Environmental Photographer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of climate change, the focus on environmental photographers has never been more crucial.

As our world changes, the need for skilled individuals who can capture, interpret, and communicate the evolving landscape of our planet grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an environmental photographer?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect job profile,
• Or simply captivated by the world of environmental photography,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable environmental photographer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Environmental Photographer Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Photographers capture images that communicate the beauty and importance of the natural world and the environmental issues it faces.

They use technical skills and creative abilities to convey messages about the environment and conservation.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Travel to various locations to capture images of the environment and wildlife
• Use different types of photographic equipment and techniques to capture high-quality images
• Work in various weather conditions and landscapes, often in challenging circumstances
• Document environmental phenomena and issues, such as pollution, deforestation, climate change, and endangered species
• Plan photo shoots, considering factors such as lighting, composition, and timing to achieve the desired effect
• Edit and process photos to achieve the desired aesthetic
• Research and understand the subjects they are photographing to accurately represent them
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, conservation organizations, or media outlets
• Adhere to ethical guidelines regarding wildlife photography and the environment
• Promote conservation and environmental awareness through their work

 

Environmental Photographer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a talented Environmental Photographer to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for capturing high-quality, compelling images that highlight the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

You should have a strong artistic vision, technical photography skills, and a passion for environmental conservation.

Our ideal candidate has experience in nature and landscape photography and is committed to promoting environmental awareness and protection through their work.

 

Responsibilities

• Travelling to various locations to capture images of the environment, including landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena.
• Editing and retouching images to achieve desired results.
• Collaborating with editorial team on the selection and layout of photographs.
• Maintaining photography equipment and ensuring it is in good working order.
• Researching and planning for shoots, including scouting locations and determining the best time of day for shooting.
• Collaborating with conservation organizations, scientists, and other stakeholders on photography projects.
• Presenting at exhibitions and other events to promote your work and the cause of environmental conservation.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a professional photographer, preferably in the field of environmental or nature photography.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating technical skill and artistic vision.
• Knowledge of photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
• Ability to travel frequently and work in various outdoor conditions.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Passion for environmental conservation and awareness of current environmental issues.
• Degree in Photography, Environmental Science or a related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Opportunity to travel and work in some of the world’s most beautiful locations
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Photographer
• Work Environment: This role involves significant travel and outdoor work in various environmental conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Photography or Editor-in-chief.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a portfolio of your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Environmental Photographer Do?

Environmental Photographers work primarily outdoors, capturing images that reflect the beauty, diversity, and destruction of nature.

Their role is to tell stories about the Earth’s landscapes, ecosystems, and natural habitats, often highlighting the effects of human activity on these areas.

They use various photography techniques and equipment to capture high-quality photos that accurately represent the subject matter.

They may focus on a wide range of natural subjects, including animals, plants, weather phenomena, and geological features.

Environmental Photographers are often involved in research and planning to locate specific scenes or events to photograph.

They might work in extreme conditions and remote locations, requiring physical endurance and survival skills.

They frequently collaborate with scientists, environmental agencies, publications, or conservation organizations.

Their work often plays a critical role in educating the public about environmental issues and advocating for conservation and sustainability.

They might also be responsible for organizing and editing their images, preparing them for various uses such as exhibitions, publications, or digital platforms.

Some Environmental Photographers are self-employed, selling their photos to magazines, websites, or stock photo agencies, while others may work for environmental organizations, research institutions, or government agencies.

 

Environmental Photographer Qualifications and Skills

An environmental photographer should possess an array of technical skills, aesthetic sensibilities, and knowledge about environmental science, including:

• Technical expertise in using a variety of photographic equipment and tools, including cameras, lenses, filters, and lighting.
• Extensive knowledge of techniques related to exposure, composition, and framing to capture high-quality images of the environment.
• Understanding and appreciation of the natural world, including knowledge about various species, ecosystems, and environmental issues.
• Physical fitness and resilience to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and demanding travel requirements.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, clients, and sometimes local communities.
• Research skills to study and understand the environment and species being photographed, as well as the ability to plan photo expeditions effectively.
• Patience and persistence to wait for the perfect lighting or moment to capture the best possible photograph.
• Creativity and an artistic eye for capturing images that tell a story about the environment and spark a dialogue about conservation.
• Editing skills, including proficiency in using photo editing software to enhance the quality and impact of photographs.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures to ensure the well-being of the photographer and the environment.

 

Environmental Photographer Experience Requirements

Environmental Photographers usually start with a strong foundation in photography, often through a degree in photography or a related field.

This provides them with a basic understanding of camera equipment, lighting, and composition.

Many also gain early experience through internships or part-time roles with media outlets, advertising agencies, or nature conservation groups.

This helps them to build a strong portfolio that demonstrates their ability to capture and communicate the essence of the natural world.

Entry-level Environmental Photographers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through self-driven projects, freelancing, or entry-level roles in related fields like photojournalism or wildlife photography.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a diverse portfolio that showcases their ability to effectively capture a variety of environmental subjects, from landscapes to wildlife.

At this stage, they may have also gained experience with advanced techniques like aerial or underwater photography.

Environmental Photographers with more than 5 years of experience are often experts at storytelling through their photographs.

They may have experience with large-scale projects or campaigns, and may have had their work featured in prominent publications or exhibits.

At this level, they may also have some experience managing other photographers or leading photography workshops.

 

Environmental Photographer Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Photographers typically have a bachelor’s degree in photography, environmental science, or a related field.

They should have a keen understanding of photographic principles and techniques, as well as knowledge of camera equipment.

Additionally, a solid background in environmental science is highly beneficial as it helps photographers understand the natural phenomena they capture and convey their significance accurately.

Practical experience is also important, so prospective Environmental Photographers should seek opportunities to work in the field, whether through internships, entry-level jobs, or volunteering.

Some positions may require photographers to have a master’s degree in a more specialized area such as wildlife photography, landscape photography, or environmental journalism.

Photographers can also benefit from certifications in specific photographic techniques, equipment, or software editing tools.

Additionally, due to the nature of the work, basic survival skills, first aid training, and certification may be advantageous, particularly for those who intend to photograph in remote or harsh locations.

Continuing education is also important in this field to stay updated with the latest photographic technologies and environmental issues.

 

Environmental Photographer Salary Expectations

An Environmental Photographer can expect to earn an average salary of $42,770 (USD) per year.

However, the income can vary widely depending on factors such as the level of experience, specialization in a certain type of photography, location, and the nature of their clients or employers.

 

Environmental Photographer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Photographer need?

An Environmental Photographer needs excellent photography skills, including a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and photo editing.

They should be able to use professional-grade camera equipment.

They need a good understanding of environmental science, biodiversity, and conservation issues.

As the job often requires outdoor work in challenging conditions, physical fitness is also important.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are needed to deal with clients and subjects.

 

Do Environmental Photographers need a degree?

Although a degree is not strictly required to become an Environmental Photographer, a background in photography and/or environmental science can be very beneficial.

There are also specific courses in nature and wildlife photography that can provide useful skills and knowledge.

Ultimately, the quality of a photographer’s portfolio is often more important than formal education in this field.

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Photographer resume?

Look for evidence of technical photography skills, experience in environmental or nature photography, and a strong portfolio of work.

It’s also useful to see evidence of physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments.

Any qualifications in photography or environmental science should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Photographer?

A good Environmental Photographer has a passion for the environment and a desire to raise awareness about environmental issues.

They need to have patience and perseverance to capture the best shots, often waiting for hours in difficult conditions.

Creativity and an eye for detail are also important, as is the ability to work independently.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Environmental Photographer?

Hiring an Environmental Photographer can be challenging due to the specialized skills and knowledge required.

A good Environmental Photographer not only needs to be an excellent photographer, but they also need to understand environmental issues and be able to work effectively in the great outdoors.

As a result, the pool of qualified candidates may be smaller than for other types of photography jobs.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve explored the captivating world of an environmental photographer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about clicking the shutter.

It’s about capturing the Earth’s narratives, one frame at a time.

With our go-to environmental photographer job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to embark on your journey.

But why halt the expedition here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to curating detailed listings or refining your resume to brilliance.

Bear in mind:

Every snapshot is a piece of the larger environmental story.

Let’s narrate that story. Together.

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