How to Become a Wildlife Photographer?

Updated On: 20-Jan-2023

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We often see pictures of wildlife in newspapers or magazines like a lion hunting, fighting between two wild animals, etc. All these are the efforts of wildlife photographers.

A wildlife photographer is a man who takes 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.

Wildlife photographer takes pictures of wild animals in their natural surroundings. It is a very challenging form of photography. Some photographers are opportunists, meaning that they take photographs of any animal that comes their way or some are a little bit more particular and like to take photographs of particular species. To get photographs of different animal species, wildlife photographer needs to travel to different countries.

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One who wants to be a wildlife photographer must be passionate about photography, love animals, and love to travel. It required physical fitness as one needs to travel a lot and travel in wild areas. You must know the behavior of different animals to track them and get their photographs in their natural habitat.

You should have great patience also as animals won't act on the photographer's demand or requirements. They come in their act when they want so to get the perfect photograph wait can be days or months longer. You must be very quick also if you want to take photographs of special moments/acts of animals because if you miss that moment when you don't know when you get that chance again.

List of courses for Wildlife Photographer

You don't need any formal qualification for that but a 3 or 4 years degree in photography is a must to get success in this profession. Many institutes provide degrees, diplomas, or certifications in photography. You should also study wildlife biology to understand the behavioral pattern of different animals. You should also have knowledge of advanced photography techniques and computer tools that are used to work on photographs.After 10+2, you can choose to do a bachelor's degree or diploma in photography. After this degree, you can apply for a master's degree in photojournalism or a related field. Along with studying wildlife biology to know about animal behavior. After that start your career as a freelance or search for a job in the public or private sector. Most professionals start their career as a freelancer and after some experience, they look for jobs.To become a successful wildlife photographer, you must have the following skills:

Excellent photography and camera uses skills. As to get perfect picture you have to use different type of cameras with different features and qualities. Like you need macro lenses for insects, long focal length lenses for birds and underwater cameras for marine life. So the knowledge of all kind of cameras and latest photography techniques is must.

Experience of swimming, trekking and camping will also very helpful as you need to visit wild areas and stay there for an unknown period.

Excellent communication skills and knowledge of different languages around the world will make life easy.

This is not a career that anybody can choose and get success. The person who love animals, love to travel, love to nature and have passion for photography can certainly choose this career. It required a lot of hard work and only a particular education can't bring success for you in this.
More important, one should be financially strong also as you need to buy equipment, travelling expenses, marketing your photographs and making contacts.As per jobted.in, the average salary of a wildlife photographer is Rs. 4,32,000 per annum or 23,430 per month. In the beginning, one can expect an average salary between 1,20,000 to 1,50,000 per annum. It will get increase with your experience.The opportunities are emerging day by day in the field of wildlife photography. You can also search out employment in newspapers, magazines, advertisement agencies and TV channels. You can also work as a freelancer and earn by the exhibitions and sale of your photos but it takes time and lots of hard work to get such popularity that people come to your exhibition and show interest in your photographs.

Freedom to work independently.

Chance to know the different species of animals.

Travelling around the world and know different cultures in world.

Contributing to saving the creature.

Lots of travelling.

Less time for family.

No steady income.