If you have a passion for photography and are planning to convert it into a profession, selecting the right niche is absolutely important.
Undoubtedly, photography is a dynamic field with so many options. From sports and culture to art and architecture, each photography niche is nuanced and requires its own skill.
Let us learn about the various photography types so that you can decide the best niche for you. Here you go:
Product Photography
Think of the products you have recently purchased. You must have looked at the product picture before reading its attributes. This is where product photography comes into play.
Product photos are a must for product catalogs, packaging, and, most importantly, digital marketing. In online selling, the customer cannot see the product physically; therefore, excellent product photography is a must to help the customer visualize the products.
What Will you Need?
Professional product photographers prefer photo studios; however, it is too expensive for beginners. Therefore, many product photographers set their studios at home.
All you need is:
- A good camera,
- Lighting equipment,
- A tripod,
- Required camera lenses,
- White bounce cards,
- Photo editing software,
- And a little creativity.
Product photography is further divided into various categories. Some photographers opt for food photography and approach different restaurants for their work. On the other hand, others choose to picturize services, such as cleaning or takeaway services. Each sub-category requires its own nuance, and therefore, the equipment you require may vary.
Fashion Photography
If you are into textiles and designing, then fashion photography is the right type for you. However, be prepared for a lot of hard work. In fashion photography, you will work with models, brands, and finicky advertising agencies.
Moreover, the location of the shoots will vary from beaches and mountains to subways and mines. Within fashion photography, you can choose to cover the runway fashion, work for brand catalogs and fashion magazines or go for documenting the latest styles.
In every scenario, you need to be comfortable working in a team. Fashion photography is all about discussing ideas with various stylists, models, and designers. So, if you can direct the models to pose in your way and team up with others, opt for it.
What Will you Need?
Apart from the photography staples, you will need the following equipment:
- Flashgun,
- Laptop,
- Graphics tablets,
- Reflector,
- Presets,
- And a can-do-attitude.
Event Photography
Event photography, as the name suggests, is about taking photographs of people and things at an event. Just like fashion photography, event photography requires you to be social. You need to attend various events, reach before time, and be there till the end.
It can be a concert and exhibition or a corporate workshop. No matter which event it is, you need to make sure that you capture all the important moments with your camera. Some event pictures are included in the magazines, while others are kept as mementoes. So, be sure to understand the core purpose before you start.
What Will You Need?
- A short-range lens,
- A long-range lens,
- Tripod,
- Lighting equipment,
- Drone camera,
- Photo editing software,
- Photo management software.
Wedding Photography
Another interesting niche is wedding photography. It gives you a chance to capture various wedding cultures, work with people of different mindsets, and randomly storing the best moments. However, you need to be on your toes for this job. Yes, one must be very quick and responsive. Furthermore, you need to keep on moving around the ceremony.
Wedding photographers are also highly adaptable. Some people prefer a day wedding while others set the night timings. Besides this, expectations from the couples are high. So, you need to give your best without any compromise. Couples also expect thorough guidance from the photographers for storing their life-time events.
What Will You Need?
Apart from the usual photography equipment, you will also need the following for event photography:
- A short-range lens,
- A long-range lens,
- Tripod,
- Lighting equipment,
- Drone camera.
Travel Photography
If you love to travel and enjoy photography as well, what could be better for you than travel photography?
However, be prepared to cover multiple things under this single niche. You will be focusing on culture, people, geographical location, and the best sites. Be it the beaches and landscape or snowfall and mountains; get ready to give your best shot. Most importantly, it requires you to take the audience to the place without leaving their homes.
What Will you Need?
Apart from the basics, you will also need the following for travel photography:
- Travel camera,
- Spare batteries for your camera and flash,
- Spare memory sticks and memory cards,
- Portable charger,
- Rainsleeve,
- LED lights,
- Travel tripods,
- And good boots.
Pet Photography
Animal lovers have no better option than pet photography. Surrounding yourself with furry friends and taking their best photos will give you endless fun. As a newbie, you can take pictures of stray cats and dogs and help them find shelter.
Additionally, join local pet communities and visit pet shows to grow your business. The basic equipment is enough for pet photography, and you don’t need anything fancy.
Sports Photography
The photography world also offers something great for sports lovers. Become a sports photographer and take some focused shots of the best moments at sporting events. Also, capture the winning teams, audience, and location. Pictures of sports photography are used in magazines, newspapers, and websites.
What Will you Need?
Apart from a good camera, lenses, photo editing software, and laptop, you will need the following:
- Rain sleeve and bag,
- Monopod,
- Telephoto lens,
- Drone camera,
- Spare batteries.
Photojournalism
Events, disasters, and political rallies are the cover photos of newspapers. If you have the skill to document such things, photojournalism has a lot to offer. The still photographs describing the main scenes play a key role in catching attention.
We have photojournalists to thank for many of the candid shots that appear in news publications and magazines to draw our attention to important events worldwide. If you are a journalist but love traveling, then this niche is perfect for you!
What Will you Need?
- Camera,
- Lenses,
- Spare batteries,
- Portable universal charger,
- Memory cards,
- Camera bags and rain sleeves,
- Flash,
- Spares.
Advertising Photography
If you need variety in the subjects you work for, opt for advertising photography. Here, you will be working on marketing campaigns. Whether it is print ad projects or online ads, photographers love to shoot in different styles.
Furthermore, it has a lot of opportunities for growth. You can even work as a freelancer and earn good money. Advertising photographers did not face a major financial hit due to COVID-19. Many of them worked for the pandemic campaigns.
Besides this, you can find advertising photography everywhere. It’s on billboards, magazines, streets, and even smartphones.
What Will you Need?
- Lighting equipment,
- tripod,
- White bounce cards,
- Photo editing software,
- Flash gun,
- Laptop,
- Graphics tablets,
- Reflector,
- Presets.
Stock Photography
If the recent lockdown made you learn some lessons, you could even opt for stock photography. It involves keeping a stock of your images online. Companies and individuals can use your photos after paying for them.
Some people even do stock photography as a side business. Besides this, it makes you earn something even on days when you do not work. The niche is also ideal for those who want to work as a freelancer.
What Will you Need?
- A good camera,
- Photo editing software,
- Laptop.
Wrapping It Up
In short, the photography world is broad with so many things to offer. If you love to attend events and concerts, opt for event photography. Similarly, travelers can go traveling, and sports lovers can join sports photography.
Photojournalism is also a good option if you have an interest in politics and capturing natural calamities. Additionally, advertising photography will always give you some business. Lastly, if you want to stay safe and earn some extra dollars become a stock photographer and keep your pictures at Shutterstock.
Whichever niche you choose, don’t forget to have fun!
Author Bio:
Nouman provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. His educational background in the technical field and business studies helps him in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development and digital marketing.
