Unlocking the Secrets of Wildlife Photography

Last updated on 8th May 2023

Photo by Geran de Klerk on Unsplash

Are you an aspiring wildlife photographer? Transiting over to professional wildlife photography isn't easy, but it is possible and worth the effort. India has a diverse range of flora and fauna just waiting to be captured through your lens. Here, you can find everything you need to know to transition into a career of Wildlife Photography in India!

Transitioning into Photography

A career in wildlife photography will require more than a degree; you'll need creativity and patience to really master the art. It's not as simple as pointing and shooting. To secure a fair income and get the best results out of your photos, you must invest into the necessary equipment and learn various photo editing skills. For starters, you'll need a quality camera, lenses, tripods and computer with an appropriate photo editing software, such as Adobe Lightroom. Additionally, if you wish to establish yourself as a professional wildlife photographer, you'll need to invest in the right equipment for the job, such as a drone for aerial shots, telescopic lenses and a teleconverter. On top of that, self-promotion via social media and organising your own exhibition is crucial in order to market yourself and reach potential brand sponsors.

Setting the Right Salary Expectations

In terms of payments or compensations, many agencies and brand sponsors tend to offer high paying commissions for a single photo depending on its purpose and level of difficulty. On average, a good wildlife photographer, can make somewhere around 1 lakh to 5 lakhs per annum. Additionally, as competition for freelance jobs increase, these rates are also expected to ballon over the coming years.

Success Stories

Meet Harish V., a former tech executive turned wildlife photographer. He quit his stable job to pursue his passion two years ago and his hard work certainly paid off. He already has a rich portfolio of stunning shots and regularly conducts nature photography workshops to share his knowledge and skills with other aspiring photographers. He has already won several awards and sponsorships, including a National Geographic assignment.

Another story of a wildlife photographer is Akash G., a 26 year old free-lancer who documents endangered wildlife in India. He has travelled to many remote parts of India such as the Sundarbans and Amerigonj to get the perfect shot.He's made his mark in the industry through stunning photos of the flora and fauna in these remote and endangered areas of India.

Overcoming Challenges and Obstacles

Wildlife photography involves travelling to far and remote areas, some of which are really risky and dangerous in terms of wildlife activity and terrain. So, if you're a wildlife photographer, it is best to equip yourself with necessary survival and safety tools such as a knife, repellent sprays and GPS tracking devices.

Additionally, there will be times where your hard work and dedication won't be rewarded with the desired result or income. You must be prepared to face failures and setbacks. Although there will be many tough days ahead, never let yourself give up. With passion and grit, you can persevere and make a living in this industry.

Actionable Steps

• Research and familiarize yourself with the basics of photography, such as exposure, aperture, shutter speed and camera angles.
• Invest in good quality equipment and appropriate software.
• Follow the works of experienced photographers on social media.
• Learn the basics of video editing and post-processing.
• Build your portfolio by ensuring consistent quality in your shots.
• Take suitable safety measures and tools before travelling to risky and dangerous areas for photography.
• Be sure to learn all of the copyright laws, user agreements and ethical considerations associated with wildlife photography in India.
• Try to create your own content and set up your own portfolio for marketing.

Conclusion

Wildlife photography is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling career paths, but it is also very challenging and requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It is essential to be patient and stay consistent since it may take some time to see results. As long as you arm yourself with the necessary knowledge, skills and resources, the transition process towards a successful wildlife photographer should be relatively seamless.