A photographer is usually a trained professional who takes images using cameras, special lights and other tools to enhance their subject. There is no set path to becoming a photographer as all you need is finding the passion for photography, undergoing training and internship, and picking a career.

It is not easy to turn your passion for photography to career from which you earn an income. Here are photography careers to get you started on your professional life.

Wedding Photographer

This is an ideal way of capturing photos for income. Here, you can get jobs through partnership, working with other photographers, and building a relationship with event caterers, venues, planners, who can refer you for jobs. It’s is meaningful as you capture best moments in people’s lives and pays well.

Commercial Photographer

This is one who specializes in taking images that are used to market products and services. It comprises of portrait, architectural, product and food photography and these photos appear on social media which has recently given photographers engagements and publicity.

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Portrait Photography

Portrait photography comes with a large customer demand and needs interpersonal skills as well as personal photography skills as your clients may have little modelling ideas or might be camera shy. It ranges from headshots to professional shots to photo sessions.

Travel Photographer

Here, not only do you spend your time exploring new location and cultures but you get paid to do so. Nevertheless, pursuing this career is never easy as you have to make enormous expenses to get these photos. So, you have to partner with travel agencies who can fund your travels and buy your photos and travel writers.

Stock Photographer

This photographer although with a slim chance of making money through this field, can earn by selling photos on your portfolio on platforms such as iStock and Adobe Stock, working on shooting diverse photos which can be used for commercial purposes.

Photojournalist

A photojournalist captures photos that convey complex stories. They are visual story tellers for news and culture. It demands dedication as you would have to cover not-so-exciting events and work as a freelancer to build a strong portfolio.

Sports Photographer

Sport photographers require technical skills as the job is dynamic with so much action unfolding in front of you. They need powerful lenses to capture photos of sport stars and everything happening in the game. This is mostly the least expensive as all you have to do is walk into the football field or basketball court and take your shots. Sell your work or partner with teams as every goal, penalty kick, faults get you closer to FIFA, NBA, etc.

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Wildlife Photographer

Wildlife photographers require patience, fast reflexes and strong hand-eye co-ordination as the wildlife is all about action and speed. You would also have to wait for the animals to do something or appear together. With the advancement in endangered species, this career is a powerful tool to raise awareness.

Fashion Photographer

Fashion photography lies between portrait and commercial photography. It requires artistic and creative skills, people skills, and an eye for fashion. It is very competitive and would require networking to get jobs.

Scientific photographer

This is probably the last career that comes to mind when thinking photography. However, it is an interesting career with high demand. They illustrate technical information for medicine, science, businesses and government purposes. Their images are usually used in trainings, conferences and exhibitions as they capture experiment results in way that makes the resulting data alluring.

Conclusion

Anyone with a camera can be a photographer. With your technical and aesthetic skills, you can choose any of the above careers, get trained and begin your journey to professional life and making a living from it.

Photography as a Career