Salary

• According to the website simplyhired, the average annual salary for a nature photographer in America is $34,000 as of December 2010. This roughly correlates with the median income that the Bureau of Labor Statistics records for photographers as a whole, which is $36,370 in May 2009. Freelance nature photographers also are responsible for the purchase, upgrade and maintenance of their own equipment, which will affect their expenses.
  
  

Employment

• The vast majority of nature photographers are freelancers who accept work on a commission basis. They can work for magazines, newspapers, publishers or websites. They work closely with the editorial or creative director to determine the type of images required. They usually have to organize their own travel arrangements, which the client reimburses or factors into the initial fee. Nature photographers must negotiate their fee for each commission.
  
  

Supplements

• Given the unpredictable nature of freelance work, there ways that nature photographers might be able to supplement their income. These include teaching photographic technique in community colleges or night schools, selling images to picture agencies and photo libraries, or securing governmental or charitable grants to undertake a specific photographic project.
  
  

Entry

• There are no particular educational requirements to become a nature photographer, but it is necessary to study photographic technique and get practical experience. Although not required, a college degree in photojournalism demonstrates a certain level of ability to potential employers. Developing a varied portfolio of work is essential to securing commissions; it is worth accepting low- or even no-pay assignments to build experience and a portfolio.