Conservation Photography Q:s

[Digital_zen]

Hi,
Are there any conservation photographers around that could answer a few questions for me?
~ Do you work for trusts, govt. etc. or for publication?
~ About how often do you shoot, daily, weekly, bi-weekly monthly?
~ About what can you expect make, monthly?
~ Do you truly feel that your work is helping to make a difference, in other words do you feel fulfilled with your work?
Thanks guys, in advance for any help here.

[joedlh]

Hi,
Are there any conservation photographers around that could answer a few questions for me?

I guess I can qualify, sort of. I take pictures of marine mammals and sea turtles that have been rescued and are undergoing rehabilitation.

~ Do you work for trusts, govt. etc. or for publication?

I volunteer for a non-profit. My opinion is that many of the organizations that are involved in conservation are non-profits and, therefore, do not have extra cash lying around to hire a photographer to take pictures for them. There are lots of volunteers with cameras. I'm pretty sure that the Nature Conservancy lives on pro bono work, although I cannot vouch for them, even though I've done some for them. The bigger national organizations with publications might pay for photo essays. That would be the way I would go if I were trying to get a start. You have a better chance if you can dump a complete researched, photographed, and written project on their desk.

~ About how often do you shoot, daily, weekly, bi-weekly monthly?

Weekly.

~ About what can you expect make, monthly?

Zero. Zilch. Nada.

See the part above about lots of volunteers with cameras. The organization will make do with snap shots if that's all they can get for free. Although, I have on occasion been paid for a gig when it was essential to have reliable coverage of an event like a fund-raiser or a national high school competition.

~ Do you truly feel that your work is helping to make a difference, in other words do you feel fulfilled with your work?

Yes. My best shot was the release back into the wild of the first Risso's dolphin rescued and rehabilitated in the U.S. I was invited to get the "money shot" from the chase boat due to years of volunteer work. Didn't make a penny from it.

http://joedlh.net/Images/ArtPhotos/DolphinRelease.jpg

[Dennis_Hammer]

I doubt there are many if any conservation only photographers. I shoot for a couple of historical societies and its rare and I give them a break. I couldn't expect my dog to live on what they pay.

[advaitin]

Volunteer for the local manatee watch. No money to be made from it, just help preserve the species, if possible.

[Digital_zen]

Thanks for the replies you guys, and sweet shots BTW.

[amfoto1]

It's a real commitment...

Probably the best way to monetize it a bit would be through stock photo sales. You might get some really rare up close and personal opportunities.