In my opinion, wildlife photography is more than a specialty; it's a lifestyle.
I would compare wildlife photographers to photojournalists. Not newspaper
photographers, but the real photojournalists who would, in times past, cover a war or get
involved in documenting some facet of society. In my mind, wildlife photographers are
people who live for that special picture and are happiest in its pursuit.
Of course, there are people who also have more of a hobby-level interest in
photographing wildlife and will take pictures of squirrels and birds at the park or in their
back yard. And catch shots of more exotic species at the zoo. Some may even get out into
the field during their vacation. But the true wildlife photographer is, excuse the pun, a
totally different animal!
Wildlife photos are widely used in the market place: in magazines that are completely
devoted to them and some that are not; in textbooks and other educational materials; on
cards, calendars, and other paper products; and even in ads. Agencies such as Animals
Animals specialize in wildlife. Others, with extensive natural history collections like Bruce
Coleman, are known for their wildlife photography. Even the big commercial agencies will
include wildlife in their catalogs. And many photographers who specialize in
wildlife sell their own work, too.
As part of their lifestyle, and to augment earnings from picture sales, some wildlife
photographers have gone into publishing their own books on the subject. Leonard Lee
Rue is one of them. And Joe McDonald is known for leading photo safaris in Africa.
With so many animal species in existence, subject matter is plentiful. But needs can also
be very specific and animals don't change very much. At least not since Noah's ark. So
the stock files aren't begging to be replenished with more "trendy" bears or giraffes. A
good collection is almost timeless. This can work for or against a photographer: for the
one who's established and against the one seeking entry into the field. Agencies, for
example, will probably not be interested in more of the same kinds of shots of the same
animals. They will want something different. This generally comes down to photographs
depicting life processes and behavior; stuff that's harder to get.
Still, one agency I'm in contact with will occasionally include specific wildlife shots in its
requests, though I'd guess it has close to a half-million such photos in its files right now.
If you're considering wildlife photography, you could begin by reading everything you can
find on the subject. Check your library for starters, and the online bookstores if you must.
Search half.com for used copies. If you're an experienced hunter, you're probably ahead
of the game, at least in what it takes to stalk and find your quarry. If you're not, you'd do
well to subscribe to sporting magazines -- Outdoor Life, Field and Stream and others --
and learn from them. You'll also be treated to some good photography and they could be
among the first markets for your work once you start getting some good results.
Success will require skills other than photography. You'll also need long lenses,
appropriate clothing for the regions and conditions you'll be working in, and much, much
patience -- not only to get the picture, but because the pay off is not likely to be a quick
one. Like so much in photography, you've got to love taking wildlife photos, commit to it,
and view it long term.
If you've ever considered photographing wildlife, you're already familiar with wildlife
publications and probably admire the photography. If not, study them and see what's
being used. Buy a copy of Photographer's Market or see if it's available through your
library. There you'll find many other companies that sometimes use wildlife
photography. But unless you maintain your own collection, let an agency handle these. An
agency that specializes in wildlife or natural history would be best. I'm somewhat familiar
with Bruce Coleman and Visuals Unlimited and would suggest these as starting points.
Wildlife photography isn't for everyone. But if it's something you really enjoy doing, it
could be for you.
Much success!
Larry Stepanowicz
