Introduction
Wildlife photography is a career discipline that focuses on the natural setting and taking photographs of non-domesticated animal species. The increase of human encroachment has increasingly decreased the natural setting hence leading to the extinction of rare wildlife species each day. Preserving wildlife has therefore been a major issue of concern (Greenaway, 2005). The most important individuals that could assist the situation are professional photographers. This is because of their, sometimes risky efforts to preserve the precious wildlife species - with photographs. This paper will take an overview of the career, analyzing its variations, requirements, lifestyle and all aspects associated with wildlife photography.
Becoming a photographer is not an easy task. This is because; the profession is more than just having a SLR camera in hand. It requires creativity and great skill is one is to capture the ever best moments of wildlife picture that would appeal the eyes of everyone. Therefore, one must go through a complete professional coarse that will equip the with the necessary knowledge and technique. The first step is to identify and get enrolled into a school with the best reputation on this discipline. Surfing the internet would assist many in identifying a good school with favorable terms. There are many schools and photography educational institutions in the United States of America. Some of the best schools include: the rocky Mountain school of photography (RMSP), an ideal institution for all students learning digital technology, the New York institute of photography (NYIP), and the Art institute of Chicago (AIC). Other well established institutes of photography are the Arizona state university (ASU), Oklahoma school of photography among others. These schools are well equipped with the modern camera equipment and students enjoy the benefit of the expertise of the instructors.
A successful career in photography also entails more than the skill (Institute for Career Research, 2007). Here, the most efficient equipment, great functioning exercises in essential to getting the experience. One should engage in more photo taking occasions for them to acquire the experience on the field. In most of the cases, the profession needs devotion. This is because; it has a lot to do with outdoor experiences, only achieved through camping and staying in uncomfortable areas. Here, upcoming professionals are taught on survival skills, hiking and other techniques of much help while on the field. Other special knowledge of a wildlife photographer is obtained as they mature. For instance, getting to know and keep keen on smell, senses, and hearing so that one does not interrupt with or cause any disturbance to an animal when taking a the best shot. On matters of language, a wildlife photographer has to learn multiple of languages so as they could effectively interact with locals inhabiting their destination. This is because communication is critical and barriers would mean a less effective environment to work on.
A photographer has an immense lifestyle of fun. This is because they are always at a chance to tour corners of the world, interacting with people, nature and all aspects of the ever changing world. More so, they get to associate with various worldwide organizations. The profession is rewarding. The job market for wildlife photographers is mainly on a freelance basis (Parish, 2008). This entails editing and online selling wildlife photographs to organizations and the media as well. Other job designation for a wildlife photographer include: art director, art argent/ manager, a professor of art, commercial artist to mention but a few. Remuneration has been at the rise for the profession (Weston, 2005). Depending on the position one occupies, an average salary could range from $28,600 to $163,400 per year. As per the BLS statistics, $35,980 was the average annually income for a photographer in 2010. Media companies such as the British broadcast corporation among others offer most jobs for wildlife photographers.
A part form the advantages that a wildlife photographer enjoys as discussed above, there more other benefits. A photographer enjoys the interaction with nature. In the profession, one is more flexible in working. One also gets the chance to examine closely the conditions in which animals survive. The profession is a hobby like kind of job that provides space for relaxation of mind. One also enjoys the benefit of capturing rare species of precious animals in which they can share such photographs with their family and friend. After all, the profession is in much demand in the entire world (Waterman, 2013). However, despite of the above advantages, there are some drawbacks associated with the profession too. Some of them include the risk harm, injured or even killed by animals in the field. One has to work all round the clock for them to capture the best shots at the best moments. To some extent, capturing other animals may be a disturbance to them and areas that are privately owned, a photographer may be required to pay large sum of money. During some seasons such as the monsoon, capturing the best wildlife photographs becomes a big challenge or might not possible at all. The profession is also characterized by huge competition. Despite these disadvantages, wildlife photography is one of the considerable luxury careers known in the world.
References
Greenaway, F. (2005). Wildlife photography. Don Mills, Ont: Pearson Education Canada.
Parish, S. (2008). Wildlife photography. Archerfield, Qld: Steve Parish Pub.
Waterman, J. (2013). Northern exposures: An adventuring career in stories and images. Fairbanks, Alaska: University of Alaska Press.
Weston, C. (2005). Digital wildlife photography. Lewes: Photographer's Institute Press.
