Have you ever considered taking your photography hobby to the next level? Ever wonder what it would be like to take pictures for a living? In the photography industry, there are several different career paths one may go down if they choose to enter the field. Photographers have the ability to cross into many different sectors and work environments, as humans are visual beings and there are many different markets which call for photographers to take their businesses to the next level. Within the field, there are numerous types of photography subfields that you may be able to choose from when it comes to your photography career.
Here are some possibilities which may strike you as a possible career:
1. Fashion Photography
When some people think of a photographer, the first thing that may come to mind is fashion photography. Taking pictures of models, clothes, and runway events is no doubt a substantial part of the industry. Pictures may be taken for magazines, ads, and retailers. The point is to give an aesthetically pleasing look to a subject, making it appealing to potential buyers.
If you wish to break into the fashion photography industry, a degree in photography, as well as an internship, may be necessary in order to hone in on your skills and gain the experience which may be sought after.
Photographers in the fashion industry may get the opportunity for travel to various locations to shoot models and shows; they may even be able to shoot celebrities if they reach a high enough status. They may meet with fashion editors, stylists, agencies, and retailers to find out what they are tasked with doing for each particular job.
2. Wildlife Photography
One of the more challenging forms of photography, wildlife photography is the art of taking pictures of non-domesticated animals and nature. Photographers may need to have the ability to shoot in any environment, capture the animal in question on film, and do it all in a technically sound and accurate fashion. The job may be difficult, as some animals fear being approached, some have different sleep schedules, and some may just simply not want to cooperate.
Wildlife photography is important for both its artistic and scientific values*. They may snap shots of endangered species, catch animals in the act of feeding, mating, nurturing their young, or perhaps take pictures of animals that some people have never seen before. They may have to travel to the far ends of the earth to get these photos, stopping at nothing to get the shot.
3. Underwater Photography
Usually done while wearing scuba gear, underwater photographers go to great lengths (no pun intended) to capture photos of sea life. They may photograph fish and other aquatic animals, as well as shipwrecks, underwater caves, or geological features not seen on land.
Besides having photography skills, underwater photographers may also need to be certified divers, depending on if they use scuba equipment or not. It may also be helpful for these photographers to develop techniques in diving which allow them to get close to the specimen without scaring it away.
4. Wedding Photography
When it comes to someone's big day, they want the best. They want to be able to look back at pictures and remember the special moments which were created on their wedding day. To do this, they hire wedding photographers. These professionals document the day's events, from the bride getting ready, all the way until the last dance of the night. They are charged with staging wedding party photos and coming up with the poses for the marrying couple to act out in order to get the right angles and capture important details.
Wedding photographers often have assistants on the job. That way, they may be able to capture different angles, or perhaps they can focus on posed shots while their assistant takes candid photos. After the wedding is over, the photographer puts together albums and DVDs for the couple to keep.
5. Paparazzi Photography
Sometimes said to be a demanding and difficult job, paparazzi are the ones snapping candid shots of celebrities with the possibility of the picture making it into tabloids and magazines. As many of us have seen, photos taken by paparazzi are often displayed as the subject being incompliant or unaware of the photographer.
Paparazzi may sometimes have to work odd hours and go to different locations in order to photograph a chosen celebrity. However, if they get the right shot, it could be worth a substantial amount of money. Most of these photographers work freelance and then sell their photographs to different publications, typically chosen based on who is paying the most for each picture.
These are just a few of the many types of photography within the industry. Having an eye and the talent for photography, as well as a degree in the field, may help a photographer to find a job in their chosen career path. By earning a photography degree, one may be able to hone in their skills, as well as learn various techniques which may help them upon completion from their program.