Wildlife Photographer is a man who focuses on taking photographs of wildlife and non-domesticated animals. This type of photography is important not only for its artistic value but also for its scientific value as well. The subject matter in photography is wild animals, and they are usually captured as such. For example, a lion could be photographed protecting herself from the hot sun under a shade tree or in mid-pounce while bringing down prey. Although it is possible to trap and pose captive wild animals, this is generally frowned upon and usually reserved for scientific purposes.
Wildlife photographers shoot photographs of wild animals in their natural surroundings. Some wildlife photographers are opportunists, meaning that they photograph any animal that happens across their paths. Others, however, are a little more particular and choose to photograph only certain species or types of animals.
Wildlife photography as a career generally requires extensive travel as they have to go where the action is, so to speak. Their destinations are usually determined by which subjects they hope to shoot such as if their intended subjects are polar bears, they would travel to the Arctic Circle. If their intended subjects were lions, however, they would travel to the plains of Africa and so on.
Wildlife Photographer Eligibility
A successful wildlife photography career generally starts with a sound education from a photography school. A two or four-year degree in photography should give aspiring wildlife photographers the ability to learn basic – as well as advanced – photography techniques necessary for a successful career.
Educational Qualification :
Candidates who have cleared the 10+2 exam are eligible for the diploma/certificate courses in Wildlife Photography.
Age Limits
There is no such age limit for becoming a wildlife photographer; if you have a bachelor's or master's degree then you can go for this profession.
Wildlife Photographer Required Skills
- They must also have lots of patience to wait for the picture-perfect moment and strong interpersonal communicating skills to deal with the wildlife park authorities in order to seek permits and visit the restricted areas.
- One should possess sound technical skills, such as being able to expose correctly, good fieldcraft skills and stalking skills, sharp eyesight, true-color vision, stamina, coordination, efficiency, willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- They should also have an immense passion for wildlife, nature, and conservation, along with in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
- They should also be very comfortable with being outdoors for long periods of time such as camping, hiking and survival skills.
- They should also have a grasp on cultural context, geography, history, and customs which is essential for it.
- They also possess skills like extreme amounts of patience, the presence of mind, strong communication skills, and deep respect for nature in all its forms, a naturalist's sensitivity and ability to blend in and maintain silence.
Institutes Offering Courses for Wildlife Photographer
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- National Institute of Design (NID)
- Canon Education Portal
How to Become a Wildlife Photographer?
There is no one way to get to be a wildlife photographer; one can start as soon as one can lay one's hands on a camera. As someone says, "Beginners can start observing their surroundings first and shoot common animals and birds. At this stage, a professional camera is not required. To be a good photographer, it is essential to love and care for animals."
After that, aspirants who are willing to make a career in this field of wildlife photography can pursue any level programs in photography or pursue a Bachelor’s degree course in photojournalism. So many good institutes conduct part-time as well as full-time Degree / Diploma / Certificate courses. Along with sharp vision, manual dexterity, artistic ability, flexibility, perseverance, loads of patience, concentration, and self-discipline, budding wildlife photographers are advised to complete a photography course before plunging into this specialization. They also possess basic knowledge of computer and photo software which is very essential for it.
Wildlife Photographer Job Description
They are knowledgeable about taking photographs of untamed animals in their natural habitats. They are specialized professionals with a working knowledge of the animals they may encounter, as well as the terrain wherein they will work. This job necessitates mastery of all fundamental and advanced aspects of photography as well as photographic equipment.
Wildlife Photographer Career Prospects
A degree in zoology with a minor in photography is also an excellent way to start a wildlife photography career. These concentrations will give aspiring wildlife photographers extensive knowledge about animals and animal behavior as well as knowledge of photography.
- Most of them prefer to work independently and share their work with various media agencies and wildlife NGOs.
- Professional wildlife photographers generally take assignments from editors of newspapers, magazines, publishing companies, advertising agencies, and government agencies.
- Wildlife photographers can re-license photos to editors and exhibit pictures in museums as well.
- Wildlife photographers can re-license photos to editors and exhibit pictures in museums as well.
- They can also host exhibitions and send their work to photography contests to get their talent identified and recognized in the industry, thereby earning the desired name and fame.
- The photographs clicked by them can be used for designing cards and calendars or for launching brands related to them.
- Other exciting and productive options include selling related retail products and running photographic workshops.
Wildlife Photographer Salary
As the majority of wildlife photographers are freelancers, determining the average salary of these professionals can be somewhat difficult at the initial stage. Some wildlife photographers might make very little money from this profession, for instance, while others will have very lucrative careers. The amount of money that a freelance wildlife photographer makes is largely determined by his talent and ability to get decent-paying work.
The wildlife photography career section offers a non-predictable pay to professionals. At the beginner’s level, one can expect a salary of Rs. 5,000-10,000 a month, depending completely upon the ingenuity of the person. Once they got to experience, then the sky is the limit for professionals. Popular and reputable wildlife photographers can easily earn pay packets ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 5 lakh a month.
