What is Wildlife Photography?
Wildlife photography is a type of photography that focuses on taking photographs of wildlife or non-domesticated animals. This type of photography is important not only for its artistic value but also for its scientific value as well.
Unlike many other types of photography that rely on staged and posed subjects, wildlife photography does not. The subjects in this type of photography are wild animals, and they are usually captured as such. For instance, 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.
What Does a Wildlife Photographer do?
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.
Types of Wildlife Photographs:
Environmental Portraits-
Environmental portraits include your subject in its surroundings, adding a storytelling element to your photographs.
Full-body Portraits-
While environmental portraits provide a sense of place, a full-body portrait doesn’t include as much of the surroundings, drawing your total attention to the subject. A tight composition allows you to notice greater details of your subject.
Frame-filling Portraits
Moving in even tighter, cropping out most of the body, and focusing on your subject’s face brings you closer to feeling that eye-to-eye, soul-to-soul connection with your subject.
Gesture
A simple gesture brings your subject to life, making your portraits more dynamic. Gesture can convey curiosity.
Capture Behavior
It is to capture behavior shots that tell more about its personality and life. Behavior encompasses basically everything your subject does, from eating to sleeping, courting, mating, raising its young, and so on. The more you know your subject and its behavior, the greater the chances of success at capturing a decisive moment.
Working Conditions:
While it is possible to capture wildlife in your own backyard, wildlife photographers travel to locations where the wildlife is. They frequently have to hike, canoe or kayak to remote locations, hauling equipment with them. Wildlife photographers often find themselves in harsh environments away from populated areas of the world. A single perfect shot can take weeks to capture; photo shoots can last for months, rather than be a weekend get-away. Because they work outside, wildlife photographers are at the mercy of the weather, often working in uncomfortable conditions.
Skills and Knowledge:
Wildlife photographers shoot photographs of animals in their natural environments. Unlike studio or event photographers, wildlife photography in the field is not staged. It takes skill and patience to photograph animals in a natural setting. Wildlife photography also takes knowledge of animal behavior, along with technical photographic skills. The job also requires the ability to edit and present images that tell the story of the wildlife.
Technology Skills :
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Abilities :
Stress Tolerance
Cooperation
Coordination
Detailed work activities :
Capture professional-quality images of animal subjects
Plan the composition of photographs
Use professional photography equipment, lighting, and techniques
Enhance images with photo-editing software
Archive and manage a database of images
Maintain a professional portfolio to showcase work and advertise to potential clients
Personality :
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
Analytical Thinking
Social Orientation
Work Styles:
Dependability
Cooperation
Self-Control
Work Values:
Leadership
Concern for Others
Innovation
Wildlife Photographer Education & Training Requirements:
As with any type of photography career, 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.
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.
Job Outlook:
As with most other photographers, the majority of wildlife photographers work as freelancers. This means that they take photographs in hopes of selling them, or they are commissioned to take photographs of certain animals. The photographs that a wildlife photographer takes may be featured in different types of publications, including books and scientific journals. Travel and nature magazines also work with wildlife photographers on a regular basis. Some of these publications might even hire full or part-time wildlife photographers as staff members.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is wildlife photography a good career?
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. A degree in zoology with a minor in photography is also an excellent way to start a wildlife photography career.
Is there money in wildlife photography?
Photography is expensive, there's no doubt about that. Nature photographers have it bad, though, especially if you're buying long telephoto lenses for wildlife. Making money from your photography isn't easy, and it doesn't get any easier as a nature photographer either. There's less demand, and more people doing it.
How much does a wildlife photographer earn in India?
Around Rs.5000 - 10,000 a month. And the popular and reputed wildlife photographers on an average can easily earn around Rs. 30,000(minimum) to Rs. 1 lakh a month.
How can I become a wildlife photographer in India?
As specialized degree courses for wildlife photography is rare in India, one can enter the field with a Bachelor’s degree in photography or photojournalism. One can even do a Diploma/Certificate course in Nature and wild life photography or Wildlife and Travel photography or so.
How do I get a job in wildlife photography?
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. A degree in zoology with a minor in photography is also an excellent way to start a wildlife photography career.