Paparazzi can be considered as photojournalists. They have a specialty however, in that they tend to take pictures of people who do not want their picture taken. The word "paparazzi" is said to have originated in the Fellini movie, "La dolce vita." The story of how Fellini came about selecting the character, the name, and the real-life character have been disputed for a number of years.
Modern day paparazzi are actually in demand by the celebrity obsessed fans. They are photographers who go on a hunt. Their hunt happens to be celebrities, public figures, and family members. Since they often shoot pictures when the opportunity arises they are often very candid and unflattering, sometimes even during compromising moments. These are the photos the celebrities really despise and add reasons for them to mostly dislike the paparazzi.
Sometimes the photographers hang out on streets celebrities are known to frequent. More often they are found in public places where they wait for the chance to get that one special picture. That one picture can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. They might be compared to a private detective. Each one has a network of "informers." These people help keep tabs on the whereabouts of certain celebrities. They can be a stylist in a hair salon, a waiter in a restaurant, or a salesclerk in a fashionable botique. Sometimes they are paid for their information.
Some paparazzi might have the motto, "Get a shot by any means necessary." Sometimes this causes the photographer to be resourceful, other times s/he is crafty, still, other times s/he shows a lot of nerve. You might find them on a rooftop or even in a tree. Others rent a helicopter for a special event, such as a wedding, or a boat.
The paparazzi, if really bold and good in the field of photography, can make a lot of money with just one photo. This is the reason they will be around for many years to come.
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