Business Interview: Wildlife, Nature and Landscape Photographer Tony Bynum

To most people with a keen interest in photography, being a professional wildlife, nature and landscape photographer sounds like a glamorous business to be in, and there are certainly some amazing photographs to be created, but the same rules of business and marketing still apply if we’re to be successful at it.

Tony Bynum immerses himself fully into his subject of wildlife, nature and landscape photography

One such successful photographer is Tony Bynum, based in the beautiful and breathtaking scenery of Montana. Tony’s amazing images have appeared in countless magazines, and have been used extensively by the Montana office of tourism, and he graciously agreed to talk with me about his work and some of the challenges he faces in running a photography business that sells wildlife, nature and landscape imagery…

A beautiful and classic Montana landscape that has been one of Tony's most successful photographs

The Business Of Wildlife, Nature, And Landscape Photography

A photographer for most of his life, the central driving force behind Tony’s photography is to create images that are unique, and which tell a story of the animals and the landscape on which they’re found.

This image tells a story of the landscape and it's inhabitants from a unique perspective!

He’s also profoundly aware of the effect that our own personal attitude, philosophy and approach has on the final product – our photography.

In fact, his tagline these days is “Real. Relevant. Right” the meaning of which will become clear as you listen to our interview and begin to really understand the qualities needed to be successful in such a demanding photographic niche.

A portrait of a mountain goat in the snow by Tony Bynum. This image is not just captivating, it also tells a story of the goat and its environment

Here are some of the key points we talked about during our interview:

• Capturing unique images of real, but lesser-understood subjects
• Creating lasting photographs that tell a story of the wildlife
• Looking for the unique angle, perspective or activity
• Being committed to the constant search of the perfect image
• Remaining true to our creative vision
• Building a strong personal brand
• Focusing on what you want to create
• Create a solid portfolio and body of work
• Gaining a deeper understanding of the land and subject
• Weaving yourself into the photographic process
• Developing and training your inner “seeing” eye
• Marketing strategies and the power of relationship-building
• Pricing photography in a direct sales market
• The power of a positive attitude
• Planning for success
• The importance of business and marketing skills

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About Our Speaker: Tony Bynum

Wildlife, nature and landscape photographer Tony Bynum

Internationally acclaimed photographer, and adventurer Tony Bynum focuses on creating images that show emotion, that speak experience, and push people to think, are authentic, believable and true to life. “We create images that your consumers can relate to and trust because we live it everyday. Whether it’s shooting from an aerial platform, hiking a rocky ridge or paddling a wild river, we’ve been there, we know the truth, and we can bring it home.”

Look inwards and ask yourself what matters most in life? The truth… Tony shoots many of his stunning landscapes in and around Glacier National Park, and the Rocky Mountain Front, Montana.

Tony’s unique wildlife and outdoor adventure, hunting, bow-hunting, and recreation photographs have been featured on the covers of every major North American traditional sporting magazine on the rack. including the most popular: Sports Afield, Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, and Montana Magazine.

He was recently named the Photo Editor for a brand new periodical, “Elk Hunter Magazine“. His wildlife, and big-game photography includes the best elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, grizzly and black bears, moose, mountain goats, ducks, and other North American animals seen anywhere.

Tony also photographs people from all walks of life, and has a special passion for adventure, and people of the West. He produces commercial images for backpack makers, snow sports equipment manufacturers, camping and boating equipment and state tourism industries. Tony sets himself apart as a commercial photographers because he’s real, he’s been there, and insists on images that support your unique reputation. Tony also created a special conservation documentary project, “Oil Drilling on the Rocky Mountain Front, and the Blackfeet Reservation, Montana“, which has an interactive map showing photos of the drilling along the east side of Glacier National Park, Montana.

You can see more of Tony’s amazing photography on his website at http://www.tonybynum.com/

A selection of Tony's wildlife, nature and landscape photography

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