There are many kinds of photographers out there: there are nature lovers, wedding photographers, those who work for advertisements; and then there are the paparazzo photographers, the ones who stand out from the crowd. The paparazzi sure have a very interesting life too, just like the people they sprint after all day.
Today, many photographers are choosing the paparazzi over other careers in photography. Formally known as photojournalism, the job of being a paparazzo can have some negative connotations as well.
However, nobody can deny the fact that the world of celebrities is brimming with juice only because the paparazzi exists; how else would anyone manage to get those million-dollar celebrity shots? These people behind the lens surely have an interesting job; they have to chase the rich and famous, and get a shot that will sell.
Good photography colleges churn thousands of potential graduates each year, who venture into various fields of photography based on their interests. Some of these take the challenge of jumping onto the paparazzi bandwagon. The paparazzi hired by a magazine are usually expected to bring in their own equipment; high end cameras, tripods etc. But most expected from a paparazzo are a timely appearance, a perfect angle, and a scandal awaiting to be captured.
So why is it that the paparazzi end up being the media scapegoats? These photographers are despised for barging into private estates, capturing awkward moments, and selling someone’s personal affairs. Ever wondered how much of these allegations are true? The paparazzi are also a form of journalists, who head out to earn their bread and butter; and this is something most of us forget.
Photographers of a paparazzi squad are better off with camera equipment that can capture high definition photographs from a great distance. They also have to keep swapping between long range and short range cameras, based on the situation. Precise timing is required by the paparazzi in order to capture the best celebrity shots.
The job nevertheless is absolutely fascinating and out of the ordinary. Whether Lindsay Lohan has earned another DUI arrest, or Britney Spears has another shameful moment; these people have to be there. There are no specific limits for privacy defined for the paparazzi; why should they be answerable when someone else is embarrassing themselves in public?
Having said that, there are some photographers that break the code; the person who captured Kate Middleton sunbathing with her husband did not do a pleasant job. Peeking into private estates is not a great thing to do, especially when you can be sued by the British Royals.
The paparazzi are also harassed by the celebrities on occasions; these brave soldiers head out into the battlefield with their cameras to not only take pictures, but also to occasionally get attacked by a drunken celebrity.
Being paparazzi doesn’t always mean chasing the troubled A-listers; pictures of celebrities shopping and leaving salons sell equally well.
Celebrity photographer Henry Flores, who has also published a book on his profession, says that being a paparazzo is not an easy job. The industry is inundated with inexperienced and under qualified individuals; maybe it is time that more professional and qualified photographers become part of the paparazzi.
