The different specialties of the profession of photographer

Posted by LauraDerb on November 16th, 2020

Photography has a colorful (but also black and white) and ancient history. Nicéphore Niépce was the first to have created a photo at the beginning of the 19th century, in 1816 to be precise, thanks to a camera of his own making and a piece of paper covered with silver chloride, which darkens the image. brightness. Although his photo was only temporary, it is the beginning of martinez headshot photography as we currently understand it. Over two hundred years later, camera technology has greatly developed. Just as there are many models of cameras, there are different styles of photographers.

If you want to turn your passion into a professional career, then it is important to think about which style will suit you best. Follow our guide to the most popular types of photographers, it may help you find your calling.

Photographers specializing in landscapes

Some of the most beautiful photos to cut the soft are landscape shots, mostly still shots of what nature can do best: to be gorgeous. However, before you go exploring the world with your camera slung, take the advice of the pros. First, be sure to take your photography tours when the weather is on your side.

One of the best times to take a photograph is during the golden hour, which is the short period after sunrise and before sunset, due to the softness of the light diffused by the star. That doesn't mean rainy weather photography isn't great, just remember to pack protection for your camera. Another point to consider, the accessories. Wide angle lenses and tripods will give you a more extended and stable perspective of nature.

Wildlife photographers

If you want to become a wildlife photographer, you had better be a planner at heart, because organization is key. We are not just talking about booking the details of your trip but knowing the best times of the day to see this or that animal and especially to overcome the mountain of administrative papers required to photograph the rarest species on our planet. But once that is all done, the reward that awaits you is magnificent!

To begin with, we recommend that you go for a walk in a nearby natural area, where you will catch birds and other wild animals. If you come back with the stars in your eyes, you will know that this is your calling.

Fashion photographers

Many photographers work alone, but if you are thinking of becoming a fashion photographer , you need to be a little more cooperative. In this environment, teamwork is key, you will often work with a makeup artist and an artistic director, especially if your photos are intended to promote clothing and fashion accessories. The latter can go so far as to decide on the composition and structure of the photo.

As often in the world of photography, to make yourself known and be able to earn money in the future, you will have to offer your services for free at first. This will allow you to build your portfolio. The remuneration in the fashion photography sector is nevertheless rather high, in comparison with other sectors. If you need some inspiration, take a look at these fashion blogs .

Food photographers

Believe it or not, food photography is indeed a niche, it goes much further than a simple photo taken with a phone during meals. The art of food photography has taken off thanks to Instagram and food bloggers . If you find that you can capture food in such a way that people drool over it just by the sight of your photo, then this might be for you. The temptation is real and it is essential that you know how to resist the sight of your subject.

Joking aside, the best food photographers are true contemporary artists, they manage to transform a simple cup of tea into a cup with an irresistible look thanks to particularly unique tricks . It is easy to find many tips on the internet for becoming a successful food photographer.

Sports photographers

Are you passionate about sports and photography? Your vocation may be sports photography ! By extension, sports photography includes any image capture of a moving subject, so it can be as much to photograph athletes as children running.

If you are someone who knows how to capture the moment, then head for this type of photography. As is often the case in the profession of photographer, you don't especially need a diploma to practice. However, if you want to photograph high profile events, you will need to obtain certain accreditations.

Street photographers

Are you a spontaneous person and have a knack for recognizing characters or streets of character? The street photography is perhaps for you. Unlike many styles of photography, you won't need a lot of equipment. Indeed, the whole point of this style is to catch people on the spot, without them noticing you, a small and discreet equipment is therefore preferable.

It is also the easiest style of photography to practice, just grab your camera and go out on the street! Think of social networks such as Instagram and the website to make yourself known, many are fond of this type of photo.

Wedding photographers

Are you a romantic photographer at heart? Why not spend your days taking pictures of the happiest day in the lives of many people? It is also the assurance that your photos will be forever cherished by the couple and their family. To start in this profession you will need good equipment, talent, both in photography and editing, a website with your best shots and contacts.

A word of advice, if you want to be booked throughout the wedding season, think about having a recognizable style, it will facilitate word of mouth.

Baby photographers

Newborn portraits don't just happen like magic. These subjects are often difficult to photograph: they move all the time, they are capricious, they cry often, or they simply sleep. Becoming a baby photographer means learning the patience and energy to photograph toddlers.

You also need to have the eye to take the picture at the right time, as well as a certain artistic vision to be able to offer interesting shoots that go off the beaten track. Baby photographers often work in agencies, but also on their own on their own, and regularly work with individuals who want to keep track of their babies for later, or just to have cute portraits of their babies to display in. their whole house.

Pet photographers

Pet owners are often very attached to their life companion, who is an integral part of their family. This is why there are more and more photographers specializing in pets , who work alone in freelance or in an agency.

Much like baby photographers, pet photographers need energy and patience to be able to photograph their subjects. It's about understanding that animals don't have the same patience as humans, and always having a little reward to encourage them. It will also be necessary to listen to the owners to know their needs. Otherwise, you have to be good at taking pictures on the spot, and not to scare animals with a flash that is too powerful or too noisy.

Astrophotographers

Passionate about the sky, the stars and space, astrophotographers are rare birds in the world of photography. Indeed, astrophotography is a very particular branch of photography that does not provide much financial benefit. You will find that most of these photographers work for their passion rather than money. They specialize in science, IT or engineering.

With many organizations like NASA, making a fortune in front of an astrophotographer is not easy, if not completely impossible. You will also need to obtain relatively expensive equipment. But the fruits of your labor will be rewarding, and you will produce amazingly one-of-a-kind photos. You will also need a keen sense of photography and be able to practice long exposure photography.

Aerial photographers

Unlike astrophotographers who photograph the sky and space as seen from Earth, aerial photographers tend to photograph Earth from the air. A passion that can prove to be costly more than a true vocation, it is difficult to be successful as an aerial photographer.

Not everyone has access to an airplane, and it is often beneficial to have a loved one who can arrange a glider or airplane for you to take pictures. You will also have to use your network to learn the ropes by assisting an accomplished aerial photographer, usually on an unpaid basis.

Like many branches of photography, you will not need a diploma to become an aerial photographer, but it can be useful for receiving commissions from clients.

Underwater photographers

If you are an experienced diver you know how magnificent the seabed is and if you are also passionate about photography, why not combine the two? Before launching into the depths of the sea, we advise you to train in swimming pools or in places where there is little water and current.

If you want to specialize in this style of underwater photography , you will need a lot of courage, an ability to dive and above all a substantial budget for the purchase of all the special equipment.

The paparazzi

Often disparaged, the paparazzi are nevertheless the photographers who earn the most money. Be careful, however, this is not money given. You will have to wait hours, even days to get THE shot that will earn you money. Beyond patience, this job requires a certain competitive spirit and an ability to reach out to people.

Although this is often a solo job, you will still need to bond with people close to the stars or the stars themselves if you want to get the shot that no one else will take.

Photojournalists

The photojournalists often go to the heart of the action and are always ready to draw their camera to capture moments that may remain forever etched in the memories. Full-fledged journalists, they use photography to tell stories rather than words, and are generally very good at capturing emotions. They are press accredited, which allows them to have access to places reserved during press conferences, of course, but also during many political and non-political events.

To work in a media outlet you will be required to have a master's degree in photography, but you can also work on your own and sell your photos directly to publications through online sites.

There you have it, the most popular categories of photographers. Are you interested in one of these styles of photography or have some advice for beginners? Let us know in the comments!