text: what's the average income of wildlife photographers in the midwest? equipment needed for beginner? interested in wildlife photography as hobby...info on careers as a wildlife photographer...no experience yet...want to know what equipment is needed for a beginner within reasonable prices...best places to find equipment...i'm an avid outdoorsman and would like to photograph deer, turkey, birds, etc. in the midwest. the link below is for my salary.com search for wildlife photographer for chicago.  the median on that search was  $42,068.  go to http://salary.com and put in your job title and zip code or choose from state/city default options.  they do have a paid service, but on the next screen, just choose "not now" and it will take you to a page like the one in the link below.