National Geographic has contacted me (and a few other locals) asking for 8 to 10 volunteers to document (photograph) an upcoming big event here in southern California at the end of the month, called “BioBlitz”.
So, I replied back to National Geographic and the Media Outreach person in Washington D.C. gave me all the registration details. I’m all registered and ready to go. It was a good thing I was quick to apply since he filled all the spots that same day. NatGeo will give me my final assignment and base camp schedule as the event nears. It should be a very fun and exciting experience. I’m stoked!
Congratulations. I went to one of the seminars conducted by two of National Geographic's regular photogs and I would certainly like to get my foot in the door somehow in the hopes of working from them regularly. I understand that it is not paid work for you right now but it is a great start and will definitely get you some recognition for your great work.
How did they come to contacting you? Was it anything that you applied to or did they just happen to find you?
(NOTE: Be sure to check your contract, specifically regarding ownership of the photos you shoot. There is a nasty rumor I have heard about working with NG being that you forfiet all rights to whatever you shoot.)
(NOTE: Be sure to check your contract, specifically regarding ownership of the photos you shoot. There is a nasty rumor I have heard about working with NG being that you forfiet all rights to whatever you shoot.)
Personally, I wouldn't care about rights. Being able to say you shot something for NG is priceless, IMO.
The advice I've heard from NatGeo photographers is to get good at video. They don't seem to be hiring just photographers any more, you need to be able to shoot the video to go along with it if you want to work for the big yellow border.
It is so cool to be part of a community where not only do we have great photographers but great photographers doing great things.
Joey and Rene come to mind. Now we have Les in there too. Next thing you know you'll have to have be a member of Magnum to get a membership here. :)
Way to go Les. Can't wait to see how it turns out!
Now, now. That's quite a stretch to put me in the same company as Joey and Rene. :-)
Thanks for the kind words, though!
And thanks to everyone else who has replied. I'm going into this with a mindset of "no expectations". That way whatever happens, happens. I'm just grateful for the opportunity.
I'll definitely post some photos (assuming I legally am able to), after it's over.
