Synonyms: Adventure Action Photographer, Adventure Expedition Photographers, Outdoor Photographers, Travel Photographers, Wilderness Photographers

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become an Adventure Photographer
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Bradford

Quick Facts

What adventure photographers do:

Adventure photographers take photos of exciting outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and skiing in remote areas. They use cameras, lighting tools, and editing software to create stunning images. Unlike typical photographers, they need both photography skills and the ability to thrive in challenging outdoor environments.

Median income:

Beginner photographers can earn up to $2000 for their initial projects, while experienced photographers earn a median annual income of around $40,170.

Lifestyle:

Adventure photographers typically work in dynamic outdoor environments, requiring meticulous planning and safety considerations. Their schedules are flexible, often involving extensive travel and communication with clients, along with significant post-production work and coordination as independent contractors.

Education requirements:

Adventure photographers do not necessarily need an educational degree to begin, since it is mostly contract and skill-based. 

Job outlook:

The future for adventure photographers is bright, with the profession expected to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032. 

This is perfect for you if:

• You have a creative personality and thrive on creating unique concepts and storytelling through photography
• You love photography and traveling to new places, especially mountains, forests, or oceans
• You are physically fit and adventurous, having the strength to hike, climb, or scuba dive to get the perfect shots
• You are adventurous and naturally curious, always eager to discover new perspectives and capture unique moments that tell a story

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Bradford Pope McArthur to learn more about being an adventure photographer here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

The schedules of adventure photographers vary based on their contracts. Some are hired full-time by companies, but many work as freelancers, allowing for a more flexible work schedule. 

Setting:

Adventure photographers work in a variety of settings, ranging from mountainscapes, forests, rivers, valleys, and any place where adventures may be documented. 

Tasks:

Adventure photographers have diverse daily routines that extend beyond taking photos. They communicate with clients, often outdoor brands, and meticulously plan shoots while considering weather and safety. Post-production work, including editing, is crucial to meet client expectations and requires clear communication throughout the process.

Topics:

Adventure photographers must consider topics and factors in photography such as lighting, composition, story-telling, and new tools and equipment. They must also be aware of any niche opportunities that they can undertake in order to build a better portfolio.

Skills:

Adventure photographers need strong skills in both photography and outdoor navigation. They are creative and possess a deep sense of exploration and adventure. Skills in sales and marketing are also beneficial.

Tools:

In adventure photography, the core tools are cameras and computers. For photo editing, professionals often rely on software like Lightroom, while filmmakers commonly use DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro for video editing.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Adventure photographers are skilled in photography techniques and outdoor activities, allowing them to capture compelling images in challenging environments. They excel in planning and logistics, ensuring successful shoots by considering factors like weather and safety. Their creativity and communication skills enable them to convey their vision effectively to clients and produce visually stunning images that evoke the essence of adventure.

Interests:

Adventure photographers are passionate about capturing the outdoors, driven by creativity, community, and the thrill of new challenges. They constantly seek new adventures and often advocate for nature conservation.

Personality:

Adventure photographers typically have a realistic and artistic personality, focusing on hands-on activities and creative expression. They thrive in environments that allow them to explore and capture the natural world, demonstrating a strong sense of independence and a keen eye for visual storytelling.

Values:

Adventure photographers value independence, relationships, and achievement. 

Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become an Adventure Photographer

Education requirements:

Although formal education in photography can be advantageous and impart useful skills, many successful adventure photographers are self-taught, gaining expertise through hands-on experience. 

Preferred majors:

While a formal degree is not strictly necessary, many adventure photographers find value in pursuing majors or coursework in photography, visual arts, fine arts, or related fields.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

• Travel Photographer
• Wildlife Photographer 
• Photojournalist
• Commercial Photographer

Advice from Bradford

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

A key requirement for securing projects is having a robust portfolio that highlights your abilities and creativity.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

To jumpstart your adventure photography career, fully engage in the heart of your preferred activity, whether it’s scaling cliffs in Yosemite or cycling in Whistler. By integrating into the community, forging connections, and authentically portraying the sport, you’ll organically unlock avenues for growth. Networking and a genuine passion for the activity, demonstrated through your photography, are pivotal in cultivating your success.

Recommended resources:

Aspiring adventure photographers can look at Outdoor Photographer, National Geographic, Adventure Journal, The Outbound Collective to get inspiration and start their journeys. 

What Bradford would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:

“Doors open where you spend your time, so just figure out what you want to do. Go do it, and do it well, and the doors will open.”

Watch the full interview with Bradford:

Connect with Bradford: Bradford Pope McArthur

---

Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 22 June 2024.

Favorite