Balancing Wildlife Photography with Corporate Photography: My Journey

As some may know, I’ve been taking pictures of wildlife for many years. Starting with butterflies in my wife’s butterfly garden, then other insects that afforded me to learn the macro photography world. Then I became fascinated with the different species of birds in the area and captured nearly 100 different species. 50 in my own backyard.

I’ve had the unique opportunity to explore two very different worlds: the serene, unpredictable beauty of wildlife photography and the structured, fast-paced environment of corporate photography. Balancing these two genres has been both challenging and rewarding. Here’s how I manage to keep both passions alive and thriving. I maintain one website but keep the two separated as you may have observed. The website portal is reachable by a tab on the right (bottom for mobile) or outside links from Instagram and Facebook. Everyone that visits my website can access prints and other wildlife related products from my store. My wildlife presence has a slogan: “Go outside. Take your camera.”.

1. Embracing the Differences

Wildlife photography and corporate photography require different skill sets and mindsets. Wildlife photography demands patience, quick reflexes, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. On the other hand, corporate photography is all about precision, professionalism, and meeting client expectations. Embracing these differences allows me to switch gears effectively and enjoy the unique aspects of each genre.

2. Time Management

Balancing two demanding fields requires excellent time management. I allocate specific days for wildlife photography, often early mornings or weekends when I can immerse myself in nature without interruptions. Corporate shoots are scheduled during weekdays, allowing me to maintain a professional routine. Using a detailed calendar helps me keep track of appointments, deadlines, and personal time.

3. Leveraging Skills Across Genres

Skills from one genre often enhance the other. For instance, the patience and observational skills honed in wildlife photography help me stay calm and focused during high-pressure corporate shoots. Similarly, the technical expertise and attention to detail required in corporate photography improve my wildlife shots, ensuring they are sharp and well-composed. There are also differences in equipment. Wildlife requires telephoto lenses for a farther reach. Also, macro lenses specialized for magnifying tiny insects. For human portraits, lighting takes up the bulk of the kit, ensuring proper placement of shadows and highlighting eyes, skin and clothes. Keeping glare off of glasses is also key.

4. Continuous Learning

Both fields are constantly evolving, and staying updated is crucial. I regularly do research to learn new techniques and trends. This continuous learning keeps my work fresh and innovative, whether I’m capturing a majestic bird in flight or a corporate executive’s headshot.

5. Building a Versatile Portfolio

If you’ve been to my website, you’ve probably noticed the very subtle tab on the side leading you to my wildlife portal mentioned earlier. It’s almost like maintaining two websites. However, having a versatile portfolio showcasing both wildlife and corporate photography helps attract a diverse range of clients. It demonstrates my ability to adapt to different environments and meet various client needs. This versatility has opened doors to exciting projects and collaborations in both fields. Website critics almost always say to stick to one genre. I don’t subscribe to that notion. My brand is both. I am a wildlife photographer that also enjoys helping people to capture a representation of themselves or their company that is meaningful and captivating.

Conclusion

Balancing wildlife photography with corporate photography is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, adaptability, and a love for the craft. By embracing the differences, managing time effectively, and continuously learning, I’ve been able to thrive in both worlds. If you’re a photographer looking to explore multiple genres, my advice is to stay passionate, be versatile, and enjoy the unique experiences each field offers.

Feel free to share your own experiences or ask any questions you have about balancing different photography genres! 📸