How To Become A Paparazzi

Want to know how to become a paparazzi? Want to know how to get into one of the best and most exciting photography professions that there is? If you are serious about becoming a paparazzi then you'll want to know the best way to approach your new career in order to have the highest chance of success.

Is Formal Education And Experience Necessary?

Traditionally, many paparazzi have come from the photojournalism field.

These photographers would go from location to location, taking snaps of sports events or, more usually, news events. The lure of taking pictures of celebrities and getting massive pay days is a huge attraction but photojournalism is also great preparation for the real thing.

That said, more and more paparazzi these days are not coming from a traditional photojournalism background. Even fewer have formal qualifications like a photography degree. In fact, whilst such a degree will help you develop your own abilities, the only thing that matters in the eyes of photo buyers is the photograph itself.

Equipment

Even a photojournalist needs to have a decent digital camera and some basic equipment. A paparazzi must go much further.

First you will need some form of transport. This depends on your location. Many paparazzi work out of cars but depending on your location and the amount of equipment you carry, a motorbike may be more suitable.

Next comes your actual camera and attachments. If you are serious then you will need a 35mm digital SLR camera and know how to use it. You will also need a good telephoto lens so that you can zoom in and get those great shots. If you are shooting very long distance shots then you will also need a lightweight tripod too.

Finally, invest in a collapsible step ladder. Even a beer crate will often suffice. This will allow you access to better vantage points from which to take your thousand dollar snaps.

Research

It is not difficult to find out where celebrities are going to be. There are many angles that you can attack this career from.

First, you could just hang out in areas where many celebrities are known to live. There is always good money for those early morning shots of celebrities without makeup.

Of course, you can hang outside of well publicized events like many other paparazzi. The problem with this method though is that you will have a lot of competition and this will also put downward pressure on the price that you can charge.