Choosing a Photography Specialisation: What You Should Know

Photography is a dream job. However, as with any creative field, it can be immensely competitive. This is where having your own niche or specialisation can really help you succeed if you are considering a diploma or degree in photography.

Whether to remain a generalist is a question every aspiring photographer faces at some point or another. Of course, you will always love to take pictures no matter what the subject but having a focused area of expertise can make a world of a difference.

Here’s looking at why choosing a specialisation makes sense.

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Why Choose a Specialisation in Photography?

There are plenty of reasons why being a specialist is better than a general photographer. Here are our top three 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 specialisation 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 specialisation 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 specialisations in photography in India is growing and you’ll find new opportunities and niches coming up all the time. At Seamedu, we ensure that you get the best of all worlds when you pursue 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 own high fashion studio or may be commissioned by magazines like Vogue for their editorials. As glamourous as this may sound, be warned that 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.


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


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

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Written by: Sachin Chandane

Last updated: 12-03-2024

Sachin has worked for renowned brands like Kenneth Cole - NewYork, Pierre Cardin - Paris, Zoya by TATA, Sugar cosmetics, Papa Don't Preach, to name a few. Sachin also has been teaching photography for 8 years and has taught more than 400 aspiring photographers and many of them are doing wonders in the field of photography.

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