Is photography a field with a lot of career options?

When you consider ALL the images in use each day in the world, the answer to your question is YES there are many options in photography.
There are so many types of photography - advertising, reporting, documentary, medical, technical, law enforcement, travel, etc, etc, etc,
The list is long so you have to pick an area that fits you.
Once you identify your goal - the hard part begins.
You must be very good in the area you chosen because there will be competition for the positions you seek. You must be tenacious in your efforts to locate opportunities, very seldom are the jobs you would want are in the employment want ads. Network, self promote and play the role role of a detective trying to solve a murder as to who did it...because it will seem like a mystery as to where these jobs are created and who to talk to about getting a position.
Never get overwhelmed - just stop and think about ALL the images in use that you see everyday - SOMEONE took them - make it you.

Making a living in any of the arts is not an easy road to travel. Anyone with a camera can call themselves a photographer. There are still many opportunities in photography. They require knowledge, talent and persistence. Often, I tell young people to get an education in a field that will provide a good living and pursue photography as a second career, or as a hobby. That way, you can afford to eat and have a roof over your head as you follow your passion. As far as a staff photographer position, they are out there, but not abundant.

Hi There,

Glad to hear you're interested in a career in photography.

Things have definitely changed in the photography world...but digital photography has really opened up doors for people in many ways.

There are so many options for a career in photography. Wedding photography has become quite an art form now. Real estate photography is also a great option for people starting out.

If you're serious, I'd advise you to "intern" with a photographer or photography company that specializes in the kind of work you're interested in.

Best of luck.
Cathy

Thirty years ago, yes. Today, no. Photography is a great lifetime hobby, not a great career.

Photography offers a number of opportunities and the range of the fields that you can venture into. Mentioned below are the different career options possible within the realm of photography.
Press Photographers or Photo Journalists
Fashion Photography
Portrait Photographers
Industrial Photographers
Wildlife Photographers
Forensic Photographers
Scientific Photography

Eligibility: You can start right after you finish with your schooling [10+2] or you can take up photography after your graduation in any subject.

The photography industry is wide open for anyone who is willing to go after assignments. You need to narrow your search to an area that interest you.
For example people, places, wild life, scenery. Now making a living at it is a whole different story. Weddings can be very lucrative. Pets and kids you can always turn
a buck with. I would suggest getting a F/T or P/T gig first and work on you photography business on the side. You need to put together a body of work to show.
Next, equipment can be hard to finance in the beginning without a full time gig. So you’ll need a steady pay check to buy what you need.

“The Profession”
The reality is that the photography profession has changed a lot with the availability
of digital cameras and smart phone cameras. Sadly, photography and photographers have been significantly devalued to the point where working as a F/T pro is economically difficult. As a freelancer photography can be really incredibly rewarding. You can shoot what you want, when you want with no barriers or limitations.

I myself shot professionally for many years and reach a point where I wasn't happy anymore. I had the big studio and expensive equipment, rent, insurance etc. to pay for each month. Often taking on assignments that I wasn’t interested in. That is the business side that always has to be address. Eventually I change my career path to earn my living as a retoucher in NYC. I approach photography purely as a self-indulgent creative outlet. I make a little money here and their, but I am 100% satisfied with my decsion.

Best of luck to you.
Keep shooting no matter what. It’s the journey and not the destination.
Fay