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National Geographic photographers make good money or just fame?


4 years 6 months ago #660673 by Nefarious
So as the title says, I'm just curious do National Geographic photographers make good money or just fame?
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4 years 6 months ago #660701 by Frost Photography
Depends on if they are full timers or contracted for specific job.  I wouldn't be surprised it's more on the fame side of things.  
"The quickest way to make money at photography is to sell your camera."
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4 years 6 months ago #660707 by effron
Define "good money"....I doubt any are getting wealthy, and on the fame question, can you name one that shoots for NG?
Why so serious?
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4 years 6 months ago #660733 by garyrhook

effron wrote: Define "good money"....I doubt any are getting wealthy, and on the fame question, can you name one that shoots for NG?


Well, the local guy that just chose my image for 1st place in a local juried show, for one.

But he does lots of other work, and exhibits at festivals, etc. My point? It's a silly question, because no (working) photographer has just one client or does just one thing.
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4 years 6 months ago #660777 by Zach Mosher
Who knows.  However I would pimp the sh*t out of something like that if I had the chance to shoot for National Geographic!  
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4 years 6 months ago #660924 by Jared-Weaver
The actual paycheck isn't much, even if you're full-time with them. 

However: They are basically sending you around the world on their dime; all expenses paid trips some of the world's most remote and beautiful locations to spend weeks or months living in, focusing exclusively on photography. NatGeo also has partnerships with Canon, Nikon and Sony so you get access to all the lenses and can even test new bodies. 
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4 years 6 months ago #660988 by Nefarious
Gotcha, understood.  So there could be an indirect ways having this on your resume that you make more $$.  
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4 years 6 months ago #660994 by Ben F
How would someone go about becoming a National Geographic photographer in the first place?
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4 years 6 months ago #661145 by Rick Larin
Hey I'd be OK with fame!  LOL I would have that issue framed and on my wall. 
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4 years 6 months ago #661164 by Instamixes
I think they get both, money and fame. Because at the end of the day money goes to those people who have fame and know how to use it.
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4 years 6 months ago #661334 by Hawkins
I would completely do it for the opportunity and bragging rights.  LOL
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4 years 6 months ago #661545 by Pete Franko
I suspect it has to do with the project they are hiring for.  
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4 years 6 months ago #661557 by effron
Its not a position for a family man or woman either......
Why so serious?
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4 years 6 months ago #661563 by Blistered_Feet
I only know one NG photographer, Matt Dooug. However, I wasn't familiar with either his name or photography until I stumbled on an article about him.

Honestly though, I would do it just for the bragging rights. If they really do pay for my expenses I would do it in a heartbeat. I've heard that their stipend isn't much (nor any other company for that matter) and you have to live minimalistic (you're traveling a lot so that's kind of obvious), but as long as I have a bugless bed or well-made tent and a satisfying meal, it wouldn't bother me.

One way to get recognized and work for NG as a photographer is to submit photos to them (probably the bet), which I guess is you asking them to hire you as free-lance. Another is to be a student in the US (and be able to legally work in the US) and apply for the 10-week internship. Apparently you can request a grant too, but I'm not entirely sure what's involved in doing it that way.

I agree with Effron about family issues though. You'll have one heck of a time coping with issues if you have an SO and/or kids back home. They can brag that you are family, but it would be very stressful on all parties involved and depending on where you are sent and for how long, perhaps issues with keeping in contact with them.
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4 years 6 months ago #661798 by garyrhook

Ben F wrote: How would someone go about becoming a National Geographic photographer in the first place?


One would start by not being a white male, first and foremost.
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