Choosing a Photography Specialisation: What You Should Know

Why Choose a Specialisation in Photography?

There are many reasons why being a specialist is better than being a general photographer. Here are our top three specialised photography reasons: 

1. Specialisation Equals More Money

While starting your career, you may be tempted to take on any project that comes your way, and it is understandable. However, as you grow as a photographer, you’ll find that turning down projects may actually work in your favour. Saying no to a project that is not in your field of expertise will allow you time to focus your attention to develop your skills in that area and also serve to establish your reputation as a subject matter specialist.

2. Jack-of-all-Trades Equals Master of None

Taking on each and every type of photography project will mean that people who are looking for an expert in a particular type of photography will not consider hiring you, even if you’re passionate about the subject – so basically, if you are passionate about architectural photography but your website says you take on food, wedding and wildlife projects as well; people looking for an expert architectural photographer will simply find someone else. Your Specialised Photography brings your unique brand to the table – clients looking for an expert in a specific field are more likely to turn into repeat clients or recommend you to friends and colleagues.

3. You’ll Love Your Work and Be Recognised for It!

Choosing an area of expertise will allow you to focus your skills doing what you love the most. You won’t have to wake up in the morning dreading what lies ahead. As you become better known in your area of expertise, you may also be invited to conferences or to teach in workshops. Think about it, when was the last time you were tempted to go to a photography workshop entitled, “How to take pictures of anything”?

How to Choose an Area of Expertise in Photography

Yes, we know you just like to document your experiences using a camera and express the world around you through a lens. But maybe you prefer taking pictures of landscapes or portraits over anything else. Think about it and make that your area of expertise.

Here are our top tips for choosing your Specialised Photography even before you graduate:

• Choose what you love and find your niche
• Find your strengths and highlight your skills
• Conduct your market research well

Alternatively, you can get in touch with any of the academic counsellors or the faculty members of the photography department at Seamedu with all your queries and they will be happy to guide you along the way!

Areas of Photography Specialisations

The demand for photography specialisation in India is growing, and new opportunities and niches are constantly emerging. At Seamedu, we ensure you get the best of all worlds when pursuing your photography degree.

Read on to look at three of the most popular and upcoming career paths you can follow as a photographer in India.

1. Fashion Photography

This is an up and coming field in the saga of Indian photography. As a fashion photographer your job can be quite exciting and involve plenty of travel. This field is growing quite rapidly in the fashion capitals of Mumbai and Delhi and afford a fair bunch of opportunities in other metros as well. As a fashion photographer, you may be commissioned to take pictures of a designer’s new collection in a studio or to photograph models while they are walking down the ramp.

You may work for (or own!) your high fashion studio or may be commissioned by magazines like Vogue for their editorials. As glamorous as this may sound, being a fashion photographer often means long schedules and tight deadlines.

2. Photojournalism

Photojournalists tell news stories using their photography as the medium instead of words. They travel across the country (or world) taking pictures of news stories as they happen. They have an important job of bringing the latest news to the people through pictures. Photojournalists need to be extremely versatile in their skills since they are expected to have good knowledge of the field of journalism, too.

Photojournalists can be employed by a media house or publication agency. However, many photojournalists also work as freelancers. Some may also be employed by a newspaper company.

3. Table Top (Product) and Food Photography

With the boom in advertising, the demand for table top or product photographers is increasing rapidly. Product photography involves taking high-quality images of various goods and products for advertisements in print magazines, newspapers, social media and for websites. Product photographers need to have a keen sense of lighting and may be employed by advertising agencies and media houses.

Food photography involves taking pictures of food for restaurants, caterers and the like so that they can highlight their services on their social profiles, websites or catalogues. Food photographers may also work for editorial food magazines and websites. Food photographers need to be extremely creative and be able to style the food before photographing it to show it in the best possible manner.

Apart from these three fields, popular photography specialisations can involve wedding and event photography, sports photography, architecture and interior photography, wildlife and landscape photography and portrait photography including baby, family and pet photography.

Suppose you are interested in making a name for yourself as an expert in photography. Why not look at Seamedu’s degree and diploma courses in photography, where you will learn how to hone your photography skills and turn your hobby into a lucrative career? Admissions open for the 2018-19 academic season – apply online today!

How to Choose Your Area of Specialisation in Photography?

Choosing your area of photography specialisation is critical for establishing a unique personality and improving your talents. Begin by evaluating your interests and strengths in several photography genres, such as portrait, landscape, fashion, wildlife, and documentary. Consider which themes or styles resonate with you and are consistent with your artistic vision. Investigate the market demand and possible prospects for your selected speciality. Experimenting with different styles helps you find your passion and competence. Finally, specialising in a specific topic allows you to create a distinct portfolio and position yourself as an expert by providing Specialised Photography suited to your speciality.

Check out our comprehensive guide to know everything about a career in photography