The images you see in magazines of well known actors, musicians, athletes and political figures are designed to stimulate feelings in the people looking at them. From exhilaration, to joy, to envy, and every feeling in between, these kinds of vibrant and fascinating people have abilities and personalities that can’t easily be captured on film. So how is it done?
If you’ve ever wondered about the person guiding the lens of those fabulous celebrity photographs you see in magazines, then you already know the answer. Celebrity photographers are schooled in and experienced with capturing natural emotion and talent on film. These people have as much natural talent as the men and women they are shooting, and in most cases work in one or two of three unique categories.
Event photography is one of the main areas in which celebrity photographers work. Film premiers, social gatherings, award shows, music festivals and exclusive functions are only a few of the instances that these photographers work. They are chosen by publicists or publications for red carpet events, and sometimes they are hired by the stars themselves for wedding receptions or birthday celebrations.
Photos captured at festivals are what you normally see in magazines. For example, if you have ever watched fashion coverage of a red carpet event in a magazine, it was almost certainly a paid celebrity photographer who took the photos. And the images you see on music stations from their live events? These were also taken by celebrity photographers.
Another important category that celebrity photographers work in is celebrity portraits. Many of these are the more personalized photos you see of celebrities, such as the ones that accompany the interviews you find in magazines. Most of these pictures are the type which are designed to represent the essence of each celebrity, and to offer the viewers a look into who that person really is in their personal life.
Celebrity portraits also are used on album covers, in magazines as mentioned above, and even in celebrity’s individual portfolios. They are also designed for the same things that all people use photography for – to capture a wonderful family portrait. After all, celebrities are first and foremost people, and take family pictures much like anyone else.
The third category that celebrity photographers operate in is media press, which is when the photographer takes candid photographs of celebrities. As you know paparazzi photographers have a reputation for annoying celebrities, a reputation that is deserved. But not all of paparazzi photographers have earned this reputation. Quite a few operate under their own ethical standards, and often just take photographs when they have permission. Sadly you never hear about these kind of photographers too often.
The next time you see an awesome image of your favorite performer, actor, singer or politician, now you know a bit more about the talent guiding the camera. Without celebrity photographers, and their true talents, we wouldn’t be able to get a glance into who our favorite famous people really are.