First, it was copy editors.

Now, the Los Angeles Daily Journal is getting rid of staff photographers. The publication terminated their two staff photographers (one in San Francisco, one in Los Angeles) in favor of reporters snapping their own pictures and freelancers.

LA Observed got their hands on the memo from editor David Houston:

All,

I have terminated our staff photographers in Los Angeles and San Francisco… Starting next week, we will use freelancers and photos taken by reporters.

We will use outside photographers for some potential display stories and for profiles, especially of small law firms and of GCs. Take your own judge profile photos. All freelance photography requests go through me.

I have ordered new cameras for all of the offices. They should arrive next week.

Today, please send Caitlin Johnson any outstanding photo requests you have. She will do an audit of which photos have been taken. I will assign a freelancer for the rest. Please bear with us during this transition.

Finally, thanks to Todd Rogers and Robert Levins for their service to the company. They have been great colleagues and they will be missed.

David Houston