Wildlife Photography...is there a market???

[bairfoot]

My Grandfather was a Pro Wildlife Photographer. I know how he marketed his work, but things have really changed since he was in the business. I've been an avid hobby-ist for quite a while...is there any chance at cash flow these days? I'm assuming a stock photo outfit is the best option, but I'm open to any and all advice from those with experiene. Thanks in advance. -Brian

[Jim Victory]

Unless you produce outstanding fine art prints and have an avenue for sale, such as a gallery to display them, the best you can expect is stock sales.

[bairfoot]

Thanks Jim.

[iCe]

It's a tough gig to get and keep.

I can think of two photographers in Texas that do well for themselves. Wyman Meinzer and Russell Graves both have work that shows up in Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine and numerous other places on a consistent basis. I don't know Wyman personally so I can't speak to his work (other than what I've seen is awesome). Russell's work shows up all over the place. I know him well enough to know that if he is awake he is marketing his work. The real work and key to success imho is effectively selling yourself and your work. For instance, he and I were at Bosque a few years ago. He was shooting a 500mm lens with a TC on ? I'm not sure which camera from the passenger side of my truck and I was shooting a 600mm lens on a 1DMK3 from the drivers side top of the cab of my pickup. We came upon a male coyote challenge calling and hovering around a female coyote. The coyote was close and pretty much posed for us. Since we were both shooting bursts it's logical to assume that we both shot the same image or at least very similar images. We did. Mine was displayed here and his made the cover of a magazine.

[bairfoot]

Thanks Michael. That's a great shot. My Grandfather's photography was in Texas Parks and Wildlife several times. I doubt I'll ever get to that level, but it won't keep me from trying.

[iCe]

Honestly it's not that hard to get to "that level". Photography is about getting the fundamentals of exposure and composition right. That's easy and fun. The hard part is making a living at it. That's work. TP&W will accept submissions from anyone as long as they have the right format, etc, etc. But it doesn't mean you'll be published. There's a lot of submitters out there

[groovyone]

As Moose Peterson (wildlife photog) said, and Joe McNally agreed, you certainly have to do it for the love of photography and not to make money.

[iCe]

I think that Russell would tell you that he has the best of both worlds.