Career Opportunities in Photography

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and composition pluses or minuses. not still needed, but it does mean that the market is that
While Safari Photographers may focus primarily on much more overloaded with applicants, many of whom are
wildlife, many also create dramatic and beautiful photo- willing to lower their standards to secure work. Another
graphic images of the people and culture of the regions to benefit and detriment to the field is stock photography.
which they travel. They may photograph tribes people, mar- Clients can now easily find and purchase exotic images
ketplaces, homes, rituals and celebrations, daily life activi- from online stock photography agencies.
ties, and more. Their cultural studies may be exhibited in
Safari Photographers who can secure work with maga-
museums and galleries around the world.
zine publishers and tourist boards and prove they are reli-
Safari Photographers learn everything they can about
able, deadline-driven professionals have the best chances of
where they travel. Whether they have been commissioned
receiving referrals to other clients and projects. Many Safari
by a travel magazine or the trip is self-initiated, they make
Photographers must work in other areas of photography to
sure they understand all of the following, and more, before
supplement their incomes. Some may maintain commercial
they book their flight:
photography studios in major cities. Still others may teach
in universities and technical or vocational schools.
" political climate of the region
" languages spoken and cultural mores
Advancement Prospects
" climate
There is no standard career ladder for Safari Photographers.
" common illnesses, health hazards, prevention and treat-
The good news is that they have options from which to
ment
choose, and advancement will depend on their strengths and
" food and water availability
interests. After years of hard work, freelance Safari Photogra-
" licenses and permits that may be required
phers who have entrepreneurial spirits and excellent connec-
They study maps, learn the basics of the local languages (at tions can open their own safari and adventure-tour operations.
least enough to get by), and create lists of photographic They may lecture at conferences hosted by professional asso-
equipment and supplies they will need to pack. They may ciations and teach at universities. They may write books and
hire assistants, interns, and others for their photography magazine articles about their adventures. Safari Photogra-
team, depending upon the scope and size of the project. phers may also exhibit their photographs at galleries and
They will oversee and manage their teams, making sure museums and license their work to stock agencies.
each person is prepared for the work ahead.
Education and Training
Salaries
A four-year degree is recommended for Safari Photographer
Annual salaries for Safari Photographers can range from
work. Degrees can be in zoology or biology, with course-
$25,000 to $75,000 or more. Earnings depend on their years
work in photography, or vice versa. On-the-job training as a
in the field and the types of clients for which they work.
Safari Photographer s assistant is highly recommended.
Most Safari Photographers are freelancers, which means
Safari Photographers must also be trained in digital photog-
they have the burden of covering many of their expenses,
raphy and photographic design software programs, such as
especially if they are just starting out. They will need to
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
allot money from their earnings for the purchase and main-
tenance of photographic equipment, film and development,
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
and travel gear. Clients usually reimburse photographers for
Safari Photographers usually have backgrounds in commer-
travel, food, and related expenses. Safari Photographers can
cial photography. The skills needed to photograph live news
supplement their incomes by teaching safari and travel pho-
or sports events for newspapers or magazines, or weddings
tography, writing articles, and selling and licensing their
for portrait studios, are very similar to those used in safari
work to stock agencies.
photography. A Safari Photographer must have an excellent
eye for detail, be tuned into his or her environment at all
Employment Prospects
times, and know the perfect moment to take a picture. The job
The safari photography field is extremely competitive. Only requires the ability to study animals and understand their
a select few have established themselves as the top Safari behaviors. This knowledge is especially helpful in determin-
68 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
ing when it is safe to be near animals to take photos and when graphic, Cond� Nast Traveler, Global Traveler, Travel
to keep at a distance. Safari Photographers must be curious & Leisure, Travel Africa Magazine, and many others.
about the world and have adventurous spirits. The work
See what other Safari Photographers are doing by vis-
requires extensive travel and often uncomfortable and dan-
iting their Web sites. You can find many by using a
gerous environments, so it is not a field for the faint of heart.
search engine, such as Google (http://www.google.
Physical fitness, sound health, stamina, and energy are crucial
com), and plugging in the key words: Safari Photog-
in the position. Safari Photographers must also be technologi-
rapher. Safari Bill (http://www.safaribill.com) is an
cally proficient. They must be adept at digital photography
excellent Web site with useful information. Another
and fluent in photographic design software programs.
Web site with great resources is Wild Safari (http://
These skills are especially crucial when photographers
www.wildlifesafari.info).
are on location in remote areas. For instance, if a photogra-
2. Take a summer job with a safari tour operation group.
pher is on a three-week tour in the Kalahari Desert and under
Secure work as a photographer s assistant, if possible.
deadline to get work to his editor in New York City, he or she
If there are no photography positions open, work as a
can upload the images from the digital camera directly to a
camp assistant or in any other capacity so you can see
computer, correct light, color, or size using Adobe Photo-
firsthand how tours run and the tasks and skills
shop, then transmit via e-mail or Wi-Fi for near-immediate
involved in being a Safari Photographer. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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