Photographers are professionals who possess an intense desire to capture every moment, every activity and event, to preserve, savour and cherish it all life, not only by them but by the society at large. A camera slung across their shoulders and a keen observation – and they are ready to take the road. It is a profession that grants creative satisfaction and feeling of usefulness. 

Photographers are in great demand today. Specialised, well trained and creative photographers are able to create a market for themselves. A budding professional can choose from the various specialisation fields and become an expert in that particular skill of photography.

1. Photo-journalist :

They are photographers who are the visual counterparts of journalists. While the latter take notes and sound bytes, they capture all action in their camera. Photojournalists are as significant to news agencies as are journalists. As the saying goes that a picture says more than a written word, these group of professionals have proved this. They find employment with newspapers, news channels, non-fiction programs, magazines, etc. Those who want to specialise in this form of photography should be immensely agile and flexible, and willing to work under any circumstance and time. They are required to even more alert than the journalist to be able to capture everything before it passes. A tedious strenuous job, but of utmost utility to the society.

2. Fashion Photographer :

They photograph everything related to the fashion industry. It is today the most highly paid form of photography. They may work with fashion designers or a fashion house, with corporate clients, with fashion magazines and journals, or be self employed making model or actor portfolios. To be a Fashion Photographer, a sense and knowledge of the fashion industry is a necessity, along with awareness about the latest fashion styles and icons in the industry. 

3. Wildlife Photographer :

This demands immense patience. Wildlife Photographers are in love with nature and its components like animals, birds, and their habitat, habits, and way of life. Love for adventure helps in this field. So does a great observation power to note the minutest details and activities. At times they have to wait for hours or even days and months to capture a particular animal or bird in the desired position or activity. Thus a knowledge about the subjects is important. Constant study and research is of great help in this field. They usually work in forest areas, sanctuaries, reserve forests or places inhabited by animals and birds. Various organisations like National Geographic, Discovery etc employ good wildlife photographers. And a good Wildlife Photographer also is remunerated handsomely, along with the bliss of working and living among those he loves. 

4. Commercial Photographer :

Commercial Photographers are involved in taking pictures of all commercial forms of commercial activities and commodities. They should know the effective use of a multiple camera set-up and use of props and sets, as these form an integral part of this field. 

5. Advertising Photographer :

They are concerned typically with advertising agencies. Fashion photography forms a part of this style of photography, but its gamut is larger than that. This is a tricky and delicate field of photography as the photographer should possess the capability to interpret the client’s demand and message, formulate an idea from the brief given, and create apt conditions and situations for the shoot. An Advertising Photographer has to be very creative, so that he can create original unique concepts and images, and not fear to experiment. 

6. Scientific Photographer :

Knowledge of science is needed to be a Scientific Photographer. They take pictures of scientific activities and components for the purpose of study, research and publication. They cover all science related fields like biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, medicine. They may also be engaged in photography of outer space. It is a highly specialised section of photography as the photographer is expected to have a serious and educated approach towards science. This is more of work than enjoyment. 

7. Aerial Photographer :

There are subjects and situations that cannot be photographed form the ground. The pictures have to be taken from a higher altitude. Aerial Photographers capture these. They take aerial images of buildings, landscapes, and activities. In times of natural calamity like floods or earthquake when the ground cannot be reached, they take pictures of it from above. The aerial photographs find use in news, science, military and industry. 

8. Industrial Photographer :

Industrial Photographers work in the core industrial areas. Such photography needs a know how of the industry, and the equipments and machines there, and also an understanding of the functions and functioning. They take pictures of industrial activities, labour activities, of machines, tools, the work shops, work floors, etc. these photographs are used for study by the industry and helps in policy formulation and decision making. They are also used for industry publication and advertising. 

9. Food Photographer :

They are employed by food manufacturing and catering companies. Thus they are in great demand in hotels, restaurants, food producing companies, bakeries, dairies etc. Also food shows and festivals require Food Photographers. 

10. Miscellaneous :

This is not the end of the various specialisations in photography. There are other related and smaller utilities of photography. Form the person who takes our party and wedding pictures, to those who are amateurs, photographers are to be found in every aspect of life today. Non-professional photography has become as important as professional photography today.