Wildlife Photography?

[Ritchie Michael]

Hello,

I really enjoy taking pictures and being outdoors and with animals and would like to be a wildlife photographer. Does anyone have any information on average salary, what courses to take, etc.?

Any tips would help.

Thanks and regards
Ritchie Michael

[MHampton]

I think Moose Peterson said it best, and he was quoting someone else: "A wildlife photographer wakes up unemployed every morning."

This is truly one of those areas where you pretty much work for yourself and how much you can make is more dependant on your marketing skills than your actual photography skills. There are lots of truly talented wildlife photographers out there but only a few who are making a really good living at it, and from what I've seen, the real money is in getting established and then doing tours and workshops (those things are expensive!)

I'm right there with you. I would love to make my living doing wildlife, but I'm not a marketer. I'm content for now to continue to practice and get better while working at my day job, with the hopes that someone at NatGeo will see my blog or something and give me a call (I'm kidding of course).

That said, seriously, how much you make (from all the reading I've done) is entirely up to you and your ability to sell your photos as you won't usually have a steady stream of clients like a wedding/portrait photographer.

I would highly recommend Moose Peterson's book "Captured" if you are interested. He tells how he got into the business and goes over most of what you need to know. Again, being able to sell is a big one.

Good Luck. I hope to see some of your shots in the wildlife section here soon!

[Tom]

There used to be a lot of money in that stuff, but most of that dried up. There really isn't much at all to be had in landscape, travel or wildlife photography. If you go on Flickr, you can see why. TONS of incredible content that is easily accessible and most photographers would be cool to let the magazines use their image for a case of beer or so, because it was unexpected income.

Don't let that stifle you from having fun doing something you love. And who knows, the money could come.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by MHampton

I think Moose Peterson said it best, and he was quoting someone else: "A wildlife photographer wakes up unemployed every morning."

This is truly one of those areas where you pretty much work for yourself and how much you can make is more dependant on your marketing skills than your actual photography skills. There are lots of truly talented wildlife photographers out there but only a few who are making a really good living at it, and from what I've seen, the real money is in getting established and then doing tours and workshops (those things are expensive!)

I'm right there with you. I would love to make my living doing wildlife, but I'm not a marketer. I'm content for now to continue to practice and get better while working at my day job, with the hopes that someone at NatGeo will see my blog or something and give me a call (I'm kidding of course).

That said, seriously, how much you make (from all the reading I've done) is entirely up to you and your ability to sell your photos as you won't usually have a steady stream of clients like a wedding/portrait photographer.

I would highly recommend Moose Peterson's book "Captured" if you are interested. He tells how he got into the business and goes over most of what you need to know. Again, being able to sell is a big one.

Good Luck. I hope to see some of your shots in the wildlife section here soon!

I also recommend his book. It is a great look at how he started out and the trials of his early years. Even now he has moved on to primarily aviation photography.

[PEC]

Agree 100% that success comes from how you market yourself. Check out
THOMAS D. MANGELSEN'S | Images of Nature Tom is one of the top guys (salary wise) in the game.

We could all name 5-10 guys that are making a good living but beyond that it would be tough...

Another issue with going into this field is that it is very expensive in gear, travel expenses and time to get the portfolio needed which is why most of us keep this as a hobby.

Their is the added benefit (as a hobby) of being able to truly enjoy the art without the pressure of having to "get the cover shot".

Just my 2 cents.

[groovyone]

Mangelsen is very business savvy, which I think has helped keep his work top notch. I even have his calendar hanging in my cube. Good call, Paul.

[PEC]

Funny story:

A couple of years ago, I was shooting up in Grand Tetons in the late fall and the Jackson Hole Art Museum was having Tom as the guest speaker and doing a book signing.

Really enjoyed it! Bought his book "Images of Nature" and had him sign it: "To Paul Chance, my good friend and mentor" - Book cost ~$50 Inscription - priceless :) It sits proudly on my coffee table.

[groovyone]

Very cool. I always love when you find out they are good people too. I have that book and love it.

[MHampton]

Moose actually just posted on his blog something that kinda-sorta answers this question for you. You can check it out <<here>>. If you're serious, there is a lot of information out there, but ALL OF IT says that you had better be ready to work hard and sell.

[Ritchie Michael]

Originally Posted by MHampton

I think Moose Peterson said it best, and he was quoting someone else: "A wildlife photographer wakes up unemployed every morning."

This is truly one of those areas where you pretty much work for yourself and how much you can make is more dependant on your marketing skills than your actual photography skills. There are lots of truly talented wildlife photographers out there but only a few who are making a really good living at it, and from what I've seen, the real money is in getting established and then doing tours and workshops (those things are expensive!)

I'm right there with you. I would love to make my living doing wildlife, but I'm not a marketer. I'm content for now to continue to practice and get better while working at my day job, with the hopes that someone at NatGeo will see my blog or something and give me a call (I'm kidding of course).

That said, seriously, how much you make (from all the reading I've done) is entirely up to you and your ability to sell your photos as you won't usually have a steady stream of clients like a wedding/portrait photographer.

I would highly recommend Moose Peterson's book "Captured" if you are interested. He tells how he got into the business and goes over most of what you need to know. Again, being able to sell is a big one.

Good Luck. I hope to see some of your shots in the wildlife section here soon!

Hello friends,

Thanks for sharing your information, Really I would highly recommend Moose Peterson's book.

Best regards
Ritchie Michael