How do photography jobs differ?

Hi,
My wife owns her own photography business, so I know a little about that...I also found a link for you on Photography careers. I help her with her business and no 2 days are the same, which I like. We are at different locations, meeting with and photographing different people, etc. It is hard to keep busy owning your own business though, we also have full time jobs so we are not able to go out and find business that often. Good luck!

http://www.careeroverview.com/photography-careers.html

PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER AND JOB HIGHLIGHTS
Because of it’s appeal to many different people, these jobs are highly competitive
Creativity and technical proficiency are important
The majority of photographers work for themselves and have familiarity with running their own business and newer technology
PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER OVERVIEW
Photographers capture images that visualize a story or event. Both creative and technical skills help them create a quality photographs. This includes manipulating lighting procedures, lenses, or subject environments to achieve the desired aspect.
Many photographers are using automatic lens and shutter speed settings although manual operation is still largely popular among those desiring more creative control. They use much different equipment to achieve the commercial quality affect so desired, from film, filters, flash attachments to special lighting equipment and tripods.
Photographers use a traditional, halide film-print camera or a digital recording camera. Depending on the type of print, color or black and white for example, photographers may submit film to special laboratories, or they may do the processing themselves—typical for most black and white printing. In the latter case, they should have enough knowledge of darkroom equipment and/or computer programs to process film correctly.
Electronic and technological photographic advancement have begun to allow photographers to easily scan and produce standard film onto digital formats. The photographer can then manipulate and edit digital images and send them easily send them through email from any location.

The above answer is an accurate job description for a photographer though the types of photographers can vary widely. There are many categories in photography such as sports, wedding, portrait, scientific, commercial, marketing, photojournalism etc.... Most photographers, but not all, find a specialty based on their ability and interest. I would first determine the type of photography you are interested in and go from there.

Most of the photographic categories I listed are pretty self explanatory but others can be much more specific. Example: Commercial photography specializing in products, or specializing in people. Most forms of photography require pretty much the same skill set though they differ in the execution. As a nature photographer a person would need to have some understanding of landscapes and wildlife. Not so with a sports photographer who needs to have a good understanding of most sports that are popularly photographed.

http://designgrapher.com/types-of-photography/ Here is a good web site to take a look at.

Lastly, I recommend getting some training in the technical and artistic elements of photography. Professional cameras can be difficult to operate without some sort of instruction and computer skills as they relate to photography are a must. Various schools offer anything from a certificate in photography (less expensive) to a Master's Degree (more expensive and much more time.) All programs should offer instruction on different types of photography and the financial potential of each. Good Luck!