A Career in Photography

Photography is fast becoming a sought after career. There are a number of institutes offering one year diploma in photography and also short term digital photography courses. The options for jobs are also opening up. Evaluate yourself if you have the ability to be a professional photographer.

"A picture is worth a thousand words" is a commonly used adage for describing photographs that leaves a lasting impression.

It was first used by Fred R. Barnard in the advertising trade journal Printers' Ink, in 1921promoting the use of images. How true. Trying to recall some photographs that have stuck in my memory, I can immediately think of the famous photo of the Vietnam war after the napalm bombing or the photo of a child half buried during the Bhopal gas tragedy by well known photographer Raghu Rai, or some of the breathtaking photos of the nature that beckons you to visit those places.

With advance in technology and the advent of digital cameras, it is quite common for even a child to be clicking photos. But if one's interest in photography is sustained beyond your occasional clicking at family gathering and during holidays then a career option in photography can be seriously considered. Unlike a decade ago, photography as a career has several opportunities today. But before you take the decision to make photography as a career, evaluate yourself to see if you have a creative eye, aesthetic sense that is extremely crucial to combine with technical skills that you will acquire through Professional Photography Courses.

There are two ways of learning photography in India. One is to join Still Photography Courses and the other is to be an apprentice to a professional photographer.

Today there are a number of private institutes and couple of universities offering diploma in photography in the country. There are usually of one year duration.

Although with the advent of digital technology, the entire process of photography may seem to be much easier, but there is much beyond depending on the auto pilot of your camera do all the ‘work'. No doubt many may consider photography as an art and the only requirement for the profession having a creative eye. But technical knowledge of photography in the digital age is all the more important. It is also a science that involves combining photography with technology and business. Not only do you need to learn all the artistic angles of setting up and shooting a photograph, you also need to learn how to produce that photograph in its best possible light on a computer. And that is where the professional photography courses come in.

To be a successful photographer, one needs to have a thorough knowledge of cameras and the technicalities involved in taking pictures, of light, distance and perspective. Further, a sensitive and introspective nature is essential. And most importantly, to recognize your talent and take it further than just a hobby to a fully fledged profession. Does the thought daunt you? Think of the magic you can create through the camera and the influence your photographs can have on several changes in the society.

Once decided about the taking up photography as a career, the next step would be to select a good institute offering Diploma in Photography . A photography course will teach you the use of different kinds of cameras, to click aesthetically pleasing and clear photographs, and develop and distribute those images. Several still photography courses also try and develop your thinking towards different aspects in life and issues in the society. For a sensitive mind will be able to capture the various aspects of life better.

In case you cannot afford to study in a full time professional photography course, then there are several institutes offering short - term digital photography courses. As the digital is the used format now - a -days, the focus is on learning through the digital format.

Photography offers a number of opportunities. Some of the options for photographer are:

• Press Photographers or Photo Journalists
• Fashion Photography
• Portrait Photographers
• Wedding photographers
• Industrial Photographers
• Wildlife Photographers
• Feature Photographers
• Forensic Photographers
• Fine Art Photographers
• Freelancing
• Scientific Photography

One can also opt for the option of being self-employed. Some photography graduates can begin by working as apprentice for senior photographers.

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