Wildlife Photography Courses: Fees & Details

What is Wildlife Photography?

Wildlife photography focuses on capturing animals, birds, and ecosystems in their natural environment. It requires technical skills, photography, patience, creativity, and knowledge of animal behavior and practices to avoid disturbing wildlife. Many professional wildlife photographers travel to different places such as national parks and forests to capture the raw beauty of nature. With the right skills, you can do the best wildlife photography in India and around the world.

Wildlife Photography Courses in India

Wildlife photography is an art that requires a deep understanding of nature, animal behavior, and technical photography skills. A structured course can help you develop these skills and open up career opportunities in wildlife photography, conservation, and media.

1. Beginner-Level Wildlife Photography Courses

A beginner-level wildlife photography course is designed for those who have little or no experience in photography. It focuses on the camera settings, basics of photography, composition, lighting, and an introduction to wildlife behavior. It is a 2 to 6 weeks course that depends on the different courses. 

The beginner-level wildlife photography includes the following courses:

National Geographic Basics of Photography (Online - Global)

• Duration: Self-paced

• Topics: Camera settings, composition, lighting, storytelling

• Fees: ₹12,000 - ₹20,000

• Best for those who want to learn from top photographers.

Udemy Wildlife Photography for Beginners (Online - Global)

• Duration: 2-4 weeks (self-paced)

• Topics: Camera settings, wildlife tracking, field techniques

• Fees: ₹4,000 - ₹12,000

• Best for budget-friendly learning.

Light & Life Academy Wildlife Photography Workshop (India)

• Location: Ooty, India

• Duration: 1-2 weeks

• Topics: Practical fieldwork, camera handling, storytelling

• Fees: ₹25,000 - ₹60,000

• Best for those looking for an immersive learning experience.

Nikon School Wildlife Photography Workshop (Global)

• Duration: 1-3 weeks

• Topics: Camera techniques, composition, post-processing

• Fees: ₹8,000 - ₹40,000

• Best for nikon camera users who want hands-on training.

African Wildlife Photography Workshop (Africa)

• Duration: 1-2 weeks

• Topics: Safari-based field training, composition, ethics

• Fees: ₹40,000 - ₹1,20,000

• Best For: Those who want real wildlife experience in African reserves.

Indian Institute of Photography - Wildlife Photography Course (India)

• Location: Delhi, India

• Duration: 4-6 weeks

• Topics: Wildlife tracking, post-processing, DSLR handling

• Fees: ₹30,000 - ₹50,000

• Best For: Indian students looking for an in-depth training program.

2. Advanced Wildlife Photography Courses

Pictures of wildlife in India is an art that requires a deep understanding of camera techniques, composition, and animal behavior. If you have a basic knowledge of photography and want to gain skills at the professional level, advanced wildlife photography courses are the perfect options for you. These courses offer in-depth training, practical fieldwork, post-processing techniques, and conservation ethics to help photographers in capturing the best wildlife photography.

Courses offered under wildlife photography courses are mentioned below with duration learning mode, and fees:

National Geographic Expeditions (Global)

• Duration: 6-12 months

• Learning Mode: Online + field assignments

• Fees: ₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 

• Best for photographers who want to specialize in wildlife storytelling and conservation.

Light & Life Academy – Diploma in Wildlife Photography (India)

• Location: Ooty, India

• Duration: 6 months – 1 year

• Learning Mode: Classroom + field assignments

• Fees: ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000

• Best for those looking for professional training and certification.

Nikon School – Advanced Wildlife Photography Workshop (Global)

• Duration: 3 months

• Learning Mode: Online + practical assignments

• Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000

• Best for Nikon users who want in-depth training on Nikon gear.

Masai Mara Wildlife Photography Workshop (Africa)

• Location: Kenya (Masai Mara National Reserve)

• Duration: 1-2 weeks

• Learning Mode: Full-time field training

• Fees: ₹2,50,000 – ₹8,00,000

• Best for those who want hands-on experience in African wildlife safaris.

Indian Institute of Photography – Advanced Wildlife Photography Course (India)

• Location: Delhi, India

• Duration: 6 months

• Learning Mode: Classroom + field trips

• Fees: ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000

• Best for Indian students looking for professional certification.

3. Diploma and Certificate Programs in Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography is more than just a hobby, it is a profession that requires technical expertise, deep understanding and patience. If you are passionate about capturing pictures of animals, a Diploma or Certificate Program in Wildlife Photography can be a great way to develop your skills and establish a career in this field. 

Various diploma and certificate programs in Wildlife Photography are as follows:

Diploma in Wildlife Photography – Light & Life Academy (India)

• Location: Ooty, India

• Duration: 1 year

• Fees: ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000

• Topics Covered:

• Advanced camera techniques

• Wildlife conservation ethics

• Composition & storytelling

• Editing with Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop

• Practical field assignments in national parks

• Best for Students looking for a structured, in-depth diploma program with professional certification.

Diploma in Nature & Wildlife Photography – National Institute of Photography (India)

• Location: Mumbai, India

• Duration: 6 months – 1 year

• Fees: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000

• Topics Covered:

  • DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Mastery

  • Wildlife Behavior & Ethics

  • Field Training in National Parks

  • Post-Processing Techniques

• Best for Beginners and intermediate photographers looking for an affordable and well-structured diploma.

Professional Diploma in Wildlife Photography – African Wildlife Photography Academy (Africa)

• Location: South Africa

• Duration: 1 year

• Fees: ₹4,50,000 – ₹7,50,000 ($5,500 – $9,000)

• Topics Covered:

  • Safari-based fieldwork

  • Motion & action photography

  • Ethics in Wildlife Photography

  • Business of wildlife photography

• Best for those who want hands-on experience in African wildlife photography.

Diploma in Wildlife Photography – Indian Institute of Photography (India)

• Location: Delhi, India

• Duration: 1 year

• Fees: ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 

• Topics Covered:

  • High-speed photography for capturing action

  • Image editing and post-processing

  • Wildlife & nature conservation

  • Marketing and branding for wildlife photographers

• Best for photographers who want both artistic and commercial expertise.

Certificate in Wildlife Photography – Udemy (Online, Global)

• Duration: Self-paced (4–8 weeks)

• Fees: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 ($120 – $180)

• Topics Covered:

  • Basics of Wildlife Photography

  • Camera Handling & Composition

  • Post-Processing Techniques

• Best for beginners who want an affordable and quick introduction.

Certificate in Wildlife & Nature Photography – Nikon School (Online & Offline, Global)

• Duration: 3-6 months

• Fees: ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000 ($360 – $1,200)

• Topics Covered:

  • Bird photography

  • Macro wildlife photography

  • Composition techniques

  • Editing with Adobe Lightroom

• Best for intermediate photographers who use Nikon cameras.

Certificate in Safari & Wildlife Photography – Masai Mara Wildlife Academy (Kenya, Africa)

• Location: Kenya

• Duration: 2 weeks – 2 months

• Fees: ₹80,000 – ₹3,00,000 ($1,000 – $3,600)

• Topics Covered:

  • Tracking animals for perfect shots\

  • Safari-based field assignments

  • Understanding predator-prey behavior

• Best for photographers looking for real-world safari experience

4. Workshops and Short-term Training

Wildlife photography requires a combination of technical expertise, patience, and an understanding of animal behavior. If you don’t have the time for a full-time course but still want to enhance your skills, workshops and short-term training programs are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in a short period.

Different Workshops and Short-term training courses are given below:

Masai Mara Wildlife Photography Workshop (Kenya, Africa)

• Location: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

• Duration: 7-10 days

• Fees: ₹2,50,000 – ₹8,00,000

• Topics Covered:

  • Safari-based wildlife photography

  • Capturing predator-prey interactions

  • Working with natural light in the wild

• Best for those wanting real-world experience in an African wildlife safari.

Jim Corbett National Park Wildlife Photography Workshop (India)

• Location: Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

• Duration: 3-5 days

• Fees: ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 ($250 – $720)

• Topics Covered:

  • DSLR & mirrorless camera settings for wildlife

  • Tracking tigers and other wildlife

  • Composition techniques in the jungle

• Best for Indian photographers who want budget-friendly field training.

Ranthambore National Park Tiger Photography Workshop (India)

• Location: Ranthambore, Rajasthan

• Duration: 3-6 days

• Fees: ₹35,000 – ₹1,00,000 ($420 – $1,200)

• Topics Covered:

  • Capturing tigers in their natural habitat

  • Using telephoto lenses for wildlife shots

  • Ethics in wildlife photography

• Best for beginners & professionals looking to capture big cats in action.

Kaziranga National Park Wildlife Photography Workshop (India)

• Location: Kaziranga, Assam

• Duration: 4-7 days

• Fees: ₹40,000 – ₹90,000 ($480 – $1,080)

• Topics Covered:

  • Tracking & photographing rhinos, elephants, and birds

  • Low-light photography techniques

  • Storytelling through wildlife images

• Best for photographers interested in capturing rare wildlife species.

Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Photography Tour (USA)

• Location: Yellowstone National Park, USA

• Duration: 5-8 days

• Fees: ₹1,80,000 – ₹6,00,000 ($2,200 – $7,200)

• Topics Covered:

  • Capturing wolves, bears, and bison

  • Shooting landscapes & wildlife interactions

  • Advanced camera techniques for fast-moving subjects

• Best for those looking for an immersive photography experience in North America.

Nikon School Online Wildlife Photography Course (Global)

• Duration: 6-12 weeks (Online)

• Fees: ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000 

• Topics Covered:

  • Composition & lighting for wildlife photography

  • Editing with Lightroom & Photoshop

  • Advanced autofocus & shutter speed settings

• Best for photographers using Nikon gear.

Certificate in Wildlife Photography – National Institute of Photography (India)

• Location: Mumbai, India

• Duration: 1-3 months

• Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 ($600 – $1,800)

• Topics Covered:

  • Wildlife tracking techniques

  • Bird photography essentials

  • Macro photography of insects & small creatures

• Best for Indian students looking for structured short-term training.

Udemy Wildlife Photography Masterclass (Online, Global)

• Duration: Self-paced (4-8 weeks)

• Fees: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000

• Topics Covered:

  • Basics of Wildlife Photography

  • Camera Handling & Composition

  • Post-Processing Techniques

• Best for beginners who want an affordable online learning option.

Light & Life Academy Short-Term Wildlife Photography Program (India)

• Location: Ooty, India

• Duration: 1 month

• Fees: ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000

• Topics Covered:

  • Motion & action photography

  • Ethics & conservation photography

  • Wildlife photo editing

• Best for photographers who want both classroom and practical field training.

How to become a Wildlife Photographer in India?

To be a successful photographer and want to click the best pictures of wildlife in India you have to follow some steps that are as follows:

• You have to learn about photography which includes understanding lighting, camera setting, and composition. 

• Get the right tools such as a good camera, telephoto lens, tripod, and camouflage clothing.

• For best wildlife photography you have to learn about animal behavior and habitats. 

• Visit different places such as national parks like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, and Kaziranga for practice.

• Click and share your best photos online.

• Build a network by following experts, learn by joining photography groups, and attend workshops.  

• Use apps like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to edit your photos.

• Earn from photographs by selling photos, working with magazines, or conducting workshops.

• Join photography classes for better skills. 

Top Institutes for Wildlife Photography

Institutes that help students to gain knowledge and develop their skills to become a professional wildlife photographer are mentioned below:

• Creative Hut Institute of Photography (Kerala)

• Delhi College of Photography (DCOP)

• Indian Institute of Digital Art & Animation (IIDA)

• Amity School of Communications

• National Institute of Photography

• NIFT Delhi

• Light and Life Academy

• Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture & Fine Arts University

• FX School - Maharashtra, Mumbai

• Galaxy Video & Photography Academy

Wildlife Photographer Salary in India

The wildlife photographer salary in India varies based on experience, skills, location, and type of work. Beginners who have 0 to 2 years experience can earn between ₹15,000 to ₹ 50,000, 3 to 7 years experience can earn ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000, and 8+ years employees get a salary between ₹ 1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000. 

Career Options after Wildlife Photography Course

After completing the wildlife photography course, you have various career opportunities. There are many ways to turn your passion into a profession such as freelancing, working with media houses, or conservation projects. The career options with this course are mentioned below:

• Wildlife Photographer (freelancer or full-time)

• Photojournalist for Wildlife Magazines & News

• Wildlife Conservation Photographer 

• Stock Photographer (Wildlife & Nature)

• Wildlife Documentary Filmmaker & photographer

• Photography Instructor / Workshop Trainer

• Travel and Wildlife Blogger 

• Book Publishing and Coffee Table Photography 

• Corporate & Tourism Photography for Wildlife Resorts

• Camera & Photography Equipment Brand Ambassador

Conclusion

Wildlife photography workshops and short-term courses are the best way to learn quickly and get hands-on experience. If you want to become a wildlife photographer these programs help you improve your skills, understand wildlife, and capture stunning photos. 

If you are looking for the best wildlife photography courses, CollegeHai is here to help you. We provide detailed information about workshops, fees, top institutes and career options to help you choose the right course. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which degree is best for wildlife photography?

For wildlife photography any degree is not required, but courses in photography Fine Arts, or Journalism can help. Short-term photography workshops are also a great option.

Can I learn photography in 1 year?

Yes, you can learn photography basics in a year through courses, practice, and workshops, but mastering it takes time and experience.

What is the qualification for a wildlife photographer?

There is no fixed qualification, but knowledge of photography, wildlife behavior, and editing skills is important.

What is the salary of a wildlife photographer?

Beginners earn ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 per month, while experienced photographers can earn ₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000+ per month.

Which photography field is best?

The best fields depend on interest—wildlife, fashion, wedding, travel, or product photography are all great career options.

Is wildlife photography expensive?

Yes, it can be expensive due to camera gear, travel, and permits, but you can start with a budget camera and upgrade later.

How do I start my career in wildlife photography?

For the career in wildlife photography you have to follow steps which include: Learn the basics, get a good camera, practice in nature, build a portfolio, and sell your work to magazines or stock photo websites.