The phrase "a picture speaks a thousand words" does not always state just a poetic expression. In reality, it is the crux of the art of photography, the aesthetic sense of a photographer and the picture as a personified `self`, all combined. Photography is an exceptional medium of self-expression. It is an art form that demands a sense of technical expertise. An individual who inculcates a hobby in photography, can successfully make it profitable by venturing into professional photography, by taking it as a career option, also in the Indian context.

With the explosion of the communication network in India, the growth of advertising and media and the fashion boom, and digital photography, it has now become a profession with great commercial value. Photos are an indispensable part in both print and electronic media. Thus this is an area offering great scope as a career option for those who have an interest and attributes needed to be a professional. The Indian photography prospect looks extremely promising, with umpteen branches that are offered through the courses for further honing of the skills.

Photography is a profession as well as an art form. For photography as a career in India, one must have that extra quality, an interest in visuals, attentiveness to colour, shape and shadow, an interest in light, in observing how colours look on certain days. Finding strong foothold as a professional photographer is no cakewalk, which is why, perhaps regrettably, many talented photographers remain amateurs. The climb is hard and extensive, and the financial returns, not very satisfactory in the beginning. Only those with tenacity and a never-say-die attitude, coupled with a real love of the medium hold on. They go on to become household names like Raghu Rai and Dayanita Singh.

There are generally no specific academic requirements to enroll in a full time course in photography. However, candidates who have cleared the 10+2 examination are eligible for the diploma or certificate courses in photography. One can begin his/her career as an assistant of a senior or professional photographer, so that he/she can grasp the finer points of photography. Photographers can go on to specialise in areas such as portrait, commercial and industrial, advertising, scientific, fashion, news, wildlife photography etc. They have the alternative to either take up jobs with newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, government agencies, industrial houses or work as freelancers. The government of India engages photographers on a regular pay scale to do general photography documentation, for covering day-to-day events and functions and for making photo features and captioning. Fashion photographers can find employment with fashion houses, designers, fashion journals and newspapers. As a beginner and novice photographer, the remuneration that they are paid generally ranges around Rs. 3500-6000. However, as one advances in his/her career, the salary can rise up to Rs. 25,000, depending on the designation and the organisation he/she is working for.

Mumbai is India`s advertising capital, with its stellar presence of Bollywood and, quite naturally, the other metros source photographers and filmmakers from Mumbai. Therefore, one`s prospects depend more on one`s quality of work more than anything else. There is a demand for photographers, but more often than not it is the good ones that capture a large share of this market. So, it is highly advised to try and develop one`s reputation real fast in this field. Of late though there is a huge demand for photographers in websites.