Most of us are aware of the paparazzi, those nosy busybodies who lurk in the shadows determined to get a shot of you as you go about your daily routine. While we might not always want to be the subject of a photo shoot, there is something endearing about seeing your favourite celebrities in the flesh and experiencing their inimitable brand of celebrity as they come across the newsroom to grab a coffee and an interview.
But what exactly do we know about the workflows and equipment of today’s celebrity photographers? How big a role does technology play? And how does the gear they use compare to that of the average Joe?
Here, we’ll explore the equipment used by today’s most prominent paparazzi, as well as the type of lifestyle these photographers bring to the job.
The Backpack
The cornerstone of any news photographer’s kit is the backpack. It stores all of the gear needed for the job, be it the camera itself, lenses, mini flashguns, radio hues, tripods, etc. Because of its versatility, the backpack is incredibly popular, with brands like Nikon, Canon, and Sony all producing models for the job.
The most prominent brand in this segment is arguably Tenet, who have been around for long enough to know how to design a sturdy, reliable pack that journalists and photographers can depend on. Their backpacks are known for their sleek, attractive designs that compliment any outfit.
The Smart Phone
While we’re used to seeing laptops and notebooks as the focal point of a photojournalist’s kit, the smart phone has completely revolutionised the way we look at and interact with our cameras. The first selfie-taking phone was introduced to the world less than ten years ago and it’s fair to say that the game has not yet stopped changing.
Now, not only can we take professional-looking photos with the simple touch of a button, but we’ve also developed an app for that phone that makes the process even easier. The ability to instantly share our photos, whether on social media or with our loved ones, has forever altered the way we want to look at and experience our holidays. If nothing else, the smartphone has shown us that having a camera on-hand is no longer a luxury, but an essential part of modern life.
The Small Mirror
If selfies are a symbol of today’s society, then so too are small mirrors. These mirrors are actually quite important because they allow us to check our makeup before leaving the house, as well as giving us a glimpse of the hairstyle that will make us look our best. Not only that, but they also offer us an opportunity to play with lighting to create different moods and shadows that can be enhanced by artificial lighting, like that of a studio or a photo shoot.
Mirrors are essential for any woman’s makeup bag, but they are also a great addition for a man’s wardrobe. Not only do they offer the opportunity to change clothes without having to go to a different room, but they can also be used to check our attire before entering a house where photography is being done. This feature alone makes the mirror indispensable for any man on the move. And it’s not only about appearances – the mirror can also be used to take pictures of ourselves to study later on or to show family and friends how we are actually enjoying our travels.
The Jacket
When it comes to our favourite celebrities, we want to know as much as possible about them. Especially when it comes to those we love, we want to know all about their personal lives, what makes them tick, and how they got where they are today. For some, the jacket can be an integral part of their look. It’s not just about the style either, as we’ve seen many big-name celebs protect their expensive-looking leather or printed jackets from rain, sleet, and snow. These items can be as functional as they are fashionable, providing us with the best of both worlds.
The Overcoat
While we’re on the subject of fashion, it’s important to note that not all stylish items are necessarily functional. The overcoat, for example, is quite the style statement, but it is also an excellent way to keep us warm when the weather gets cold. The heavy material of the coat is also helpful in keeping the wind from taking our jackets away. When going from the office to a coffee shop, this will be the piece of clothing that makes us instantly recognizable as a journalist or photographer. The overcoat is a great way to add a finishing touch of style to our winter and winter-themed outfits.
The Beanie
Speaking of coffee shops, it’s important to keep our ears open for any interesting gossip or stories about the people we follow. When we’re out and about, coffee shops and other locations where celebrities can be spotted are likely to be the places where such stories are likely to be heard. Coffee shops are also great places to meet people, especially if we’re looking for a change of scene. A coffee shop regular might even spot us and come over to say hello. It’s always nice to make new friends, whether from work or otherwise.
The Handbag
The handbag is another fashionable accessory that has been around for long enough to know how to make an impression. We’ve seen many big-name celebrities carry their bags with them, whether it’s a handbag, clutch, or both. These bags can be used to store our essentials for the day, be it our makeup bag, an iPad, or an iPhone. One of the benefits of a handbag is that it gives us the opportunity to add some character to our look through the choice of our bag’s strap and the bag’s interior design. The inside of a handbag, too, can be used to show off some personality through the choice of our bag’s interior design.
The Sunscreen
Finally, let’s not forget about the sun. Even though we might not always want to be outdoors, it’s important to remember that the sun can do a lot of damage, especially if we’re not protected. The damage it causes to our skin is one of the main reasons that we put on sunscreen. The only thing worse than being cold is being cold and dry, which is why it’s always a good idea to put on a hat and gloves before leaving the house. While wearing sunscreen will help protect us from the sun’s heat, it will also block out a few key rays that can help us look our best.
Shopping for a stylish outfit should not be a chore. By following these simple tips, we can ensure that our outfits are both functional and fashionable, bringing style and grace to our everyday lives.