Paparazzo vs. Paparazzi — What's the Difference?

A freelance photographer who targets celebrities.

Known for swarming and aggressive tactics.

Known for aggressive photography tactics.

Can cause significant disturbances.

May engage celebrities directly.

A group of photographers chasing celebrities.

Seeks lucrative shots of public figures.

Aim to capture controversial or highly valuable images.

Often works alone.

Often operate as a pack.

A freelance photographer who doggedly pursues celebrities to take candid pictures for sale to magazines and newspapers.

Paparazzi (US: , UK: ; Italian: [papaˈrattsi]; singular: masculine paparazzo or feminine paparazza) are independent photographers who take pictures of high-profile people, such as actors, athletes, politicians, and other celebrities, typically while subjects go about their usual life routines. Paparazzi tend to make a living by selling their photographs to media outlets that focus on tabloid journalism and sensationalism (such as gossip magazines).

A freelance photographer who sells photographs of celebrities to the media, especially one who pursues celebrities and attempts to obtain candid photographs.

A freelance photographer who doggedly pursues celebrities to take candid pictures for sale to magazines and newspapers.

A free-lance photographer that specializes in following and photographing celebrities such as movie stars, especially to obtain candid photographs in private situations; as, her dogged pursuit by the paparazzi was believed to be a major factor in Princess Diana's death.

(nonstandard) A paparazzo.

A freelance photographer who pursues celebrities trying to take candid photographs of them to sell to newspapers or magazines

Paparazzi taken as a group.

Plural of paparazzo

Paparazzi are groups of photographers who collectively target celebrities to capture and sell provocative photographs.

A paparazzo is a single photographer who aggressively photographs celebrities, often to sell the pictures.

Yes, both can be highly invasive, but paparazzi, by their numbers and coordinated efforts, typically pose a greater threat to privacy.

Paparazzi can lead to legal battles over privacy invasion, harassment, and distress caused to their subjects.

Primarily, yes, though they may also target any public figure whose photograph could demand a high price.

While it is legal to work as paparazzi, their methods can sometimes cross legal boundaries, leading to legal actions for harassment or privacy invasion.

Some argue that paparazzi help maintain celebrity relevance and public interest, though this is a controversial view.

Yes, many paparazzi work within legal limits, using respectful methods to capture images without causing harm or distress.

A paparazzo operates individually, which might involve less aggressive tactics compared to the often overwhelming and coordinated efforts of paparazzi.

A paparazzo might use unexpected angles, long lenses, or even disguise themselves to capture exclusive images without being noticed.

Media often portray paparazzi negatively, emphasizing their invasive tactics and the lack of respect for privacy.

Celebrities might find it easier to manage a single paparazzo but feel overwhelmed by the chaotic presence of paparazzi.

Public figures often use bodyguards, avoid known hotspots, or take legal measures to keep paparazzi at bay.

Incidents like the death of Princess Diana have highlighted the dangers associated with aggressive paparazzi behavior.