How Do You Become A Whale Photographer?
September 6th, 2009 | 
Author: im 16 years old (17 in 2 days) and im going to be a senior in high school starting august. ive always been fascinated by whales and dolphins and sea life in general, as well as photography. I would love more than anything to be one of those people who dive and photograph whales, i think theyre beautiful and that it would be a breathtaking experience. But my question is, where do i begin?? Do I need to study marine biology or just photography? And then what? Any help would be appreciated, im applying to colleges soon…
thanks!
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Do both, you might wanna do a film makers course too, that seems to be the way everyone is geared these days, still photos are like so 1980′s. It might pay to network with some prominent research groups and individuals , you never know someone may be looking for interns or students to go out on work experience one day?……Do diving courses and learn to swim like a fish. The marine biology stuff will help a lot. Also start saving for your underwater cameras and scuba gear now, because theres nothing worse than graduating from college with qualifications up the wazoo, yet you cant afford to start your business up.
Well the photography will pay better than the Marine biologist degree but, people will take you more seriously if you pursue the degree. Great photographers take thousands of photos to get one good one. Then you need to research where to submit them. I would start a portfolio right now! of animals and fish. If you live near the ocean all the better, if no how about a public aquarium and get to know the people who work there. Do you live near a SEAWORLD? That could get you some whale shots right away! Create the beginnings of the file that you will use to present how good you are. I recently saw a spot on one of the insider programs on TV where a 14 year old boy is taking celebrity shots so you certainly should be able to take photos of fish and whales and maybe sea birds too? Start investigating right now what kind of cameras are used for this and how much they cost. Use what you have until you can afford better. The photography magazines will list photos and how and what took the shots. You can see them in the library now and save your money for good quality cameras. Thank heaven for digital so you won’t have to buy film! but, what about the underwater stuff? How do they adapt to that today? Lots of questions. Will help to give you things to talk about.
You’ll need to get your dive certificate, too.
Probably studying photography is better than marine biology (for starters, it’s easier to practice at home!). People who take photos of other people haven’t usually studied human biology. Plant photogrophers don’t need to be botanists either…