Paparazzi is an Italian term used to refer to photojournalists who specialize in candid photography of athletes, celebrities, politicians, and other prominent people. Paparazzi tend to be independent contractors, unaffiliated with any mainstream media organization. Paparazzi photographers are often described as an unacceptable annoyance by celebrities. Paparazzi are reported to be rude, pushy and ignorant. Many celebrities complain about paparazzi on how much they get into their personal space. Some have even filed restraining orders against them.

One television series that really explored the world of the paparazzi was the 2007-2008 FX Network program Dirt starring Courteney Cox. Cox's character, Lucy Spiller, was the editor-in-chief of a glossy tabloid magazine called DirtNow.