Question by alabamian33: Wildlife Photography?
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.
Best answer:
Answer by antoni
take photography courses, salaries are rear in this business, even more rear for wildlife shooters,
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Outdoor photography is really difficult to get a lasting salary from. The reason why I say this, is because who would want to buy them? Most likely people with offices, or magazine companies, like AAA or other travel ones. And even then, they wont give you much for your images. Unless you’re Ansel Adams.
There are not too many wildlife photography positions per sa. If you study scientific/industrial photography there are jobs available with places like Sea World, Zoos and other animal oriented parks. You will find yourself shooting everything from illustrations for scientific papers or presentations, magazine stories and PR shots. Most will include shooting animals and some in the wild when you are out with a scientific expedition.
That said, here is a link to one of the worlds leading wildlife photographers.
http://www.leppphoto.com/
http://geolepp.com/
What is going to kill your budget is the equipment. Just two of the long lenses you will need to pursue your career will cost you nearly $ 20,000 (400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4).