How to become a wildlife photographer

by Kelly Scott
(Iowa, USA)

I have wanted to do wildlife and nature photography since I was about 11 years old and my dream is to become a wildlife photographer. I would really like to get into this field of work as I feel I was born for this, but I don't know what the qualifications are that are needed to become one.

Please assist me in my quest to make a career out of wildlife photography.

Answer

Hello Kelly

The first thing to do is to learn as much as you can about wildlife photography. You don't need high quality camera equipment at the start.

Then I'd suggest that you get involved on a part time basis first because it's not easy to generate a living wage from wildlife photography especially in the beginning.

So I would suggest that you pursue another career that will provide bread and butter money and allow you to pursue wildlife photography on a part time basis. When you have enough experience and contacts from that you can make the decision to do it permanently when the time is right.

I've written a page explaining how I managed to go permanent after doing it part-time for a long while. Make sure that you read the page carefully and look at the videos under the "First Step" heading at the bottom...

How I became a wildlife photographer

Another on-line channel for your work is stock photo websites. There are a number of these on the web and you can submit your photographs to multiple ones. Every little bit will add up to some extra income.

You could also consider contacting hotels, lodges and other tourist businesses, situated in natural areas that might need your wildlife photos for their brochures/websites.

Entering photographic competitions is also a good idea, because should you receive any prizes, it adds credibility to your name as a photographer...

Some competitions I recommend

You may be able to find more competitions by searching the web. Even if the hosts of such competitions are in different parts of the world, they often include international entries.

Of course, there is the "usual" job market - keep your eye on the job market for any photography related jobs you may want and that can help you get your foot in the door - even if it's not as a photographer, if you are working in an environment with other photographers/magazine industry etc., you can learn from those people/make contacts for your future career.

Bruce