Types of Photographers: Types, Average Salary, Jobs, Eligibility 2023

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Ahana Bhaduri

Senior Content Specialist

Photographers are trained professionals who take photographs as a part of their job and as a hobby as well. They record events and tell stories using photographs. More than 2 lakh people who work as photographers in India are self-employed or freelancers. In the recent past, the demand for wildlife and fashion photographers have increased, along with their average pay that witnessed a steep rise from INR 20,000 to INR 75,000 and INR 14,000 to INR 63,000 per month respectively.

In order to become a photographer, the aspiring candidates can pursue various Photography Courses such as DiplomaUndergraduate Photography Course from Top Photography and Fine Arts colleges in India. Candidates can also pursue certification courses in photography. The average course fees for pursuing an engineering course ranges between INR 30000- 2.50 LPA. 

After completing an undergraduate course, the average salary of a photographer usually ranges between INR 3.50 LPA - 7 LPA. But as the candidate gains experience, they can earn around INR 40,000- 1 L per day. The highest salary of a photographer ranges between INR 15.20 LPA - 17 LPA.

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Eligibility to become an Photographer

There are several key eligibility criteria that candidates must fulfill in order to become a Photographer. Some of them are discussed below for your reference:

  • Candidates must have completed 10+2 from any stream from a recognized board.
  • Candidates are required to appear in entrance exams conducted by various Universities such as Delhi School of Photography entrance exam, Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film entrance exam, AAFT, MHAAC-CET, BVP-CET, etc.
  • In some institutes, admission is also conducted on the basis of tasks assigned to the aspiring candidate. 
  • After graduation, the candidate can either take an internship or job as an entry-level photographer or pursue Masters in the same.

Types of Photographers

Photography is categorized on the basis of various specializations such as wildlife photography, fashion photography, magazine photography etc, and so are the photographers who choose their specializations as per their niche. 

The table below will discuss the various types of Photographers along with their job profiles and average annual salary for your reference. 

Specialization Job Profiles Average Annual Salary (INR)
Portrait photographer Portrait photography is one of the most trending photography now-a-days. The pictures in this photography can be really astounding. This photography is one of the most difficult photography as the photographer needs to be experienced enough to play with lights and backdrop to create beautiful pictures. 5.4 L
News Photographers These photographers work for newspapers, magazines, periodicals and other publications. They are also called Photojournalists. They mainly photograph people, places , and events that are newsworthy for publications. They can also work on digital videos 4.89 L
Fashion Photographer They showcase clothing, accessories that are designed by various Fashion Designers to bring them into the public eye. They are also responsible for how the clothing or shoes or accessories are presented in advertising, magazines etc. Fashion photographers usually work with designers to portray their collection to the public. 5.20 L
Sports Photographer Sports Photographers are those who cover all types of sports. They use highly advanced cameras to cover the sports and its precious moments. These photographers also work as freelancers and they take pictures from sporting events and sell photos to various magazines or newspapers. Some photographers are associated with teams and organizations. 3.74 L
Wedding Photographers The job of a professional wedding photographer is an exciting mix of portraiture and event photography. It involves capturing moments, natural and candid that will be treasured for lifetime. They have to be adaptable, ready to shoot at outdoor locations. They also have to direct the couple for posing and set perfect lighting to get the best photos. INR 4.25 L
Wildlife Photographer A wildlife photographer captures pictures of animals and plants without disrupting their natural habitat.They need to travel to different locations and observe and capture species in their natural environment. INR 7.32 L
Advertising Photographer Advertising photographers are who do photography for a promotion or campaign . Their work may be presented on billboards, product packaging, television commercials, etc. They also need to travel, prepare the shoot location, etc, INR 4.30 L
Travel Photographer Travel photography offers a wide range of potential opportunities by working as a photojournalist, media correspondent or a blogger. One has to travel and photograph the ethnicity and authenticity of the place such as tourist attractions, natural landscapes, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. . Travel photographers can work as freelancers or be associated with travel channels for the purpose of presenting their work to the public. INR 5.70 L
Fine Arts Photography Fine-arts photographers sell their photographs as a piece of artwork. This is an advanced level of photography where some technical knowledge is required such as lighting and the use of lenses. Fine arts need artistics talent and creativity. INR 6.50 L
Food Photographer Food photographers are those who are hired by restaurants to take photographs of the food and the ambience to advertise through social media or magazines etc. They click the picture of food in such a way that it is appealing to the eye but also covers every aspect such as color, texture, etc.and present it in such a way to attract more customers 4.35 L

Jobs of a Photographer

The responsibilities of a photographer can vary from the types of photography they are doing but some common jobs that all photographers are in charge of are listed below for your reference,

  • Capture and edit visual content for various platforms
  • Direct models about the poses, mood and overall feel of the shoot
  • Advertise photography in digital/print mediums
  • Perform retouching and adjustments post-shoot
  • Use and maintain traditional and latest equipment for photographs
  • Suggest innovative lighting ideas and shooting techniques

Skills required to become a Photographer

Some of the most crucial skills that are required in order to become a photographer are tabulated below for your reference

Artistic ability Interpersonal skills Ability to use technical equipment
Communication skills Customer service Patience and concentration
Business skills An eye for detail Lighting

Top Recruiters of photographers

Photographers mostly work as Freelancers or they can be associated with a company or can do both. Some of the top recruiters of photographers who hire fresher as well as experienced candidates are provided below for your reference,

Times Now Hindustan Times National Geographic Channel
Amazon Discovery Channel Grazia
Vogue Weddingz.in Firstcry

Types of Photographers: FAQs

Ques. How many types of photographers are there?

Ans. There are several types of photographers such as:

  • Portrait photographers
  • Photojournalists
  • Fashion photographers
  • Sports photographers
  • Still life photographers

Ques. What are skills required to be a Photographer?

Ans. The skills required to become a photographer in India are

  • Creativity 
  • Artistic skills
  • Technical skills
  • Organization
  • Close attention to details

Ques. Who are the top recruiters for Photographers?

Ans. Some of the top recruiters for photographers are :

  • Vortic Designs
  • Filmapia India
  • Magic Spangle Studios Pvt. Ltd.
  • Royal Creative Team
  • Redx Media

Ques. What are the course fees to become a photographer?

Ans. The course fees to pursue photographing courses in India is around INR 30000- 5 LPA. It is also dependent on which course he is pursuing.

Ques. Which are the entrance exams to appear in order to get admission in top photography colleges?

Ans. The entrance exams for getting admission in photography college are :

  • Delhi School of Photography entrance exam
  • Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film entrance exam
  • MH-AAC-CET
  • BVP-CET

Ques. Is any internship experience required to become a photographer?

Ans. Yes, internship experience is required to become a photographer. The candidate can pursue an internship while pursuing an photography course or they could opt to do it afterwards.

Ques. Can a student from an arts background become a photographer?

Ans. Yes, a student from an arts background can pursue photography. 

Ques. Can we pursue photography from a distance learning ?

Ans. Yes, you can pursue photography from a distance learning but it is advisable to pursue it from regular college.

Ques. What is the highest salary of a photographer?

Ans. According to Glassdoor, the highest salary of a photographer can range between INR 13.10 LPA. .

Ques. What is the admission process to become a photographer?

Ans. The admission process is based on the scores obtained in the entrance examination and the last qualifying examination.

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