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Guest post by: June Campbell Become an Author

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Have you ever wondered how to become a paparazzi or if paparazzi is the right career choice for you? Some claim that the paparazzi engage in the most thrilling and exhilarating photography profession possible. In case you don't already know, paparazzi is an Italian word that has become commonplace in the English language. Paparazzi is plural, and it refers to members of a particular branch of photojournalism. Their work involves taking candid pictures of prominent people such as politicians, celebrities and others. Most paparazzi are free lancers or independent contractors rather than connected to a media organization.

What Education and Experience do you Need?

As stated earlier, many paparazzi start out as photojournalists. Photojournalists are journalists to record events with a camera rather than a pencil. They move from site to site, photographing specific events, such as sporting events, news events, etc.

When thinking of the paparazzi, many would-be photographers visualize a career in which they take photographs of famous people and receive massive checks when they sell their pictures. Tempting as it may be to jump into this profession, working first in photojournalism provides excellent training and experience that will do you well later.

Nevertheless, increasing numbers of paparazzi are joining the profession from other avenues rather than traditional photojournalism. Many do not have formal education such as a degree in photography. The reality is that while a degree is helpful in terms of developing your skills, the quality of the photograph is the only thing that matters to the potential buyer.

Equipment Used by the Paparazzi

Photojournalists require a good camera and a number of items of equipment. Paparazzi need much more.

To be begin with, paparazzi need a convenient means of transportation, since they move from place to place depending on the whereabouts of the celebrity they hope to photograph. Some members of the paparazzi work out of an automobile, but others rely on motorbikes. It depends in part on the amount of equipment to be transported.

Secondly, you need a camera and accessories. Anyone serious about a paparazzi career must have a 35mm digital SLR camera and must be competent and skilled at using it. Paparazzi also require a good quality telephoto lens so they can take good shots from a distance. Long distance shots also require a tripod for stabilizing the camera. Digital cameras are notoriously responsive to tremors. Lightweight tripods are available. Some will fold up into small cases that can tuck into a suitcase or backpack.

A collapsible step ladder or something that can be used as a step ladder is another important purchase. Some of the coveted thousand dollar shots will require the photographer to be elevated to a better vantage point.

Subject Research

Paparazzi must research their subjects and know where they are likely to be. There are various approaches to doing this.

The most obvious is to discover where the celebrity lives and to hang out in that general neighbourhood. Seemingly candid pictures of celebrities without makeup and with morning hair are in great demand and command a good price.

Many paparazzi opt to loiter around well publicized happenings. In this situation, a photographer will be dealing with a lot of competition, and the price paid for the photographs will spiral downward accordingly.

The Right Mental Attitude

As you know, the paparazzi are not popular among celebrities and with some members of the public. To be successful in this career, you will need the willingness to face opposition and disapproval.

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