. There will be a million nos; not everything will be a yes; therefore, do not take it personally. Journalism and Media are very competitive industries.
- Build a strong portfolio—even if you don't have professional experience yet, create your own content. Start a blog, submit articles to smaller publications, or offer to write for student magazines.
- Find a work-life balance—it's easy to blur the lines between work and personal life, especially when you don't have set hours. Setting boundaries and making time for hobbies for me. I love to attend spin classes, spend too many hours on Pinterest, finding inspo, and teach myself the keyboard, which helps me avoid burnout. I also think it's important to remember that there is always more to life than work, therefore don't forget about your friends and family and what makes you happy.’
‘Networking was, and is still, key; I made connections through university, LinkedIn, and journalism event.’
Looking ahead, Caoimhe has her sights set on continuing to establish her journalism career, further weaving in her photography and journalism skills with the goal of always sharing the stories that matter.
'One of my goals is to do more international reporting, especially on cultural and social issues. I'd also love to expand my bylines to more major publications and possibly explore opportunities in broadcast journalism. Long-term, I'm working towards building a strong personal brand as a journalist and storyteller whether that's through writing, photography, or a mix of both.'
