What are Wildlife Photographer Career Requirements? | Tony Henrik Halttunen

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What are Wildlife Photographer Career
Requirements?
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Introduction
Wildlife photography is an exciting and
potentially glamorous career. If youre a
photographer who is fascinated by animals and
enjoys travel, this is the ideal career for you.
But, you have to balance that against the cost of
travel and equipment and the challenges of
earning an income in a very competitive market.
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Attributes
Its important to consider if youve got the
attributes to be a successful wildlife
photographer. Naturally, youll have to be a
competent photographer, but, more importantly,
you must understand animal behavior so you can
track down your subjects and photograph them in
their natural habitat. You must be physically fit
because you could be spending long periods in
very cold, hot, or wet conditions waiting for the
right shot.
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Qualifications
You dont need formal qualifications to enter the
profession, but education or training in
photography will improve your technical
competence and help you take better shots. The
career website Education Portal describes a
series of courses or programs at the certificate,
associate and bachelors level that incorporate
modules on wildlife photography. You can also
gain practical training by taking part in
photographic workshops organized by wildlife
parks.
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Markets
In the early stages of your career, you will
probably be working on a freelance basis, selling
your shots to publishers or photo libraries.
Visit your local library or look online to find
the magazines that feature wildlife photographs.
Read them regularly and keep up-to-date with the
type of images they are publishing. Magazine and
book publishers source material from photo
libraries, as well as using material directly
from photographers or their agents. Check the
photo library websites to identify the type of
wildlife photos they include.
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Portfolio
To gain assignments from editors, you must be
able to demonstrate your ability and experience
with a strong portfolio of wildlife photographs.
Take opportunities to photograph animals in
nearby locations such as wildlife parks, rivers,
forests or national parks so you can develop your
technique and familiarize yourself with using
your equipment in different environments. Arrange
your photos in a portfolio on your website so you
can send links or sample photographs to your
contacts.
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Contacts
To increase opportunities to sell your work or
gain assignments you must build a network of
contacts and increase your profile. Contact photo
editors of magazines and newspapers with details
of your service and links to your portfolio. Let
the editors know when you are planning a trip
they may commission photos from you in advance.
You can raise your profile by entering
photographic competitions run by wildlife
magazines, nature channels or conservation groups.
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