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Depending on the individual`s interests, he or she can choose to specialise in any of the following areas:

• Portrait Work: Where the photographs of individuals, families, groups, pets, children can be taken. This work can be done in a particular studio with different backgrounds so that the lighting can be adjusted, or on location such as the home, office, garden etc. The photographs can be anything from passport size to enlarged pictures.

• Industrial Photography: The main attention in this area is paid to working for a single company or firm; the work resembles that of commercial photography and aims at improving the reputation and sales of the company.

• Commercial Purposes: Photos of exteriors/interiors of companies, machinery (indoors and outdoors), merchandise etc., are taken for advertising and sale purposes, for company brochures, company newsletters or annual reports and so on.

• Advertising: This is probably the largest and most interesting area where photographers can find assignments; the jobs are well paid and the photographers need to be efficient and responsible. They are given specific instructions about what needs to be focussed upon. These photographers can be either freelancers, working for an advertising agency or hired by studios. They can either work on creating catalogues for companies or do `mail-order` photography.

• Fashion Photography: This sector was developed quite recently in India, with the evolution of the fashion industry, and has become the most competitive area of work today. It is basically the advertising of clothes. Most of the work takes place in specialist studios or by freelancers hired by fashion houses. The photographer needs to know how to work with all aspects - the model, the designer and the fabric to give the best results. The work also involves making photo-portfolios for models.

• Feature Photography: Often, a single photograph can tell us more than a 500-word article. Photos are taken for newspapers, magazines, educational magazines etc., and could include a whole variety of assignments like photographing VIPs, wildlife, sports, environment, cultural events and so on. These photographers need to have some journalistic skills in order to give catchy captions, know what is a `good story`, and work well with the reporters.