Speaking of class and elegance...
Now, as a celebrity photographer, let me explain something to the unknowing public: there is a HUGE difference between celebrity photographers and paparazzi.
Celebrity photographers have established, professional relationships with publicists, movie studios, music industry insiders, and even celebrities themselves. They are often invited to red-carpet events, concerts, and other fun outings to get exclusive photos for their respective press outlets. They are often on a first-name basis with several people in the entertainment field, and though their photos don't make untold amounts of money (on average, my photos make $100 each in the American market; a little higher in the European market due to the strength of the Euro. There are exceptions, of course, such as a 1/2 page photo that sold for $1,000, but for the most part, $100 is the magic number), they have amassed enough of a stock to continually collect residual checks, and make a decent living in doing so.
Paparazzi, on the other hand, are ALSO on a first-name basis with people...but for entirely different (and uncomplimentary) reasons. Paparazzi are the kind of photographers that toe the line of the law by stalking, harassing, and cat-calling their subjects, and who show no regard for the privacy of their children and/or other, non-famous family members. Yes, their photos make ridiculous amounts of money (the photographer who took the first upskirt shot of an underwearless Britney Spears made my mortgage payoff amount), but they're often at the receiving end of countless lawsuits, and never have I seen a paparazzo live in a house and/or apartment worth any sort of value.
But while I agree with Brad Garrett's assessment of paparazzi not having a "real" job, you have to laugh when you hear a "celebrity" (term used loosely in this case) complain about photographers not having a "real" job. Well, boo-freaking-hoo, Brad: first of all, you should be grateful people care about you to begin with. Second, your residual checks from Everybody Loves Raymond alone are enough to keep you comfortably for the rest of your natural life.
And what, precisely, is it that you do that's worthy of being called a "real" job? You "act" like Herman Munster? Puh-leeze.
