What Is a Wildlife Photographer and What Do They Do?
- Johan Siggesson
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
A wildlife photographer is someone who captures animals in their natural surroundings. It is a mix of technical photography, fieldwork, and a deep interest in the natural world. As wildlife photographers we spend time outdoors, waiting for the right moment to press the shutter. Whether it's a lion in low light, a bird in motion, or a horse crossing open water, the goal is to capture wildlife in a way that is clear, respectful, and true to the moment.
Some wildlife photographers work in a documentary style, showing the world what is happening in nature. Others take a fine art approach, focusing on composition, mood, and printmaking. Some shoot for conservation groups or travel brands. Many work independently and build their careers through a mix of print sales, photographic safaris, licensing, and collaborations.
At the heart of it all is the same motivation, to connect people with wild animals and the places they live.
What Does a Wildlife Photographer Do?
Wildlife photography is not just about taking pictures. It involves planning, patience, and a good understanding of how animals behave in the wild. Here are some of the main things wildlife photographers do.
Research and preparation
Before heading out with a camera, most photographers spend time researching the animals they hope to photograph. This means learning about behavior, habitats, migration patterns, and weather. Good planning increases the chances of being in the right place at the right time.
Fieldwork
This is where the photography happens. It often involves long hours outdoors, sometimes in cold, wet, or hot conditions. A wildlife photographer might wait for days, weeks or even years to get one image. In many cases, working quietly and staying hidden is important. Some use hides or blinds, others keep their distance and work with longer lenses. An Africa and other places a lot of time is spent in a safari vehicle. Patience is a big part of the job.
Camera work
Wildlife photographers use different types of lenses and camera bodies depending on the subject and situation. They need to make quick decisions about light, composition, and settings. Animals rarely pose, and many moments are over in seconds.
Editing and image selection
After the shoot, the next step is to go through the images, choose the strongest ones, and make edits. This part of the process helps bring out detail, adjust light and contrast, and prepare the photos for sharing or printing.
Sharing the work
Wildlife photography is meant to be seen. Photographers may share their work through websites, exhibitions, books, social media, or articles. Some also work with conservation organisations or educational projects. Others sell prints or license their images to publishers and brands.
Types of Wildlife Photographers
There is no one path in wildlife photography. People approach it from different angles, depending on their goals, skills, and style.
Fine art wildlife photographers
These photographers focus on mood, form, and timeless images. They often work in black and white or use strong compositions that highlight movement and light. Their work is usually sold as prints or displayed in galleries. The goal is to create images that go beyond documentation.
Documentary and editorial photographers
These photographers tell stories through their images. They may work for magazines or conservation groups, or on personal projects. The focus is on showing what is happening in the natural world. Interesting behaviour and rare species is often high up on the wish list. Strong storytelling and ethical practice are key.
Scientific and research photographers
Some wildlife photographers work closely with scientists, researchers, or field teams. Their job is to document specific species, behaviors, or changes in the environment over time. These images may be used in research papers, field guides, presentations, or reports. In this kind of work, the goal is not to create dramatic or artistic photos, but to record things as they are. Sharp focus, clear framing, and proper identification matter more than mood or composition. A good image in this context helps others understand the subject better and supports the research being done.
Commercial and tourism photographers
Wildlife photography also plays a role in tourism and marketing. Some photographers create images for safari lodges, travel brands, or nature-based companies. Their photos help promote experiences and places.
Hobbyists and enthusiasts
Most wildlife photographers begin as hobbyists . They enjoy nature and want to document what they see. With time and practice, some move into professional work or develop personal projects with depth and focus.
As a fine art wildlife photographer myself, I focus on moments that feel honest and balanced. I often work in black and white to draw attention to shape and energy without distraction. Whether I’m photographing lions, horses, or birds, the goal is to create images that are strong, timeless, and sophisticated. Each photograph is rooted in the field and reflects the reality of the moment it was taken.
Where Do Wildlife Photographers Work?
Wildlife photographers work wherever wildlife can be found. This can mean open savannas, under the surface of the sea, coastal wetlands, dense forests, mountain ranges, or even city parks. Some travel across countries or continents. Others build long-term projects in the places they know best, close to home.
Much of the work happens outdoors. It often involves hiking, waiting, and working in different weather conditions. But a big part of the job also happens behind the scenes such as planning, editing, writing, and preparing work for sharing or sale.
Photographers may work on their own or with organisations, editors, conservation groups, or commercial clients. The flexibility of the role allows each photographer to shape their own direction, based on their values and interests.
What Skills Are Needed?
Wildlife photography asks for a mix of creative and practical skills. These include:
Knowing how to use cameras and lenses in changing conditions
Reading light and composing shots quickly
Understanding animal behavior and patterns
Being patient, calm, and respectful in the field
Staying safe and aware in remote areas
Being able to edit and present work clearly
Communicating through visual storytelling
Experience helps, but so does being curious and observant. Many of the best images come from waiting, watching, and knowing when not to take the shot.
Why It Matters
Wildlife photography gives people a window into places and moments they might never experience firsthand. It builds awareness, sparks interest, and often plays a role in conservation. A single image can help someone care and that care can lead to action.
The work is not always easy, but it is always worth doing. It is one way to stay close to the natural world and to share what it gives us, one frame at a time.
