How Do Wildlife Photographers Actually Make Money

So you're curious how wildlife photographers make money. If you like photographing wildlife and want to make a career of it or you're just curious, here are the limited ways that wildlife photographers actually make money.

How Wildlife Photographers Make Money

Generally speaking, there are only a few ways that wildlife photographers make money. Here is a list of those options. Below we'll explore each one in detail.

First, wildlife photographers sell editorial work. Second, we sell fine art prints or, or commercial photography. Third and finally, we teach. As you can see, the options are limited. So, let's discuss the pros and cons of each. Also, note that many wildlife photographers make money in more than one way.

Read how I find wildlife to photograph near me.

Editorial Wildlife Photography

Let's establish what editorial photography is before discussing editorial wildlife photography.

Editorial photography tells a story, typically a topical or newsworthy one. Therefore, they need to be completely truthful. Plus, they need to be compelling and in the public interest.

Editorial photography is often thought of as newspaper or magazine photography. Or, at least it used to be. Today, editorial photographers can publish their own work if they so desire.

Wildlife Editorials

Editorial wildlife photography is editorial photography that focuses on wildlife. Therefore it tells stories focused on animals in the wild. Editorial wildlife photography is essential. It ensures that the impact of climate change and other human actions on wildlife is known. That being said, like other forms of editorial photography, wildlife editorials are not very lucrative.

In fact, most editorial photographers spend their own money taking photos and creating the story. Then they sell that story to an interested buyer. As a result of cutbacks in publishing there is little money left in editorial photography for wildlife photographers or anyone really.

Wildlife Fine Art Photography

Wildlife photographers also sell fine art prints. In fact, be sure to check out my fine art wildlife photos here. People love wildlife. As a result, they buy photos of wildlife to display in their homes and offices. I sell my wildlife fine art photography to individuals as well as institutional buyers.

Institutional Photo Buyers

Institutional photography buyers buy photos for hotels, hospitals, and more. As such, they usually buy in bulk. Additionally, they often have their own printers. Therefore they typically only buy a digital copy and the right to print it. Institutional buyers are great. This is because they buy a lot of art work. In fact, that's their job. Therefore, you can sell them a lot of your work if they enjoy working with you. Too, you then can see your work displayed in hospitals, hotels, and other locations. I think that's cool.

Private Fine Art Collectors

In addition to institutional buyers private fine art collectors also buy wildlife photos. Therefore, you can sell your work through galleries or online by yourself. Galleries are a great option. This is because it's their job to sell your work. Of course, they take a cut of the sale. However, they spend their time cultivating their list of buyers and can help direct you towards specific subjects that sell well.

Commercial Wildlife Photography Sales

Institutional buyers are commercial buyers. However, they're not the only kind. In fact, there are a few more. First, some printers and publishers buy wildlife photos for text books, greeting cards, and more. Others buy wildlife photos for posters that sell in decor stores or even head shops. Still others buy wildlife photos for advertising and marketing purposes. For example, tourism organizations near wildlife areas need to show off wildlife photos that promote their area.

Wildlife Photography Teachers

The final way that wildlife photographers make money is by teaching. As you may know, I teach photography classes in Pittsburgh and online. Many wildlife photographers offer workshops, tours, and more. Other wildlife photographers offer books and course materials.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, you can make money as a wildlife photographer. To make money you need to understand the ways wildlife photographers earn a living. Then you need to do most if not all of those in order to make it full time. After all, I wish I could say that was all that I do, wildlife photography, but it's not. In fact, I do a bunch of other types of photography so that in my free time I can go do more wildlife photography. What do you think? Are you ready to go become a wildlife photographer?