Avian photography stands out as a fiercely contested arena, especially in today’s digital age. While premier birding magazines maintain rigorous selection standards, a broader spectrum of publications exhibits less selectivity. This has led to an influx of submissions from amateur digital photographers and individuals aspiring to establish themselves professionally. For those aiming for publication, immersing oneself in top-tier birding magazines to analyze their image choices is invaluable. Simultaneously, consistent practice is paramount. Securing a spot in leading publications necessitates a substantial and high-caliber collection of species photographs, often representing years of dedicated effort.
Your prospects of breaking into prestigious publications improve significantly with exceptional photographs of rare wild birds or birds captured in unexpected settings. These unique and compelling images are more likely to capture the attention of editors and resonate with discerning audiences.
Exploring regional outdoor publications, local newspapers, and tourism guides can offer viable avenues, depending on your location. These outlets represent accessible markets where quality work can pave the way for image sales. While the financial rewards may be modest initially, these markets serve as crucial stepping stones in building your portfolio and sustaining your passion as you expand your image library.
Selling bird prints at art exhibitions, fairs, or galleries generally presents a challenging path, particularly in competitive markets. Unless your photographs possess exceptional artistry, “bird-on-a-stick” compositions often struggle to attract buyers. In contrast, images portraying birds interacting naturally in captivating light and against stunning backdrops hold greater appeal for the public and are more likely to translate into sales.
While avian photography remains a primary passion, realistically, relying solely on it for a living is difficult. The market’s intense competition and the continuous need for an expanding, top-quality image library pose significant hurdles. However, diversifying income streams can create opportunities. Offering guided photo excursions, for example, has emerged as a successful avenue for many professionals.
A substantial portion of professional photographers’ income, or at least a significant supplement, often stems from leading guided tours. This path, too, demands considerable time investment to cultivate a compelling image portfolio and amass in-depth knowledge of species and locations. The goal is to create promotional materials—whether a website or printed brochures—that compel potential clients to say, “This photographer’s work is outstanding. I want to hire them to capture images like that.”
Avian photography equipment typically leans towards rapid-focus cameras and long telephoto lenses, representing a significant financial investment. However, starting out doesn’t necessitate top-of-the-line gear. Both Canon and Nikon provide camera and lens systems in the mid-price range that can effectively initiate your journey. Combinations like a Canon 40D with a Canon 100-400L IS lens or a Nikon D300 paired with a Nikon 80-400 VR lens offer affordability for serious enthusiasts. These setups deliver excellent image quality and sufficient telephoto reach for capturing intimate portraits of certain bird species. The zoom lens flexibility also allows for quickly adjusting to capture birds within their habitat or in environmental portraits.
There are no shortcuts to success in avian photography. The most practical approach, unless one has independent financial means, involves maintaining a stable, well-paying job while dedicating spare time and resources to acquiring equipment, expanding your image library, deepening your knowledge, and building a client base. This gradual and strategic approach allows you to confidently transition away from full-time employment when you’ve established a solid foundation for sustaining yourself through your passion.
