Find solution
Is it hard to become a Music Journalist?

Is it hard to become a photographer+journalist for National Geographic?

  • I recently got interested in photography. I LOVE capturing a moment and knowing that that moment is saved forever. I also LOVE photo editing and writing. I'm thinking a possible future career for me could be with National Geographic because I love taking pictures of nature and animals. I would also want to write articles along with the pictures. I know this is kind of far fetched for a 13-year-old, but I've always been one to think of the future. So how hard would it be to become a photographer and journalist for N.G. (the magazine)?

  • Answer:

    National geographic has not had a photographer on staff since long before you were born, so I would say your chances are zero. Edit: Jeanie: NG actually pays pretty well, and they do not take the copyright. They generally pay a day rate of $500 to $1,000 per day and expenses. Then they buy the images for an additional price depending on placement. They also buy the digital writes for online publication. I think their rates are incredibly generous compared to most magazines. The last time I sold an image to NG, they paid me $600, and the image was only 1X2" in the magazine. They pay several thousand for covers. I don't know who you talked to, but Galen didn't have an assistant (other than Barbara) while he was working. He didn't really acquire much of a staff until the gallery was opened in in the 90's, and Justin has pretty much been running that since. I know he didn't tell you that NG takes the copyright.

Gem at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

everyone with a camera thinks they should be on National Geographic... simple truth is, if you are an exceptional photographer and know how to capture the exceptional without needing to over process... you need to be lucky... you need to be determined... you need to have an interest... not a pic of your pets, but something interesting that can't be captured by anyone else...

Forlorn Hope

Not really. The hard part is to become a good photographer. But if you want you can get to that point and even more.

Arturopentax

When I was 13, I thought I was going to work for National Geographic. I'd just gotten a camera, and saved for a new lens. I was shooting four or five rolls of film a WEEK! And at a cost of $15 dollars a roll of 24, it was more than an allowance. Long story shot: life happened, and while I still take and enjoy photography, I didn't put my eggs in that basket. If I wanted to work at it, I could have made it... I would have pursued a batchelor of journalism. Another story: when I was 15, I started freelancing for the local paper. I was paid $5 a printed photo, and $1 per column inch. It was a great start. This is what I suggest you do. And if you work hard enough, you will be able to. Start now. Learn all you can. Work hard at school. Don't wait until later. Cheers! http://www.flickr.com/photos/guyfromclearwater/sets/

shawnzmojo102

I would imagine it's hard, but if you have a good background in whatever you like to take pictures of (in your case, biology and writing), then that should make it easier.

mister-damus

Tim's right: NG only uses freelance help, and that is a very, very short list of people. So many people deluge them with stuff they don't even look at it. To get in you have to A. Know someone and have spectacular photos, B. Win a contest (and then only that photo goes in) C. Both of the above. NG pays a day rate to their photogs which is lower than the rest of the mags and takes the copyright. I was told this by Galen Rowell's assistant. You're 13 - that gives you time to learn how to shoot in any situation, how to manage a business (as that is what you'll be spending a great deal of time doing if you're a freelancer), and to make contacts. Concentrate on step one: learn photography. Good luck.

jeannie

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.