Is there room for expression if you pursue a career in the field of journalism?

Yes - absolutely! The reason for this is that media is changing and there are opportunities across all sorts of publications and blogs. Obviously writing for The Wall Street Journal is going to be different than writing for BuzzFeed, so you'll have to find a publications that allows you to express yourself in a way that makes sense. That's great that you can write and take photos since staff photographer jobs are starting to go away as reporters/writers are expected to take their own shots, so you'll already be a step ahead!

When you begin, your editor may let you do what you like and see what you can come up with and/or give you simple assignments and if you do well in them the give you more challenging ones and those that allow for more expression. As you continue working, your editor and you will develop a working relationship where the editor may feel comfortable in the kind of assignments you generate and do well in and give you more room to do what you like.

Start a blog of your own now. Research things you find interesting, and write about them. Find ways to work your photography into the things you want to write about.

When you want to know something, find out who is likely to know more than you do, and make some phone calls or visit offices. When you show interest in what someone is working on, they're often happy to help you.

Journalism is something anyone can start doing, though better journalism takes more work and more practice. If you get a feel for it now you'll have a better idea of what you want to do later on.

I agree that blogging is a great way to get your voice heard and find your writing style. Also, you can try freelance writing for various publications... think of it as trying on different hats until you find one that fits. Www.mediabistro.com is a great website for media-related jobs. Many of our interns have found internships at many different publications and media companies through that site.