How to Be a Paparazzi Photographer

The paparazzi - meaning "pest" (or literally, "mosquito") in Italian - are the photographers who follows celebrities and other high-profile people for the purpose of taking their pictures and selling them, often in conjunction with a scandalous and often ridiculous story, to media publications for large sums of money. One person working in the field is known as a paparazzo, and the paparazzi are generally not affiliated with most of the freelancers in the industry. You have a much better shot at capturing celebs on film and getting a bigger paycheck at the end of the week by working directly for a company, which is why being a hired paparazzo is often preferred to freelancing. If you are interested in meeting celebs, traveling to different countries, and making substantial money for doing it, read on to find out how to be a paparazzi photographer:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Search for Photojournalist Jobs
   
   Media companies generally don't advertise positions as "paparazzo," due to both the negative connotations with the word and the fear that inexperienced and less serious applicants will vie for the position. Instead, they put out job listings for photojournalists, which in the celebrity gossip world, is pretty much the same thing.
   
   You have a better chance at finding photojournalist positions in the three major cities where both celebrities and media companies are located: Hollywood, Los Angeles, and New York City. While there may be positions elsewhere in the U.S., the pay rates and the opportunities are much higher where most celebrities live. Try searching Craigslist, Monster, the classifieds, or contacting your favorite publications directly to see what job openings they have for photojournalists.

2. Provide Your Own Equipment
   
   Many media companies, especially publications like magazines, require you to provide your own equipment. Even if they don't, already having a couple of cameras and some lenses will boost your chances of being hired - the less costs they have to cover, the more profit they'll earn from your work. So pick up at least one high-quality digital camera and a few accessories before you apply for to be a paparazzi photographer. You'll need the equipment, anyway, to build your portfolio.

3. Prepare a Portfolio - and Make it Impressive
   
   Companies want to know about your previous experience, and what better way to show them than by providing them with some of your best photographs? And the more popular the celebrity, the better your portfolio will be received. Employers want to know that you can track down and capture the biggest names in the industry right this second, because that's where the most money is. If you come to them with a book full of A-listers, they'll know that you can make them tons of money, and they'll be willing to pay you in return.

4. Play Up Your Celebrity Connections
   
   You know the phrase, it's who you know? That rings especially true in the world of the paparazzi. Having connections to big name managers, producers, and assistants can get you the inside information on where a certain celebrity will be on a certain date and time. And that means you'll be able to get the exclusive coverage for your bosses. Any connections you have that they don't - especially if they've been trying to get to a particular celebrity you're connected to - will boost your chances of being hired as a paparazzi photographer. Don't hold back - let them know everyone that you know, and assure them that if they hire you, they'll reap all the benefits you have to offer.