Wildlife Photographer – How to become a Wildlife Photographer
A Wildlife Photographer specializes in capturing images of wild and non-domesticated animals, which holds both artistic and scientific significance. The focus of the photography is to portray animals in their natural habitats, often featuring them in activities such as a lion protecting itself from the sun or pouncing on prey. While it’s possible to take pictures of captive animals, it’s generally discouraged and only used for scientific research purposes.
Wildlife Photographers take pictures of animals in their natural surroundings, with some choosing to photograph specific species or types of animals. This career involves extensive travel to capture images of animals in their habitats. The destination of the photographer is determined by the intended subjects, such as going to the Arctic Circle to capture polar bears or traveling to the plains of Africa to photograph lions.
How to become a Wildlife Photographer
Becoming a wildlife photographer after the 12th requires a combination of education, skills, and practical experience. Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career in wildlife photography:
- Get a degree or diploma in photography: Enroll in a photography course or program to gain a solid understanding of photography techniques, including exposure, composition, lighting, and post-processing.
- Learn about wildlife: Studying animal behavior, ecology, and biology is crucial for understanding the habitats and patterns of animals, and it helps you to anticipate their behavior and movements.
- Develop your skills: To excel in wildlife photography, you need to be able to shoot in a variety of conditions, such as low light, harsh weather, and varied terrain. Practice your photography skills regularly to improve your technique.
- Build a portfolio: Start building a portfolio of your work that showcases your skills and abilities. You can begin by photographing local wildlife and building up a collection of images.
- Gain practical experience: Consider volunteering or working as an assistant to an experienced wildlife photographer. This will give you hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from someone who has experience in the field.
- Network with other photographers: Attend workshops, conferences, and photography events to meet other photographers, learn new techniques, and gain exposure.
Wildlife Photographer Job Description
Remember, wildlife photography is a highly competitive field, and success often depends on hard work, persistence, and patience. Keep practicing and developing your skills, and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things.
A Wildlife Photographer’s job involves capturing images of wild animals in their natural habitats. These professionals have extensive knowledge of the animals they encounter and the terrain in which they work. They must have a mastery of photography techniques and equipment to capture high-quality images.
Wildlife Photographer Career Prospects
To start a career in wildlife photography, a degree in zoology with a minor in photography can provide extensive knowledge about animals and photography. Wildlife photographers usually work independently and share their work with various media agencies and wildlife NGOs. They can also take assignments from editors of newspapers, magazines, publishing companies, advertising agencies, and government agencies. Their work can be re-licensed to editors, exhibited in museums, or used for designing cards, and calendars, and launching related brands.
Wildlife Photographer Salary
Other career options include selling related retail products and running photographic workshops. The salary of a freelance wildlife photographer can be challenging to determine, as it depends on the talent and the ability to get decent-paying work. Beginners can expect a salary of Rs. 5,000-10,000 a month, but popular and reputable wildlife photographers can easily earn pay packets ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 5 lahks a month.