An Essay About Paparazzi

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When you hear the word "paparazzi," what is your immediate thought? A camera? A flash? My first few thoughts are loud voices, blinding lights, people running to get away, and to put it all in one word, chaos. Paparazzi are, by definition, freelance photographers that take candid pictures of celebrities for publication. They are a sinister group of people that are known for obtaining such photographs by any means possible, whether it is by harassment, endangering others, or causing fear. If that seems like an extreme accusation to you, then I invite you to first take a look at the origin of the word "paparazzi." The word itself means "buzzing insects." Freelance photographers were taking pictures of the famous before they were called paparazzi in the 1960's. The term was first used in La Dolce Vita, "The Sweet Life," by Italian film-maker Federico Fellini. It came from a character in the film called Paparazzo. "' Paparazzo suggests to me a buzzing insect, hovering, darting, stinging.'" Fellini said about his use of the name in the film (Celant). The character was based on photographer Tazio Secchiaroli who became famous after he captured embarrassing photos of three celebrities in one night, therefore changing the industry from taking promotional pictures to seeking candid shots (Valdes). After that, the name became widespread all over the world for the hunter photographers. It is interesting to see the system of their profession. Robert Valdes writes an informative article for Discovery's company How Stuff Works. He explains how paparazzi each have their own network of people that keep tabs on celebrities and inform them of their whereabouts. These people sometimes include those that work with celebrities and are called informers. Valdes says how autographers are also used to corner a person of interest, giving the paparazzo an opportunity for a picture.

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