It can be a difficult and complicated journey to get to where I am. It’s important to be professional, patient, and persistent. You get out there and do it. All you need is a camera and work ethic…and time. Read lots, study the images of photographers you respect, learn how to treat animals and the wilderness with respect, and start shooting. A career shooting photos for publications like National Geographic doesn’t come easy. It takes years—and most likely decades—to be called upon by premiere magazines for assignments, or companies for commercial shoots. It’s not easy to get to the top, but the journey is the rewarding part anyway. Being a National Geographic Photographer means dedicating a lot of time and failing constantly, it also requires you to find motivation in failure. I find that I fail 98% of the time and I am continually picking myself up to get the shot that I had envisioned. Its unpredictable, exhilarating, and rewarding. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Put in the hard work, the dedication, and the long hours, and you will find success eventually. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to shoot for National Geographic.