What are some career paths in photography?

I have a huge interest in photography although i am thinking about other careers then just a self-employed photographer. I have been asking some people about careers that photography is heavily used, things that have been suggested were working in a magazine as a permanent photographer for them, forensic science. I was hoping to get some ideas and information for everyone at Yahoo. I am open to suggestions and tips with different career paths. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Being a staff photographer is better in some cases than being a self-employed freelancer. The only problem is that the available positions are few and far between, and generally limited to news media, portrait studios, cruise liners, large corporations (who may have their own PR department), the military, law enforcement, etc. If you’re REALLY good, you can be a Yahoo! Answers Top Contributor in Photography, but the downside is it doesn’t pay anything.

If you’re planning on studying photography at uni, I would recommend taking courses in all different forms of photography so that you can try them on for size. Way back when I was first getting started, I worked as a freelancer and did a few photojournalism jobs. Being faced with the cold, hard reality of life (and being expected to photograph it!) was enough to convince me that I needed to pursue a different direction.

Career advisors at your local schools, colleges, and universities will be able to help you decide what to do.

Whatever you choose, commit yourself to doing the very best job you can with it, and you will be successful.

I hope this helps! Good luck!
Darin