To many photographers, getting published in National Geographic is the pinnacle of achievement. With its long history of stunning documentary photography, its ability to maintain this high standard relies on producing the finest photographs.
Many people dream of seeing their photography immortalized in the pages of National Geographic, but especially to young, fledgling photographers, the goal can seem too great to imagine. And while a byline in Nat Geo certainly requires years of passion, hard work, and a little luck, it’s achievable for those with the drive to do it.
That said, there’s no magic trick, no shortcut to getting your work into Nat Geo. It requires enormous effort and perseverance. Luckily, with over 115 years of photography at National Geographic, there’s no shortage of advice from its photographers.
Here’s what the most knowledgeable sources on the subject have to say about getting published in National Geographic.
National Geographic’s Advice
National Geographic offers advice on the subject. On their website, they remind aspiring Nat Geo photographers that working for them means working hard to achieve a shared mission in a collaborative and inclusive culture.
The answer Nat Geo provides on their Support Center states two qualifications typical of their photographers. They are:
- 5-10 years of photojournalism experience with other newspapers or magazines
- Specialized skills in areas such as wildlife, underwater, landscape, portraiture, cultural, geopolitics, and aerial photography
If you’re still in college, you can also throw your hat into the ring for Nat Geo’s incredibly selective photography internship. Only one intern is accepted each year: the winner of the College Photographer of the Year contest administered by the University of Missouri.
Former Directors of Photography for Nat Geo
There’s no need to speculate about the inner workings of the National Geographic editorial staff when several former staff members have talked personally about what it takes to shoot for the magazine.
Advice from Dan Westergren
Dan Westergren, formerly the director of photography at National Geographic Traveler, has offered advice that can be summed up in just one word: obsession.
“Taking pictures is an enjoyable activity, but if you decide that you want that to be your job, you may find it’s not much fun anymore,” Westergren writes. “So, to be a successful photographer, you need to be absolutely obsessed with photography. you also need to have an inner compulsion to communicate stories you feel strongly about.”
Advice from Kent Kobersteen
Kent Kobersteen, a former director of photography for National Geographic itself, and an employee of the magazine for over two decades, has also talked about the qualities and attributes that are most important when shooting for the magazine.
He points out that every director of photography and editor-in-chief at the magazine brings to the job their own set of attributes and skills they’d like to see in the photographers they hire, but four qualities are apparent in all the photographers that the magazine publishes: intellect, passion, maturity, and drive.
While these qualities might seem a bit on the esoteric side, Kobersteen also added that Nat Geo doesn’t often bring in new photographers. But when they do, he emphasizes the importance of being established in the photojournalism community.
“Occasionally there was an opportunity to work with photographers who were new to the magazine – but always these were photographers whose experience on other publications, and reputation in the photographic community, was well known to us,” he writes.
As a final note, Kobersteen puts photographing for National Geographic into perspective. “Because of the place that photography plays at the National Geographic Magazine, and because of the tremendous investment in each photographic coverage, the magazine is no different than a top sports team. What does it take? Be the best there is. It’s quite simple. The magazine can afford nothing less.”
Where Can I Start?
As these past directors of photography show, becoming a National Geographic photographer doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the culmination of a long, successful, and dedicated photography career. It’s an ambitious goal to work toward, but here are a few places to get started:
One big recurring photo contest run by the magazine is “Your Shot,” where National Geographic editors highlight the best photos they receive on Instagram.
There are also several popular contests run by its auxiliary publications, such as the National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Which publishes some of the most stunning photography of different niches around the world.
Moreover, aspiring Nat Geo photographers can join photography tours and expeditions. These workshops may cost as much as thousands of dollars. In exchange, you’ll gain invaluable insight into the magazine’s workflow, practices, and techniques.
National Geographic Photographer: Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a National Geographic photographer is highly competitive and requires a combination of skill, dedication, and luck. Here are four key points to consider:
• Skill Level: National Geographic photographers are among the best in the world. You need powerful photography techniques where you must master composition, lighting, and storytelling.
• Portfolio: An impressive portfolio that showcases your best work is your best bet in the world of photography. Your portfolio should show technical expertise, creativity, and a keen eye for opportunity.
• Specialization: Develop mastery in a niche to set yourself apart from other photographers. National Geographic covers a vast range of topics, from wildlife to environmental issues.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: National Geographic assignments often require photographers to work in harsh environments and conditions. Prepare to travel and live in a suitcase for a long time, work long hours, and adapt to different climates.
As of March 2024, there’s no way for you to sell pictures to National Geographic. Instead, you can submit your best photos to Your Shot. At Your Shot, people submit their work on a specially created Instagram by Nat Geo to have a chance at being featured on National Geographic’s page, website, or magazine.
Though you won’t earn anything monetarily, getting recognized in Your Shot could be your first step to building a partnership with Nat Geo. Eventually qualified to become one of their photographers.
Aaron Huey is known as the youngest person ever published in National Geographic. He started his journey into photography when his son, named Hawkeye, received his first camera as a gift. Together, they went on road trips across the United States, capturing stunning images of iconic locations like the Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree.
Yes, National Geographic is partially owned by Disney. It’s part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, with Disney holding a majority stake of a whopping 73%. Such a high percentage means Disney has a big influence over the network’s operations and content.
According to the National Geographic Careers page, the competitive and comprehensive benefits they offer include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Health insurance for medical, dental, and vision
• Wellness Program
• Retirement savings plan with contributions
• Flexible paid time off with up to 22 days annually
• Paid holidays and winter break
• Family benefits including parental leave and adoption support
• Opportunities for learning and development
• Personal spending account
• Assistance and insurance for pet adoption
• Transportation benefits with employer subsidy
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Discounts and perks for National Geographic staff
Final Tips
Get outside and shoot!
Westergren and Kobersteen emphasized that skill results from hard work, practice, and all-out obsession. So, travel where you never have before and hone your photographic skills as often as possible.
