If you make your money by taking great pictures, you’re surely curious to know which the best countries for photographers to work in are. From incredible landscapes, to astonishing light, and noteworthy culture, these nations have everything a professional photographer could desire. While it’s true that you can take a fantastic photo anywhere, being in the right place can really enhance your chances of catching a special moment with impeccable composition, guaranteeing an awesome portfolio to secure multiple free-lance jobs.
In a previous article, we talked about the 5 best paying freelance careers, and what skills are needed to fulfil them. Freelance photographers are certainly featured on this list, given their ability to make a very healthy salary with the right client base. However, more important than the client is the actual work and here’s where our list comes into play. So, let’s take a look at the best countries for photographers to work in and what makes them so special.
5. Morocco
Travel photographers are always on the hunt for scenarios that capture the essence of a national or local culture. Thus, they should feel right at home in this marvellous country, packed with intense colours and aromas in the city’s streets. But it’s not only bedazzling scarfs and wild markets in Morocco: the topographic diversity (think Atlas Mountains and the Sahara) offers plenty opportunities for landscape photographers as well.
4. China
When you live in one of the biggest countries in the world, it should come as no surprise that you’ll have a vast array of magnificent photographs to sell. And China, particularly because of its unique culture, but also due to its ever-changing landscapes, can be considered somewhat of a photographer’s playground. From the social composition of the countryside, to the city’s magnetic energy, to the three great rivers, you’ll find everything you need to create a great portfolio here.
3. Australia
Australia started becoming a wildly popular travel destination over a decade ago, when exchange students and young professionals took to the scarcely populated country in order to find jobs and enjoy the beach. However, with 60% of the country’s population concentrated in six cities, this nation presents photographers with a unique scenario: wildlife, landscapes, ideal climate, and modern, vibrant cities – all within one territory. Given, this probably isn’t the best spot for a news photographer to work, but those can go to our next spot.
2. India
While most consider India to be a spot-on destination for travel photographers, its complex society holds a stunning amount of visual information. Not only can you latch on to religious rituals and linger around the temples for a moment of enlightenment, but the bipolar aspects of the cities and countryside provide the kind of material to be found in National Geographic. Also, the political landscape is changing and feminist movements are starting to make waves in a culture that it ruled by male dominance. So for you reporters, this might be where you snap that award winning picture.
1. Russia
This country may not be known for its sky-high salaries in general, but the richness of its culture and its recognizable social landscape make it one of the best countries for photographers to work in. There are plenty of media outlets to sell your photographs to, and most international magazines and online photography sites tend to purchase pictures from this nation. Also, work in Russia long enough and you’ll notice a peculiar tint and lighting in your photographs, due to the mostly cold weather and grim skies.
