Wildlife photographers don’t just take pictures of animals...
They capture the essence of untamed beauty and extraordinary moments.
Are you curious if this adventurous career is your calling?
What Do Wildlife Photographers Do?
Study wild animals and their behaviors.
Search for and travel to remote photoshoot locations.
Use technical and artistic skills to photograph the animals in their natural habitat.
Edit their photos to create images that clients want.
How Does a Wildlife Photographer Contribute to Society?
Wildlife photographers can help raise awareness for our natural world and wildlife conservation efforts. Images of wildlife can also be used for educational purposes.
However, not all wildlife photography is for educational or conservation purposes. Images of wildlife are also used for tourism, advertising, and media.
What Does A Day Of A Wildlife Photographer Look Like?
As a wildlife photographer, every day will look a little different...
You'll need to be prepared for all kinds of weather and terrain.
You might even spend the night camping out in a remote location.
The unpredictable nature of wildlife can lead to dangerous situations, so be sure to take safety precautions.
Some days are spent entirely indoors at a computer researching animals and locations and editing images.
Quiz
Which of the following are essential items for a wildlife photographer to have?
How Do Wildlife Photographers Get Work?
Freelance and Contract Opportunities
The majority of wildlife photographers make money by selling their photos to magazines, newspapers, and stock image websites.
They sell prints of their images online and at photography exhibits.
Wildlife photographers can also provide workshops and tours for people who are interested in the craft.
Full-time Opportunities
Full-time positions in wildlife photography are rare, but they might exist in specific organizations like zoos or educational institutions. Some work full-time or by assignment for publications that provide wildlife content.
It's important to note that wildlife photography is a competitive field, so you will need to network by making connections with different organizations and publications.
You'll Love It If...
You enjoy connecting with nature and your creative side.
You want to work independently.
You want to raise awareness about the beauty of wildlife.
Look For Another Career Path If...
You don’t want to spend a lot of time patiently waiting.
You don’t enjoy traveling.
You don't like an irregular schedule.
What Can I Expect To Earn?
In the U.S., the average salary for wildlife photographers is $34,115 USD.
In Canada, the average salary for wildlife photographers is $38,017 CAD.
Pick The Future Wildlife Photographer
Leah
Thrives in fast paced environments
Is very social and struggles to get work done independently
Daniel
Enjoys staying home and sticking to a routine
Doesn’t like networking with others
Andre
Has a keen artistic sensibility
Likes studying the behavior of animals
Quiz
Who sounds like the best fit for a wildlife photographer's career path?
Take Action
Does it sound like a career in wildlife photography could be a good path for you?
If it does...
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