Nonprofit Photography Programs: The Impact of Humanitarian Photography
Learn about Roots' nonprofit photography programs and the impact of humanitarian photography from course convenor Anna Lusty
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If you’re a photography student looking to gain experience, or if you’re a photography enthusiast keen to improve your skills and build a portfolio, our photography internships could be a great opportunity for you! If you’re into animals, head to the Greater Kruger National Park for our wildlife photography internship which allows you to document the wealth of amazing wildlife in the area, including the African Big Five. In other locations, we offer photography internships of a slightly different nature. If you’re more interested in cultural and humanitarian photography, you can photograph the work of social impact projects doing important work on the ground during a nonprofit photography internship or volunteer program. Either way, you won’t be short of inspiring and unique photographic opportunities!
All photography internship programs are guided by professional photographers, who will help you make the most out of the experience. It’s a great way to learn new skills or sharpen old ones. These photography internships provide you with a unique opportunity to improve your photography skills and build a strong portfolio, while gaining beneficial experience in the field and insight into inspiring projects.
Why choose Roots Interns for Photography Internships?
Grassroots work
You’ll join an organization that works directly with their community to solve problems on the ground and make a real impact.
Matchmaking
We’ll help you find and prepare for an internship with the organization that’s right for you and your skills, background, and passions.
Academic placements
Working abroad is an experience like no other and your internship will be tailored to your studies and interests.
Browse All Photography Internship Projects
Content Creation and Photography Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Brazil
- Content Creation, Photography, Writing, Marketing
Build an impressive portfolio whilst saving forests and changing lives in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.
Find out more
Wildlife Conservation Photography Workshop
- Jun / Jul & Sep 2023
- Imire Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
- Wildlife Photography
Improve your photography skills & learn about African wildlife conservation.
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Wildlife Photography Internship
- 8 weeks
- Greater Kruger, South Africa
- Photography, Conservation
Photograph lions, leopards, elephants, and many more animals, while sharpening your skills.
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Humanitarian Photography Program
- 2-4 weeks
- Malawi or Zambia
- Humanitarian Photography
Use your photography skills to make an impact through this unique volunteer program.
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Nonprofit Photography Internship
- 3-8 weeks
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Photography
Sharpen your photography skills and contribute to important nonprofit initatives at the same time.
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Other Academic Focus Areas
Benefits of Photography Internships
Portfolio building
A photography internship will enable you to create an impressive and diverse portfolio that can be used to display your talents and secure future opportunities.
Practical experience
As an intern, you’ll gain real-world experience in photography projects, preparing you for a successful career in the photography industry.
Personal growth
Sharpen your qualities of creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, and attention to detail by joining one of these photography internships.
Personal network
Connect with aspiring photographers and professionals in various fields which will grow your interpersonal skills and expand your network.
Resume enhancement
Participating in a photography internship is sure to enhance your resume, showcasing your dedication to photography and real-world experience in the field.
Community engagement
Contribute to community development by visually representing individuals, their stories, and events that resonate with audiences around the world.
Why Choose Roots Internships in Photography
Find out from our previous interns how internship positions in Photography can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.
At first I didn’t know what to expect so I convinced myself that it would be all work and little fun, but secretly I had hoped that it would be an adventure of learning and experiences. In the end, it was more than I could have ever imagined. The support and communication from Roots also calmed my nerves. The internship has opened my eyes and mind to a whole new photography direction, as well as enhancing my social skills with people and organizations. Apart from learning a bunch of new skills, I have learned that small changes have a big impact. It is something unexplainable, that has to be experienced to understand.
Loume, South African – Humanitarian Photography Program, South Africa
I think this program will help my photography career, and the whole experience has also made me step out of my comfort zone and has helped me become a new person. It surpassed my expectations because I thought it was just going to be a quick little class and a few days out in the field, but it was so much more than that. Every day we were shooting somewhere different and learning something new. I met new people every day and simply had the most fun ever.
Maxx, American – Humanitarian Photography Program, Zambia
I went into the first week only really knowing that the big silver button was what took a picture when pressed! I’ve definitely come a long way not only as a photographer ( if I can call myself that after three weeks ?!) but as a whole, the experience really enriched me on a personal level. The opportunity to photograph things that most ‘normal’ people would never get the privilege of… walking into rural communities and truly feeling welcomed and wanted there, engaging with the local people was something that maybe initially felt a little bit daunting but turned into the best part! Faces and hugs I’ll never forget. It was an amazing program, hard to find an organization with a humanitarian program like that. Lots of wildlife courses but this was simply very special!.
Heidi, Falmouth University, British – Humanitarian Photography Program, Zambia
Blogs about Photography
Photography FAQs
Who is a photography internship for?
Our photography internships can be a great opportunity if you’re a photography student, if you’re at the start of a photography career, or if you’d like to explore a different focus with your photography. You’ll have the chance to work towards your individual goals during your internship, meaning you’ll get to build a unique portfolio.
What can I expect to learn as a photography intern?
A lot! You’ll have the pleasure of being mentored by a professional photographer, who will help you sharpen your skills on all levels. All our photography internships are customized, which ensures that you’ll be working on your own level and towards your own goals. Beyond photography skills, an internship abroad also brings plenty of personal growth opportunities that come with living and working in a new environment with people from various backgrounds.
What is the difference between the photography internship and the photography volunteer project?
Good question! The two programs do overlap to a degree, as they are set in the same location and focused on nonprofit photography, but there are some differences as well. The photography volunteer project starts with a one-week workshop and has a set structure. The photography internship, on the other hand, is designed for each individual intern, so it’s less rigid in structure. We require more experience from interns, as you’ll be expected to work more independently, and with less supervision on your project. For a full overview of the differences between the two programs, check out this blog post. And if you’re not sure which program suits you best, just get in touch, and we’ll help you narrow it down!
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
