National Geographic Photographer?

Question:How do i become a National Geographic Photographer that travels all over the place...?

do you have to apply for it, or a special college?
thanks :)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: How do i become a National Geographic Photographer that travels all over the place...?

do you have to apply for it, or a special college?
thanks :)

Think of it from their point of view. They want the best, the most experienced people. No mistakes. Who do you look for then? You look for people who have been in "the industry" for a while. so, dont expect to be getting the job right out of college!

If it is truly your passion, then:

Go to college, get a degree in photography, and photojournalism.

Get a job at newspaper place, and get yourself KNOWN...move around in the industry, to the point where people can see you are good.

Then, submit try to get the job :) Even if your the best photographer in the world at age 14, they still wouldnt hire you: they want some people with experience.

http://www.ask.com/web?qsrc=http://answers.yahoo.com/question/178&o=0&l=di...

Personally I think anyone can send their photography in. But as for a professional hired photographer, I think you first need a good portfolio with your best taken photos and send that in to their head office. Maybe (most likely) you have to come in for an interview.
That's my best guess. ;) Firstly I would get some contact details from their website maybe? And don't give up if you don't get an answer back. Keep trying!

You probably don't.

Most of them would do the photos they are doing for free and did for a long time. They generally look for the best already in the area they can find. It is not a career choice.

It is like asking, how do I win the Kentucky derby.
Do I apply for it, or go to riding school?

It is a dream of many and you are welcome to join them. I do NOT wish to ever have a photo in the magazine so you are sure to have a better chance than I do.

They send photographers when there isn't one nearby. They use freelance photographers profusely.

Tim Ernst did photos for National Geographic but he does not work for them. He is just very good and also over-saturated with photos of the Ozarks. http://www.cloudland.net He does workshops and you might look into one of those.

you have to go to some collage, not a ny particular one just one to work in the feild. and yes you apply for it.

College is a good start
as you can specialise and find your strength in photography
Once you are able, to use the equipment as second nature
Start to practice all the forms of photography you like
If you like doing it
then you are closer to sustaining interest
and becoming a success
in all you do

You get a commission from National Geographic by invitation usually. You can send them a portfolio of your work if you like, but you have to be pretty special.

While it may sound glamorous the reality is usually a little less than that!!

Chris

that's a mighty lofty goal, if you stick with it you will work hard to get there, but it will be well worth it... the competition is hard, so you will really have to work at it and have a really exceptional portfolio... i really do hope you make it to that.
national geographic photographers are an exceptional breed unto themselves.
and no, not just anyone can contribute photography to n.g. all they'd get is a rejection form letter for their trouble...
you do have to apply for it, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to try to contact someone there to give you an idea of what preperation you need to undertake. do that now so you can start to prepare for the recommended courses of study.
you will have to have a strong journalism program, art wouldn't hurt, and ofcourse art history and photograhy studys.

There is a lot of photography work out there you have to work hard to get a job working in any type of photography National Geographic pick the best of the best.
you don't have to travel 1000s of miles to take amazing images just getting up before the sun and planning a shoot in a good location nr to your home can be just as good. this is what you need in your portfolio
good luck and hope you get your dream job

The same way you get to Carnegie Hall. Ask anyone.

That's also a dream of mine too. I checked into it. You have to major in something, dosn't really matter. Most of their photographers majored in journalism or some science major. Easy stuff though. A major in photography and journalism would probably help alot. I think you have to apply I don't know. I havn't had much luck with finding that part out. But if you want more details go to http://www.nationalgeographic.com and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the careers button. You have to sin up to get a good detailed search. Don't worry it's free.

Also you may need some expeirence in rock climbing, sky diving and other things they do. I don'y know but go check it out.