How to Be a Paparazzi

So you want to be a paparazzi. All you need is a camera and a lack of respect for personal space. Got all those? Then your good to go.

You get more money for rare shots of top celebrities. Don't waste time standing outside a premiere because half of the worlds paparazzi will be there too. Try walking your own path. It's not stalking if you don't get caught.

Do your research. Find out where your local celebrity hangouts are. Study magazines and ask taxi drivers and waiters who can give you a good idea of where celebrities spend their time. Don't be too obvious because other paparazzi might be looking for that same celebrity and you can't risk others to get your shot.

Pictures depicting celebrities doing activities that they shouldn't be doing are worth more so keep your eye on them. If a celebrity catches you taking pictures of them and becomes violent that shouldn't be a reason for why you shouldn't keep snapping photos.

Be careful where you take pictures. Even though you're a paparazzi you must have control of the area of where your taking your photos. You do have SOME sense of privacy and if you don't then you better be a good runner. Most publications won't accept photos taken in a private area and you will probably get arrested.

Now that you've got your shot the next thing that you need to do is find a buyer. There are now lots of international agencies that will buy photos from amateurs and sell them to publications. Just open your computer and a search on an internet will let you know how many there are. Remember, they'll take a cut for their services, so if you think your picture is important enough, try and sell it to the publications directly. Whether you go for an agency or publication, act fast. Most photos reduce in value as they become less current.

Make sure everyone who looks at your photo knows that it's been taken by you. A water mark can be added using Photoshop. It is best to email the photo to the publication or agency although you can also snail mail them.

Work on your negotiation skills. If you go through an agency, they'll negotiate with different publications to get the going rate. If you're doing it yourself, approach several different potential purchasers. Hopefully, they'll try and out bid each other and you'll make a lot of money. Remember before you enter into any agreement, read the terms and conditions carefully. That way, you can check to see if your pictures isn't being printed more times then it's been agreed on.

Now that you're photograph is world famous, relax, and enjoy your earnings.