nature photography

audi

I was hoping any successful nature photographers out here on dgrin would be kind enough to give a "noobie" some tips on starting a part-time career in the field. I understand its a very difficult (if not, the most difficult) field of photography to make money doing, but im up for the task - its a passion of mine.

I ordered 500 business cards which are being mailed right now, half of which I will give to family to keep around and the others i will be taking up to school. However, I still need help trying to market myself. Should I consider submitting works to various galleries in the area? To certain magazines? Its hard to know where to begin. :dunno

Id like to know when and where you started to see your careers take off, what you did to get there, etc.

Thank you so much in advance,

austin

ginger_55

Oh, gosh, welcome to dgrin! Sounds like you are off to a good start, you are enthusiastic!

I am an amateur, I have never, to my knowledge, made any money off of my nature photography. (Hey, I read that hanging around with biology, environment people helps in knowing how to take the photos, I read that, but I don't know these people to hang with....) That is some advice.

But I do want to welcome you to dgrin. Do you have photos? We have a Nature forum, it is quite active, and a lot of fun.

ginger

Shay Stephens

There is a book that may help you:

The photographers Market
Edited by Donna Poehner
Published by Writers Digest Books
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/158297277X/102-7861798-5400116?v=glance

Coming soon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1582973954/ref=pd_sbs_b_1/102-7861798-5400116?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance

Book Description




2005 Photographer's Market provides photographers with the key guidelines they need to sell their work and build a career. This updated edition provides:


*2000 listings covering every possible opportunity, including magazines, stock agencies, ad firms, book publishers, newspapers, businesses and galleries

*Fresh business advice, from the latest developments in the stock photography market to new information on how to break into book publishing markets

*Insider advice from a variety of experts, including Pulitzer prize-winning photojournalist John Kaplan and innovative advertising photographer Chip Simons This is the essential market guide for aspiring and professional photographers everywhere.