The plural version of this career is how the individuals are best known -- paparazzi. The paparazzi are photographers who spend their careers trying to catch celebrities off guard in unusual or embarrassing situations. Worthwhile photos and videos are sold to the highest bidding magazine or tabloid.
After learning where celebrities hang out (and when they'll be there), paparazzi employ various tricks to get close and snap photos. By doing so the paparazzi will often make celebrities quite mad. And when famous people get angry, they usually have help. Virtually all paparazzi will have run-ins with bodyguards and security officers who aren't afraid to punch them out and/or break their camera equipment.
Paparazzi work on a photo-by-photo basis – pictures can sell for as little as $35 each for routine footage to as much as $1,000,000 for the right picture. These numbers, however, are extremes. A hard-working Paparazzo will earn about $50,000 a year.
You have been suggested this career option because you provided at least two of the following answers in your survey:
Your best quality = Persistence, tenacity
There is little room for politeness in the world of a paparazzo.
A prerequisite you are most willing to gain and/or maintain = Photography skills
You need not be an excellent photographer, but having the basics sure helps.
You considered this to be the best job perk = Meeting famous people
Sure, you'll meet them briefly, and may even have civil conversations with some. Most, however, will probably hate your guts.
This statement from someone already in the field was most appealing to you = "There is competition between professionals, but there is also camaraderie. We're all friends."
Although it goes without saying that friendships are put on hold when there are photos to be taken.
You most see yourself doing this = Keeping up to date with who is dating whom in Hollywood
It pays to be in the loop on all of the gossip. This is your research.
Which risk you see yourself taking = Getting routinely beaten up by people larger than you
Due to the hostile environments they often create, most paparazzi are punching bags for bodyguards.
