How to Become a Wildlife Photographer

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Finding accurate information about becoming a Wildlife Photographer can be difficult, but you’re in luck because if that’s what you’re looking for then this is the article that you want to take the time to read.

In this article, we’re going to discuss three tips that’ll help you become a Wildlife Photographer quickly and easily. First, we’re going to talk about the educational requirements. Next, we’re going to talk about the duties and work environment you’ll face.

Finally, we’re going to finish up with career prospects of this profession. After reading this article, you may have the information you need on how to become a Wildlife Photographer.

Educational Requirements of a Wildlife Photographer 

A career in wildlife photography is a highly unconventional life choice that demands practitioners to possess highly attuned natural instincts, dexterity, and technical skills and training than most other photography occupations. These skills are necessary to ensure that the photographer is able to safely approach wildlife without starving them and consequently lose the ability to snap great photographs.

For a fully qualified professional education, a wildlife photographer should possess the following credentials*:

  • High School Diploma with an average GPA
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography
  • Professional degree in Wildlife Photography
  • Certifications in Equipment Management, Photo Editing, Photo-Printing, and Underwater Photography

There are many universities, junior colleges, community colleges, vocational and technical institutes, as well as private technical and trade schools that teach courses in photography.

Duties and Work Environment 

The duties and responsibilities of a wildlife photographer are varied and it may be necessary to carry them out under physically demanding and sometimes dangerous circumstances. For example, photographers are often required to perform the following**:

  • Advertise and market studio services to gain clients
  • Capture images of wildlife in their natural habitat
  • Enhance target subjects with natural or artificial light
  • Demonstrate proficiency with photo enhancing software
  • Show off capabilities by maintaining a digital portfolio
  • Be a strong swimmer
  • Maintain excellent physical conditioning

Career Outlook for a Wildlife Photographer 

The growth rate for job opportunities for photographers in general is expected to grow at just 4 percent over the years 2012 to 2022 — a rate that is slower than average for U.S. occupations. Slowing growth for photography jobs is due primarily to the decrease in the cost of digital equipment and the rise of hobbyists and amateur photographers.

Better and more sophisticated equipment at inexpensive prices lowers the barriers of entry for professional photographers as well as giving consumers the ability to produce, store, and retrieve photographic images independently.

The median wage for professional photographers and 2012 was $13.70 per hour. The bottom 10 percent of hourly wages for photographers was less than $8.42, while the top 10 percent of wage earners earned over $32.21 per hour. In 2012, approximately one in three photographers held part-time positions*.

 

 

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

 

 

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