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What sort of major is recommended to be a wildlife photographer or videographer?

Would it be better to receive a degree in something to do with wildlife (e.g. biology/zoology) or a degree in film-making? #film #photography #wildlife-biology #videography

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thomas’s Answer

I agree with Jim and Bob.you need both the wildlife training that is biology to know the behavior of the animals you will be dealing with. This will help you get the best of shots. However this is not an easy industry as you would want serious connections in order to sell your images unless you will be doing it for the love of the job. Training in film will help you in opening different career opportunities and you can then specialize on what you want best.

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Jim’s Answer

Something to deal with wildlife behaviour and safety (how not to approach a mountain lion or bear) and be prepared to part with a LOT of money as with Wildlife you are shooting with 600mm or 800mm lenses which are anywhere from $10-14,000. You can go used but still in the $5-8,000 range. It's not an easy profession to get into by any means, your work has to be spectacular and you need to make some serious connections to be able to survive shooting wildlife. If doing video, you're spending just as much money since most DSLR/Mirrorless cameras also shoot 4k video these days. Again though, you need connections to sell this video. Not like stock sales at $.25-.30 an image are going to be making you rich.

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Benjamin’s Answer

I would say the most important thing is curiosity. Take all the wildlife and photo courses you can. But study other subjects too. having worked at National Geographic, and spoken with many wildlife photographer (I am not one), I would say one of the most important common factors among them was finding a good mentor. Learning from the best while doing is the best way to get your foot in the door. Study the wildlife photographer of others. Find what you like and what you don't. Then reach out to them. Thanks to the web and Instagram, it's easier than ever to start conversations with those you admire. Start those conversations and see where they lead. Worst that can happen is that they don't respond. I truly admire the great wildlife photographers because they are having massive impact, influencing people's perceptions and actions towards wildlife and the natural world! Good luck.

Benjamin recommends the following next steps:

Get to know the work of other wildlife photograhers
Reach out to those you want to work with
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Bob’s Answer

At the very least, you will want to take wildlife courses, even if you choose not to major in that area. It is critically important to learn how the animals behave for many reasons. Obviously you will want to get great images, but you will want to be able to learn where to find them and how to approach with safety for both yourself and the animals. Of course, if you opt for film and art as a major you can branch out into other areas if you choose to in the future. If your school offers a major and minor, this may be an option for you.

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Millie
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David’s Answer

I still believe a liberal arts major like anthropology, general studies, American studies or maybe even history will be adequate to be a pro photographer. I am thinking in terms of still photography. A well rounded major is sufficient. You will want to become proficient and skilled with cameras and what constitutes a good image. One of the most important attributes for you is a curious nature. Are you interested in nature, wildlife, etc? Search out some of the successful wildlife photographers on the internet and look at their work. Maybe your library has some books covering this topic.
If you wish to pursue video, then I would look for a school that offers solid course work for this. Either way, a liberal arts major is a good start. Oh, and as other folks have mentioned, the cost of gear is crazy high. But, you do not have to own the high end stuff to get started.

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