Hi
I'm an aspiring pro photographer looking to take photos of wildlife and nature. I've been wanting to get a job with National Geographic Magazine ever since I can remember. I have many achievements behind me. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what I would need to do and how much I would need to do in order to be recognized bye a good photographic school and, eventually, National Geographic. I would also like to know what brand and type of digital SLR camera would work best for me including what lenses. I can't go travel to many places so I don't have many astounding places and things to photograph at the moment.

One other question, how would I go about assembling a portfolio?

The first thing is to recognize is that beautiful photos can be made right where you are - you don't need to travel to take noteworthy photos. You also don't need a special type of camera, or lens. Today's point-n-shoot cameras often have most of the features found in the DSLRs - including the ability to shoot in AV, TV, Manual modes, and to save your files in RAW. Until you have exhausted all the options available in a point-n-shoot camera, and have learned how to take amazing photos of things near you, it would be a waste of money to buy a DSLR or to spend money to travel to get nature and wildlife photos. If you don't yet have a point-n-shoot camera, get one of the Canon models that lets you load a hacked firmware (http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page)that opens up more features.

You can even get amazing photos with a camera-phone. See:

Capture Winning Street Scenes with a Camera Phone - - PopPhotoJuly 2007 (http://www.popphoto.com/americanphotofeatures/4345/capture-winning-street-scenes-with-a-camera-phone.html)

For wildlife, take practice photos at the zoo. Learn to take photos of birds and join birdwatching groups - they will know where your local bird watching (and photographing) opportunities are. For landscapes, take cityscapes.

Schmootography Photography- powered by SmugMug (http://www.schmootography.com/gallery/3025396_zrETx#247009846_9Z5Zh)

[daily dose of imagery] (http://wvs.topleftpixel.com/)

A portfolio is simply a collection of your best work. You can print and mat them, put them in a protective plastic bag, and use a portfolio case to hand-carry the images to a prospective employer. Or you can upload them to a website. Many pro photographers use sites like Smugmug (http://smugmug.com) (use this referral code to save $5 Rj4IWoed1h9YM ) and Flickr (http://flickr.com) to display their portfolios online.

As jc said a portfolio is simply a copy of your best photos. I would get a either a flash drive or maybe a Multimedia player like a iPOd or Zune and carry it with you always. Store your best photos so you can display them at any time.

Make a CD of your best work and send it to National Geographic with a copy of your resume.

Thank you both very much.