The wildlife photography industry is constantly changing, and it has become more challenging to earn a living. This is because there is less demand and more hobbyist and professional photographers looking to get a slice of the pie.
Unless you’re working for a top wildlife organization like National Geographic, you’re probably not earning the income you’ve always dreamed of.
The good news is that it’s not impossible to make money from wildlife photography. The most successful professionals in this field think outside the box and try several innovative strategies to increase their earnings.
So, if you’re wondering how to make money as a wildlife photographer, you’re in luck, because this guide will show you how. Grab your camera and let's dive in!
Build Up Your Social Media Following
You can make a thriving wildlife photography career by building an engaged community on social media. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter allow you to share your photos with a wider audience and connect with potential customers, collaborators, and other industry professionals.
If you’re going this route, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Consistently post high-quality content. Share your best wildlife photos and post regularly to keep your followers engaged.
- Use hashtags. Use relevant hashtags to make it easier for people to find your work.
- Interact with your followers. Don’t just post photos without communicating with your followers. Ensure you respond to their comments and messages. You can also engage with them by asking questions and running polls.
- Build a personal brand. Creating a personal brand and showcasing your unique style will help you stand out from the competitors.
- Use Instagram Stories, IGTV, etc. These features are there for a reason. Use them to connect with your audience and create a sense of community.
Your social media accounts can double as your portfolio or image library, making it easier for potential clients to see your style and skills. It can also open up opportunities to monetize your platform through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and other means.
Sell Stock Photos
One of the most common ways to make money as a wildlife photographer is by selling your photos. Whether it's to stock photography agencies or directly to clients, there is a market for high-quality wildlife images. But, where do you start?
Stock Photography Agencies
Stock photography agencies like Shutterstock, iStock, and Adobe Stock act as a middleman, connecting you with clients who need specific types of stock images. They handle all the licensing, distribution, and payments.
Direct to Clients
Another option is to sell your photos directly to clients. This could be anything from publishing companies to individuals looking for unique art for their homes or nature picture library.
Sell Photo Prints
If you have a strong portfolio of high-quality wildlife photographs, you can make money by printing and selling them as fine art. You can sell your prints through art galleries, online marketplaces like Etsy or Fine Art America, or even through your website.
Another option is to create and sell photo merchandise. This could include items such as phone cases, tote bags, mugs, and more.
Run Photography Courses and Workshops
Another way to generate income is by running workshops and events. They are a great way to share your knowledge with others, while also making money at the same time.
However, it’s important to narrow down to a specific niche so you’re known as a subject matter expert. It could be a small niche like bird photography or wildlife conservation photography.
Also, keep the workshops small to allow you to attend to all the participants individually. This experience can make them register for future workshops. Always have a backup plan in case of bad weather or other unexpected events.
Write About Wildlife Photography
If you're passionate about wildlife and nature photography and have good writing skills, you can make extra money doing what you love. This could be anything from a blog to a book, or even a magazine article.
You can share your knowledge and experience of wild animals with others through compelling stories on your blog. Remember to always be authentic in your writing. If you don’t have a blog to post your content, you can reach out to publishers, whether it be online or in print.
How to Make Money as a Wildlife Photographer – License Your Photos for Commercial Use
This method of making money from photography never gets old. You only need to license your work for commercial use, and it’ll serve as a means of passive income.
This could be anything from a tourism brochure to a hotel's website. When a company or organization wants to use your photo for commercial purposes, they’ll need to purchase a license from you.
To make the most of this method, ensure you understand the different types of licenses and choose one that’s best for your needs. Also, ask other photographers about the going rate and set a reasonable price for your photos.
Remember to keep track of how and where your photos are being used to ensure the terms of the license are being upheld.
Participate in Photography Competitions and Exhibitions
While it may not generate much income, photography competitions and exhibitions provide an opportunity to showcase your work to prospective clients and connect with other industry professionals.
Before participating in any of these events, be sure to research the competition, including their guidelines and the type of photographs they are looking for. Also, submit only your best work to increase the chances of winning and making money with wildlife photography.
Offer Photography Tours and Safaris
If you have a deep knowledge of a specific region or ecosystem and enjoy leading groups, you can make money by offering photography tours. This can be a great way to combine your passion for wildlife photography with your love of travel and adventure. It also serves as an extra source of income.
Be sure to only choose a specific area that you know well and can provide valuable information on, such as a certain wildlife park.
Also, you'll need to understand different animal behaviors and build up basic survival skills in case of animal attacks.
Conclusion
We hope you found this guide on how to make money as a wildlife photographer useful. As explained in the article, there are tons of opportunities to make money as a full-time photographer.
You can always try various income streams, including selling stock photos, running photography workshops, writing about your experiences, creating educational content, licensing your photos for commercial use, or printing and selling them as fine art.
The key is to find the right fit for your skills and interests and to be persistent in your efforts. Remember, you need patience and dedication if you want to make wildlife photography a full-time job.