NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER

To get started in your new career, spend as much time as possible researching the location and species of everything you photograph. Assign yourself projects, and make every picture a learning opportunity. Hoyt says developing your writing skills can definitely set you apart from the pack. When you feel confident in your skills, go ahead and buy a nature magazine you like and study it, and write to the photo editor for submission guidelines. The rest is up to you. Freelance earnings vary widely, depending on your reputation and experience. Full-time magazine photographers start at about $500 a week and can earn up to $60,000 or more a year (with travel expenses paid) once well established and highly regarded.