4 Sales Lessons From A Wildlife Photographer

1. Patience Beats Pressure

Wildlife lesson: You can’t force a moment in the wild. The best shots come from waiting for the best light, observing patterns, and letting the animal reveal itself.

For salespeople: The fastest way to lose a deal is to rush it. High performers slow down, ask better questions, and let buyers show their true priorities before pitching. Patience builds trust - and more sales.

2. Preparation Makes Luck Look Easy

Wildlife lesson: Great photos aren’t accidental - although I frequently hear people say to me "What a lucky shot!) Luck plays a very small part. You learn the animal's behavior, choose the right lens, and think through the possibilities long before anything happens.

For salespeople: Top sellers don’t “wing it.” They research the account, anticipate objections, and know the buyer’s world. When opportunity shows up, they look effortlessly confident - but it’s earned.

3. Adapt When the Shot Changes

Wildlife lesson: Animals don’t follow your plan. Light shifts. Weather changes. The elephant walks away just as the sun is setting. The best photographers adapt in real time instead of clinging to the original shot. They move to a new position and consider alternative shots.

For salespeople: Buyers pivot. Budgets change. Stakeholders appear out of nowhere. The best sales pros adjust their message on the fly instead of stubbornly sticking to the script.

4. Respect the Subject, Don’t Control It

Wildlife lesson: You don’t control wildlife - you respect it. When photographers try to control the environment (we call this baiting and it's frowned upon), they miss the authentic moment.

For salespeople: Selling isn’t about controlling the conversation - it’s about respecting the buyer’s reality. When customers feel understood rather than managed, they open up - and deals move faster.