For those photographers who have a deep love for wilderness and the outdoors, becoming a professional outdoor photographer seems like a very natural and appealing path. It’s no secret, most of us get into this business because we like to be outside, where we can enjoy the simple beauty and power of nature away from computers, business meetings, traffic, cell phones and other life distractions. Once you hit the trail with your camera, all that other stuff falls away, and what you’re left with is your energy, your creativity and your desire to make photographs that represent the way you feel about being outside.
However, providing that you’re competent behind the camera and are capable of creating great imagery, it’s the inside stuff that really counts. The business part. The computers and cell phone stuff, and depending on where you live, sometimes the traffic. That’s the stuff that makes you money, anyway.
Let’s face it, creative types don’t always have the best minds for business. It’s the whole left brain, right brain thing. Photographers sometimes defy this mantra, though. Because we have such a strong technical element to our craft, many of us have strong analytical, objective and critical skills which can help us be better business people, as long as we learn to apply those skills to our professional lives.
Business skills come more easily to some than others, but what I’ve found in the outdoor photography world over the years, is that most successful outdoor shooters are happy to share their knowledge and are genuinely excited to see others succeed. Yes, being an outdoor photographer is a tough gig, and yes, we’re all generally competing for the same work, but the world is a very big place, and the reality is that there is room for many to succeed in our field. In fact, the more successful photographers there are out there who are all sharing knowledge and experiences, the better chance we have to educate clients and bring our rates up.
I can clearly remember the established pros who gave me advice when I was just starting out, advice that made a definitive difference in how my professional career has turned out. In fact, I still consult with fellow pros on occasion if I need help putting together a quote, or if I’m looking for information about a prospective new client.
I also find now myself in the position of helping out the next generation of aspiring shooters and sharing my own experiences so that they can join the game and find success as well. I do my best to bring the karma back around and share the knowledge that I’ve gained over the years.
Combining your passion for photography with a love for wilderness and the outdoors is a great way to make a living, but as with any other job, you’ve got to learn the ropes. Fortunately, we’re here to help you. Here are just a couple of great resources:
A Photo Editor is a very informative blog hosted by Rob Haggart, who is the former Director of Photography for Outside Magazine and Men’s Journal. It’s definitely worth checking out.
TOPA, the Travel and Outdoor Photographers Alliance is a Yahoo group where working outdoor shooters share their specific knowledge and experience about the industry. You have to apply and be a working photographer to get accepted, but membership is free. You’ll also find a collection of outdoor photography related links on the site as well.
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