Pursuing a career in wildlife photography

Admirable goals, and an admirable start to obtaining your ultimate goal. I tend to believe it will be a hard road to the top, but nothing worthwhile is easy, and nothing that is easy will provide long term satisfaction and happiness. I would encourage you to get involved in local or state conservation and wildlife groups where you can share and learn while enjoying fellowship. And good luck, you will need some of this also.

I suspect that, while there are quite a lot of wildlife photographers who get some of their income selling wildlife photographs, very few of them make a living from doing that full time. I don't know of any company that employs photographers just to take wildlife still photographs, but there are certainly companies that make wildlife programs for TV.

On the other hand, I have taken wildlife trips to many parts of the world and almost all of the guides, except local guides in Africa, have also been photographers. Probably a lot of them have started as wildlife researchers or working in National Parks and the like. Just think about it - if you work or do research in a wildlife area, you have a huge number of opportunities for wildlife photography. Nobody who just visits the area for a few weekends a year is going to be able to compete with them.

So, my very unexpert opinion is that if you want to get into wildlife photography, first get into the wildlife "industry" in some way.

There are certainly quite a lot of skilled amateur wildlife photographers who sell photographs and a few professionals in the wildlife industry. There are some on the Micro Four Thirds forum- look for the Finnish names. Also have a look on the Nature and Wildlife Forum where there are one or two professional guides who also post images there. It might be a good place to ask how to get into the wildlife industry.

It is very wise of you to seek advice first before making a major life decision. That shows your head is in the right place.

May I suggest you post your question in the Nature and Wildlife Photography forum? You might get a better response there.

The Pro Digital Talk forum might be a good place to discuss earning a living as a photographer.

btbwildlife08 said:

Hi all, I'm here to talk about career advise, if anyone is willing to chat, please feel free to respond.

... I'll put all of my effort into working on portfolio stuff, learn to sell prints, editing and actual photography.

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I'd put 10x more effort into how to run a business and based on how you want to live (what kind of lifestyle you want to lead) and how much that lifestyle will cost per year. Then realistically ascertain how much seasoned professional wildlife photographers are making in your area. Can they afford to own the kind of homes you want to own on their income? Can they afford to own the kind of cars you want to drive, holidays you want to take, etc.?

Figure out the money part first. Then worry about the "photography". The money / business part is the more important part. Taking pretty pictures usually doesn't add up to being able to buy the better homes on the better side of town. Figure out what income you'll need for your intended lifestyle, then figure out how you intend to make that happen realistically via photography. How much will you have to sell per month, just to make rent or pay a mortgage + household bills + saving for emergencies and other expenses.

btbwildlife08 said:

After college, I'm planning on studying Marine and Natural History photography at university...

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Can you do that on your own without taking it at uni? I highly recommend you focus on courses and majors of study that pay well and "study" photography in your spare time.

btbwildlife08 said:

and hopefully work for a company doing wildlife photography, and selling my own work.

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What companies are paying for wildlife photography? How much do they pay (what's the pay range and the median pay for those working there as photographers)?

btbwildlife08 said:

Now please be honest, whether this is a good career plan for a decent income,

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What do you consider "decent" income? Decent income to one person may be horrible income to another. What income (provide a dollar figure) do you consider 'decent'?

btbwildlife08 said:

or if there is more that I need to do to make a decent amount of money out of it, or if it is even enough

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Depends what you consider decent right? If you consider $15,000 EUR "decent" then you may reasonably be able to sell enough prints to earn a $15k EUR net profit. However, if "decent" pay to you is $90k EUR per year, then you may want to look for another occupation first. Photography is notorious for not paying well for those just now getting into the field, partially due to the millions of people taking and printing nice photographs of everything you can imagine.

btbwildlife08 said:

. Also, if anyone could share some tips and secrets that nobody really talks about, that'd be much appreciated. Just wanted to say as well, for these future plans I've completely quit watching TV, unless if I am sat down with the family, quit using the phone for entertainment, I have really focused on my diet and eating well, and I do not drink or smoke at all, even when I am at friend gatherings where everyone else is drinking. I have taken these steps for the past few weeks, and since then I have noticed a significant impact on how long I can actually sit down and work for, which is always improving.

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That's awesome Ben... if you're going to be that dedicated on learning something, I suggest Engineering, medicine, nursing, accounting, plumbing, electrician, etc.. something where at least you can earn a steady income and have a skill that's applicable to other occupations or even teaching if you have to.

btbwildlife08 said:

Many thanks, Ben

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Learn photography on your own, while focusing on a solid paying occupation, and how to run a business.

btbwildlife08 said:

...As I'm only 17, I've just been working on a portfolio website, and some socials accounts (Instagram, X etcetera), as I can't do any selling at the moment because of the taxing stuff, so I think until I'm 18, I'll put all of my effort into working on portfolio stuff, learn to sell prints, editing and actual photography.

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Many years ago, in southern California, the kids in an extended family started a business. They lived in a rural area, and I think they were cleaning out barns and selling fertilizer. Later, I think they expanded into other areas as well. Then one day the tax man showed up. The parents allegedly let them handle it, and handle it they did. I'm pretty sure they finessed it somehow.

So go for it. I don't know of any reason why you can't sell photos or make whatever kind of business out of it that you want to. Now might be a good time to get your feet wet while you presumably don't have to make a living yet. Remember, Warren Buffett started by delivering newspapers on his bicycle, and then invested in newspaper dispensing machines, all before he went to college.

btbwildlife08 said:

After college, I'm planning on studying Marine and Natural History photography at university....

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In college don't narrow your course of study too much. Get a mainstream degree of some sort. It could be biology, math, business administration, or whatever. That doesn't stop you from doing photography if that's what you still want to do.

I don't want to say what's possible and what isn't, but I suspect that most well-paying wildlife photography jobs are for videography. TV and movies probably have the deepest pockets, so it might be good to keep that in mind as a possibility.. On the other hand, some people manage with still photography.

These days the best way to make a living as a wildlife photographer might be to become a youtube personality. Tips and tutorials, product testing and reviews (with affiliate links that earn you commission), filming your adventures, etc. Monetize your videos and make money on views, then perhaps if you get enough viewers and subscribers you can "sell out" and plug products or services like wallets or squarespace. Getting an audience that knows your work can only help to sell prints.

Another thing to do would be to make your equipment work for you. Photography gear is expensive, so earn money with it. Weddings/events, real estate, school portraits and team photos, etc. You can also sell to stock photography companies like shutterstock. Pay the bills with 9-5 M-F work and make wildlife photography your hobby and hope to sell prints for extra cash.

I should have added that it's good to pursue something such as wildlife photography. You do, however, also need to be aware that the world will change a lot during your career, so you need to get a broad general education. Don't narrow all your education down to one little specialty.

I think there's nothing better than pursuing your dream. If wildlife photography is what motivates you to get up in the morning and out into the world, go for it.

It's wise to package that interest with a professional degree that affords you an opportunity to pursue your passion. Studying photography at university is one obvious path. Have you considered which business courses you'll be taking? If you want to make a career of photography, one of the most important skills you can bring to the table is knowledge of how to run a business...budgeting, marketing, client relations. These are skills that will allow you to keep the doors open and grow your business.

It's also beneficial to be able to step back and make an objective assessment of what it means to be a professional photographer today and five or ten years in the future. Ask yourself, what is your product? The obvious answer may be this photo of a bird. But if you step back, you'll see the product is adventure, happiness, a meaningful life. When somebody buys your photo, it's to bring something meaningful, joyful or adventurous into their life. Your photo enables that.

Some professionals make as much or more income running businesses that are photography-related. For example, the most popular wildlife photogs on YouTube and other social media platforms earn significant income as content creators. The focus of their content is wildlife photography but the photography is a vehicle through which they do other work that pays the mortgage.

It's also common for professional wildlife photographers to earn income leading workshops and photography tours. In other words, there are avenues other than the sale or licensing of your photos that can allow you to earn an income as a photographer.

Absolutely pursue your dream. While doing that, be open to the wide array of opportunities that can allow you to take something you love doing, that inspires you, and use that in your career or business life.

Good luck.

--
Bill Ferris Photography
https://billferrisphotography.pixieset.com/arizonaslittleserengeti/

You have some excellent advice already in this thread.

While I encourage you 100% to pursue something you are passionate about, the genre of wildlife photography may prove challenging.

You likely will need other related revenue streams to make a living out of it, at least until you have created a name for yourself or became fortunate to gain a contact of importance.

Video / Content Creator - Influencer / Workshop Leader / Guide / Teacher ; these are examples of revenue streams that you may have to tap into all of them at some point along your journey.

The unique challenge with wildlife in particular is that the camera lens often used for wildlife are very expensive. In theory this would create a barrier to entry which might actually help an aspiring professional but there are many hobbyist wildlife photographers that will spend $10K on a lens even if they never plan to make a dollar back from their photos, many of those same hobbyist will also travel to ends of the earth in pursuit of a great photo.

Jungle trek in Rwanda to photograph gorillas. Go on a Pantanal safari to photograph jaquars in South America. Visit Mara Mara and Serengeti during the great migration. Pay extra to go on conservatory land during a safari in Kenya so you can get a lower angle of an elephant. Stay at a lodge in Tanzania that has a watering hole with a photographic hide constructed next to it reserved for guest use to capture great rhino photos. Travel to northern Japan in winter to photograph snow monkeys in hot springs. Stay at a remote lodge in Canada to photograph grizzly bears eating salmon out of a river from the safety of a viewing platform built for photographers. This is just a small portion of the possible pay to play experiences that will result in incredible images but takes financial means to make happen. Many people are paying for these things and the cost to travel and photograph them outweighs the value of the images captured in most all cases.

I think the best advise above is Chris R_UK's that if this your lifelong pursuit start with a job that will put you in or next to an amazing location to easily capture wildlife photos in your spare time. That might be working as a wildlife researcher, a park ranger, a travel guide, etc... Then you might be well positioned often enough to have an advantage.

This type of advantage may lead you to capture a a truly remarkable image or portfolio of images that can jumpstart your career.

--
Online Gallery here
https://www.mattreynoldsphotography.com/

I wish I knew what I wanted to do the rest of my life when I was 17. Like others have said, learning the business side is going to be important if you want to make a living at wildlife photography. You will probably spend more time marketing yourself than actually taking photos.

Some get the impression that most of us on DPR are pros when I believe the opposite is true.

I don't believe anyone makes a living at that by just selling prints. Most photographers supplement their print income with a YouTube channel, blog and/or giving guided tours. You'll need to devise a plan to market yourself on social media. You can have the greatest portfolio, but if no one knows about you, you can't sell anything.

Also, it is a HUUUUGGGEE leap from "You take good pictures. You should try selling them," to "I will pay you for a print." I can't emphasize that enough.

You may be a good photographer, but you are competing with thousands of other photographers. And most of them have been doing it for a lot longer than you. So, how are you going to stand out? What is going to give you a competitive advantage over the competition? Your style or subject matter? You will need to figure this out.

I think I would try to find an established pro in my area and offer to be an assistant. Then pick his/her brains at every chance.

Utilize AI. You can go to ChatGPT or similar site and ask them how a young photographer can prepare himself for a career in wildlife photography.

Some good advice already, I'll try to not repeat too much.

First off, polish your writing skills. Use paragraphs, think about pacing and structure. Good communications will be essential to your goals.

Second, think about running business, not getting a job. The number of full-time, decent paying wildlife photography jobs in this world is very near zero. You may, however, be able to find something that gets you into a situation where you can do your photography in your downtime or maybe as a part of your job. Something like park ranger, or working for a tour company. But in the end, if you really want to concentrate on photography think of building a business.

As to education, be sure you learn at least the basics of small business management. I'm not sure how such things are taught in your country, but university may not be the best approach.

Print sales can be profitable, but you must have damn good stuff and damn good marketing. I have a friend who made a living for several years selling landscape photo prints. For the first year or so he was spending 40 hours a week or more on marketing - on social media, live appearances, art and craft fairs, gallery shows, and all the rest. Even after his business was up and running he said he was spending 80% of his time on sales and marketing, 20% or less on doing photography.

Build your video skills. Even if video is not your main goal it can be the most effective way to promote your still photography.

YouTube can be very profitable, if you can be one of the small percentage who break through to the really big views. It is awfully crowded now and probably much harder than it was two or three years ago, but it may still be the best game in town.

Finally, promote yourself. Start now building a name and a following on every media you can get yourself on. Be relentless. Work at it every day, if only for an hour or two.

That's what I got for now. Good luck.

Gato

.

For example, Muggsy Bogues standing 5ft 3 inches played in the NBA.

There's a handful of others standing under 6 ft on various NBA teams.

Point is, stay with it if you really want it but, don't quit your day job -

I'm pretty old and have done photography sense 1970. Many of the

wildlife photographers I've known, or read about spend months, or

even years going back to the same target rich area for the 1 photo.

I've spent years going to the same area to photograph wild apes.

Basically, they are wild, crazed monkeys just down the road.

Also rescue abused and abandoned jungle dogs dumped

in the same area as the 3000 + crazed primates live!

Good Luck with your plan -

.













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The US Bureau of Labor Statistics collects data on various US occupations (and lots of other data). Their Photographer webpage has lots of information on this career. It turns out the typical photographer in the US earns a bit less than the median wage of all US workers. The photographers who earn more must stand out from all the rest.

The government of your country may have similar information.

Last year, National Geographic released a series called "Photographer" that featured six famous photographers. What I really liked about the series is that it covers how and why each of the photographers got started. I'm not sure if the series has been released internationally at this time. If you can find and watch a few episodes, it could be helpful.

lehill said:

Last year, National Geographic released a series called "Photographer" that featured six famous photographers. What I really liked about the series is that it covers how and why each of the photographers got started. I'm not sure if the series has been released internationally at this time. If you can find and watch a few episodes, it could be helpful.

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Thank you for this! Have not heard of it but now am exciting to stream it over the weekend.

ThrillaMozilla said:

btbwildlife08 said:

...As I'm only 17, I've just been working on a portfolio website, and some socials accounts (Instagram, X etcetera), as I can't do any selling at the moment because of the taxing stuff, so I think until I'm 18, I'll put all of my effort into working on portfolio stuff, learn to sell prints, editing and actual photography.

Click to expand...

Many years ago, in southern California, the kids in an extended family started a business. They lived in a rural area, and I think they were cleaning out barns and selling fertilizer. Later, I think they expanded into other areas as well. Then one day the tax man showed up. The parents allegedly let them handle it, and handle it they did. I'm pretty sure they finessed it somehow.

(...)

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Why would the tax man show up? A minor in the U.S. can make a trillion dollars if s/he can, the only thing people care about is whether labor laws are being adhered to and whether or not the taxes are being paid

Teila Day said:

ThrillaMozilla said:

btbwildlife08 said:

...As I'm only 17, I've just been working on a portfolio website, and some socials accounts (Instagram, X etcetera), as I can't do any selling at the moment because of the taxing stuff, so I think until I'm 18, I'll put all of my effort into working on portfolio stuff, learn to sell prints, editing and actual photography.

Click to expand...

Many years ago, in southern California, the kids in an extended family started a business. They lived in a rural area, and I think they were cleaning out barns and selling fertilizer. Later, I think they expanded into other areas as well. Then one day the tax man showed up. The parents allegedly let them handle it, and handle it they did. I'm pretty sure they finessed it somehow.

(...)

Click to expand...

Why would the tax man show up? A minor in the U.S. can make a trillion dollars if s/he can, the only thing people care about is whether labor laws are being adhered to and whether or not the taxes are being paid

Click to expand...

Those kids were a corporation, and as far as I know, they were making a lot of money. :-D It was called Kidco. I think someone made a movie from it years later.

I just saw this interesting article on PetaPixel:

How Many Photographers Are Making Over $300,000 a Year?

Heather Morton of Sheridan College, Canada conducted the survey. She has a brand new blog on Substack. If you subscribe, you can download the full report. I skipped the pledging part. Her other Substack posts are interesting, too.

ThrillaMozilla said:

Teila Day said:

ThrillaMozilla said:

btbwildlife08 said:

...As I'm only 17, I've just been working on a portfolio website, and some socials accounts (Instagram, X etcetera), as I can't do any selling at the moment because of the taxing stuff, so I think until I'm 18, I'll put all of my effort into working on portfolio stuff, learn to sell prints, editing and actual photography.

Click to expand...

Many years ago, in southern California, the kids in an extended family started a business. They lived in a rural area, and I think they were cleaning out barns and selling fertilizer. Later, I think they expanded into other areas as well. Then one day the tax man showed up. The parents allegedly let them handle it, and handle it they did. I'm pretty sure they finessed it somehow.

(...)

Click to expand...

Why would the tax man show up? A minor in the U.S. can make a trillion dollars if s/he can, the only thing people care about is whether labor laws are being adhered to and whether or not the taxes are being paid

Click to expand...

Those kids were a corporation, and as far as I know, they were making a lot of money. :-D It was called Kidco. I think someone made a movie from it years later.

Click to expand...

Still not sure why the IRS would show up - often by the time the IRS shows up, they come with the police, ready to seize your stuff if you don't have your legal ducks in a row at that point and typically by that point it's too late. Whether you're 1, 11, or 111 years old, the IRS couldn't care less as long as you file when required and pay what you owe.

I hope their business made a killing - I like seeing youth do financially well.

Teila Day said:

ThrillaMozilla said:

Teila Day said:

ThrillaMozilla said:

btbwildlife08 said:

...As I'm only 17, I've just been working on a portfolio website, and some socials accounts (Instagram, X etcetera), as I can't do any selling at the moment because of the taxing stuff, so I think until I'm 18, I'll put all of my effort into working on portfolio stuff, learn to sell prints, editing and actual photography.

Click to expand...

Many years ago, in southern California, the kids in an extended family started a business. They lived in a rural area, and I think they were cleaning out barns and selling fertilizer. Later, I think they expanded into other areas as well. Then one day the tax man showed up. The parents allegedly let them handle it, and handle it they did. I'm pretty sure they finessed it somehow.

(...)

Click to expand...

Why would the tax man show up? A minor in the U.S. can make a trillion dollars if s/he can, the only thing people care about is whether labor laws are being adhered to and whether or not the taxes are being paid

Click to expand...

Those kids were a corporation, and as far as I know, they were making a lot of money. :-D It was called Kidco. I think someone made a movie from it years later.

Click to expand...

Still not sure why the IRS would show up - often by the time the IRS shows up, they come with the police, ready to seize your stuff if you don't have your legal ducks in a row at that point and typically by that point it's too late. Whether you're 1, 11, or 111 years old, the IRS couldn't care less as long as you file when required and pay what you owe.

I hope their business made a killing - I like seeing youth do financially well.

Click to expand...

Don't get too carried away with speculation. This was from a newspaper article maybe 50 years ago. I have no idea which tax or licensing agency made contact, or how they made contact. And keep in mind that these were literally kids, probably between 8 and 14 years old..