Wildlife photographers may sometimes work in extreme weather conditions.
Wildlife photographers capture images of subjects in the natural world. Their photographs are intended to document how plants, animals and natural landscapes look and behave. Most wildlife photographers work on a freelance basis and while the salary expectations are not extraordinary, their job can take them around the world to some of the natural world's most beautiful locations.
Average Salary Expectations
The vast majority of wildlife photographers are freelancers who specialize in this particular field. Thus, salary expectations can vary depending on the photographer's experience, reputation and ability to secure commissions. As a rough guide, SimplyHired.com places the annual average salary for a wildlife photographer at $41,000.
Additional Opportunities
Wildlife photographers may also be able to supplement their income in a variety of ways. They may be able to secure grants from government or charitable agencies in order to undertake a specific photography project. They may also be able to teach part-time or sell images to image libraries and picture agencies.
Expenses
Given that most wildlife photographers operate on a freelance basis, they will accrue expenses which they, rather than the employer, must pay for. Purchasing, repairing and updating camera equipment is the primary expense, but travel and other costs may also have to be factored into the photographer's salary expectations.
Increasing Earning Potential
In order to give oneself the best chance of securing commissions and thus increasing one's earning potential, it is advisable to work at establishing a good contacts base and develop a portfolio that demonstrates a good technical ability as well as a large range of subject matter. The photographer may need to operate with little or no profit in the first few years of her career in order to establish herself in the field.
Tags: salary expectations, also able, freelance basis, natural world, wildlife photographers
