Roberto Palomo

Former DMU international student Roberto Palomo is launching a career as a freelance photojournalist.

“I know it’s going to be a tough journey, however, there is nothing as beautiful as fighting for your dreams,” says Roberto.

Journalism and Media and Communication graduate Roberto will spend at least until the end of the year in Central America looking for newsworthy stories and documenting life there with his camera. His aim is to photograph and write about the political and social situation in countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

“Cuba is experiencing historical changes; Haiti is the poorest American country and the whole region suffered the consequences of a hurricane last summer. There are interesting stories there to photograph and write about,” he said.

Roberto, who graduated from DMU in 2016, flies to Cuba this week.

He spent the last year in Barcelona, in his native Spain, where he decided to focus on his photography. He attended various workshops, talked with journalists and collaborated with charities defending refugees’ rights.

His portfolio includes many striking images taken in the streets of the city.

This image captures life on the streets of Barcelona

He believes the best way to get attention from editors is to raise a profile and the internet and social media is a tremendous tool to expose and give visibility to his work. Thanks to other colleges and his own research, Roberto has found a strategy for his ambitions.

“My strategy is to combine time collecting stories with time circulating it. I have designed my own website, created social media networks, made a list of potential publications and agencies to target, researched photograph libraries and competitions and, most importantly, made contacts within all areas of journalism and life.”

A Barcelona street scene

He has saved money, packed his bags, got his laptop and camera ready, and aims to make his own way in the industry.

He adds a message for those looking forward to becoming journalists: “Do not get too obsessive about earning money, it will distract you from your professional purpose. Think that recognition will arrive at some point, if you put your effort into a project.”

Roberto’s work can be followed at www.robertopalomo.net and on his social media profile on instagram/bobypigeon or Facebook.com/roberto.palomofermoselle.

He says he is always happy for people to contact him.