Automobile photography is a very specialized area in the art of photography. With limited opportunities, the field is very competitive. One who has an eye for cars through the lens of a camera should take pride in their talents and explore some of the challenging yet rewarding opportunities in the field.
Freelance Photographer
Working as a freelance photographer allows the photographer to use pictures for any business that is interested. If the photographer has a passion for photography in general, this may be the path to choose because there are no limits to one subject or type of subject. As a freelance photographer, photographers can choose which assignments they would like to do and who they work for.
Also, as a freelance photographer, the photographer is not committed to only one business (unless there is a signed contract specifying this). The photographer is able to work on multiple projects at one time for various businesses without a conflict of interest. The business does not "own" the photographer as they would if that photographer were a full-time employee.
Stock Photo Contributor
Photographers who contribute pictures to a stock photo have similar freedom to freelance photographers with a lower earning potential. For an automobile photographer who is trying to get his or her feet wet, this is a smart way to start a portfolio while searching for the perfect freelance or full-time career in the field.
With stock photography, automobile photographers are able to "rent" their photographs to commercial users for a one-time fee. The photographer is still the owner of the photo and maintains all the rights to the photo but allows other businesses to use the photo in marketing brochures, for example.
Magazine Photographer
Contributing photographs to a popular automobile magazine is a high but attainable goal for photographers with a passion for photographing cars, trucks or any other motorized vehicle. Competition is extremely high in this area because this is such a specialized field with limited opportunities. But for a photographer who has the eye that a magazine wishes to look through, the career is a dream come true.
Newspaper Photographer
Contributing photographs to newspapers is a high but attainable goal for photographers with a passion for photographing cars, trucks or any other motorized vehicle. Competition is extremely high in this area because this is such a specialized field with limited opportunities.
Advertising Photographer
Many times, car dealerships and manufacturers (to a name a few who would use automobiles in their advertising) seek the professional expert eye of advertising agencies. The pictures or video footage can be seen on websites and in various publications put forth by the business. For photographers specializing in automobile photography, this is yet another opportunity to use their creative talent.
