travel photographer internship

• Prof. Development

Travel Photography Internships and Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

By Robin Van Auken

Updated for 2023-2024

Do you take great photos? Do you write amazing stories? Are your friends and family constantly complimenting your artwork and articles? Maybe it’s time to turn your hobby into a career. Hit the “digital streets” on a photography and journalism internship abroad.

If you have a camera and are willing to travel, you can use this opportunity to create a unique portfolio – one that no one else in the world has! An internship in the field also provides a way for you to evolve from being a hobbyist to being a professional.

You’ll learn to work as part of a team, researching and producing content with an end-goal, whether that’s with a PR agency in Bangkok, an events management company in Bali , or a conservation program in Africa. And if you think about it, your skill with the video camera could help save endangered species, such as lemurs and sea turtles in Madagascar.

If you want to get someone’s attention – and keep it – show them a gorgeous, colorful photograph or film. In 1911, newspaper editor  Tess Flanders  suggested that journalists and publicists “Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.” Since then, the phrase has been quoted and misquoted, but it still rings true.

There are reasons why we need professionals in the visual arts field. People are  hardwired to respond to photographs and video . Your brain makes sense of the world primarily through vision, and 20 percent of your brain is used for that purpose. Along with vision comes the ability to see color, which increases recall of information by up to 82 percent! There are photography internships for high school students, volunteer opportunities for the practiced artist, journalism internships for college students, and more. One of the most exciting opportunities to check out is African Impact’s   photography volunteer projects , which places you on safaris near amazing animals such as elephants, lions, antelope, and more! This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in landscapes and animal portraiture and increase awareness of conservation.

If you’re currently a college or grad student, you’ll definitely want to check out the internships offered by  Intern Abroad HQ . From  media and communications in Greece  to  event management and PR in Bali , they offer cutting edge internships worldwide for students and young professionals who want to take their career to the next level.

If you’re a high school student or teen, consider a trip with Global Leadership Adventures. This organization includes a hands-on learning experience with professional photographers on its community service projects. You’ll attend lectures, take part in workshops, and shadow photographers while abroad. Opportunities with this organization take you to Cuba, Peru, or India.

While we love animals, it’s people where we really connect. As babies, the first things you focus on are the faces of your family. This is because the brain has a circuit for recognizing faces called the fusiform face area. In fact, you have  brain cells that react to celebrity faces , lighting up when you see photographs of your favorite movie star! When you join Global Nomadic in Argentina or Thailand, you’re working one-on-one with people in busy cities, where there are ample opportunities to capture candid photographs of people at work and play.

Or, if you’re into sunsets and beach scenes, consider an adventure internship with Frontier. These placements take you to Belize and Madagascar where you can work underwater or stay on dry land. Imagine the videos you’ll take of vividly-colored tropic fish at the world’s second-longest coral reef! This kind of internship combines video with blogging – vlogging – and will have you capturing content and producing videos of volunteers working on conservation projects that help to save threatened sea turtles and other fragile ocean life.

Whether you’re looking to be a volunteer photographer, journalism intern, or even fashion design and reporting intern, take a look at the volunteer programs and internship opportunities below and find a destination and subject that suits your interests – then challenge yourself with an adventure abroad!

Great Programs for Aspiring Travel Photographers

Intern abroad hq.

With affordable international internships in Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe,  Intern Abroad HQ (the sister organization of International Volunteer HQ) focuses on experiential learning and community engagement. Interns gain hands-on experience while building relevant skills for a successful career – and whether you’re passionate about business, health, conservation, law, education, engineering, or economics, Intern Abroad HQ offers flexible, entry-level opportunities for personal and professional development year-round. Internships include a resume-boosting reflection program to build skills that are universally transferable across employment settings.

Marketing & Media Internship in Bali

Travel to the beautiful island of  Bali, Indonesia , where you will have the wonderful chance to work in marketing and media for an NGO, tourism agency or resort, a tech firm, a startup, or another local organization. Through intern abroad HQ, you will be able to pursue an internship that relates directly to your education and your career path. If you are interested in travel photography, this could be an amazing experience not only to hone your photography skills but also to learn about marketing and communications. A few activities that you may engage in during your internship include photography, creating graphics for social media, developing event materials, designing marketing proposals, and much more. Be sure to let Intern Abroad HQ know that you specifically are interested in photography so that your placement suits your goals! This program starts for eight weeks – learn more here!

Event Management & Public Relations Internship in Bali

Another wonderful placement that brings you to Bali places you in the field of  event management and public relations . This is another flexible and customizable internship with a wide variety of opportunities to learn and work with different entities in Bali based on your interests and your skillsets. A few activities that you may engage in during your internship include communications campaign brainstorming, managing social media, competitor analysis, communication strategies, and much more. If you are interested in photography as a career path, this is a great way to learn about event and festival photography, and how it ties into greater marketing and communications efforts. This program lasts a minimum of eight weeks –  learn more and apply here!

Media, Communications & Public Relations Internship in Greece

If you are passionate about environmental issues and you are interested in travel photography, then check out  this placement in Greece  with Intern Abroad HQ! Through this program, you will help with environmental education activities, including creating educational materials, posters, leaflets, animations, documentaries, and much more. You will work with an NGO to assist with all areas of their media, communications, and public relations activities. Through this internship, you will have the chance to focus in on your interests and skills in photography to make a real difference in protecting the wildlife and the natural habitats of the Aegean Sea. This program lasts a minimum of four weeks.  Learn more and apply here!

African Impact

African Impact is an award-winning, responsible travel organization that offers volunteer and internship opportunities in 7 countries across Africa. It was founded in 2004 and has since hosted over 35,000 volunteers. African Impact has over 20 different projects, ranging from teaching in Zambia to marine conservation in Zanzibar. The organization is known for its long-term objectives and measurable change. It is also recognized as a trusted specialist on volunteering and interning in Southern Africa. African Impact offers internships, as well as group, family, and high school projects. The minimum age requirement for their projects is 16, making African Impact a great option for teen and high school volunteers. 

Wildlife Photography Volunteer Project

Join the creative experts of African Impact and  gain practical experience photographing wildlife, people, and landscapes in the Greater Kruger Area of South Africa. This volunteer project supports wildlife initiatives in South Africa, while you work alongside professional photographers to develop and enhance your skills.

African Impact’s photography projects allow you to build a brilliant portfolio of photos that showcase your talent and increase awareness of conservation. You’ll gain experience in pre-visualization, production, and editing of photographs. You’ll also learn about South Africa’s animals, their behavior, habitats, and challenges while on this project, as well as its people. Photography is only one part of your work – you’ll also spend time editing the best of the photos you’ve taken and tweaked that award-winning picture.

You’ll stay at a spacious, thatched lodge just minutes from the world-famous Kruger National Park. Located on 18 hectares of land, the property is home to impala, warthog, bush pig, nyala, and a great diversity of birdlife. You can relax with other volunteers and staff, watching movies or playing board games at the lodge, and cool off in the large swimming pool. Spend weekends on a day or overnight trip to nearby attractions, including the world-famous Blyde River Canyon. The cost of the project varies depending on the length of stay . Learn more and sign up here!

Volunteering Solutions

Founded in 2007, Volunteering Solutions has hosted more than 17,000 volunteers to date. The organization is known for affordable, high-quality and impactful service projects, 

With 150+ projects across 27 countries, Volunteering Solutions has a variety of programs , including internships that will improve your photography skills. For instance, you can volunteer on the Sun Bear Conservation Project in Malaysia and use your photography to help with monitoring, data collection, and conservation efforts.

Below are two more internship abroad programs offered by Volunteering Solutions that will enhance your photography resume.

• Note : Before you book a trip, be sure to check out Volunteering Solutions’ travel insurance. It’s only $12 per week.

Journalism Internship in Chiang Mai, Thailand

A perfect intern abroad program for media and journalism students, this project in Chiang Mai offers you a role in one of the following areas: 

• Editorial 
• Multimedia design
• Print media designing

You’ll get to work in a cross-cultural environment and learn Thai as you improve your reporting and travel photography skills. Plus, Chiang Mai offers a ton of nature and cultural activities during free time. 

Fees start at just $1400 for 4 weeks ($2300 for 8 weeks). Click here to apply .

Wildlife and Environmental Protection in Greece

Make your way to the majestic Mediterranean and help restore the ecosystem of the region. As a conservation volunteer, you’ll put your photography skills to good use while monitoring wild cats on the Ionian Sea, mapping seaweed, looking after monk seals, and more.

While not a standard photography internship, this volunteer project will enable you to use your talent for environmental initiatives. This will certainly build your resume.

Fees start at just $1228 for 4 weeks ($1960 for 8 weeks). Click here to apply .

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad  was founded in 1992, and currently sends more than 10,000 travelers overseas every year. As a large and established organization, Projects Abroad volunteers and interns have the opportunity to assist with a very wide variety of programs including agriculture, teaching, sports, archaeology, and much more, with projects open to teens, gap year travelers, university students, and professionals. Projects Abroad works with more than 600 staff to support volunteers in 27 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the South Pacific.

Journalism Internship in Mongolia

The Journalism internship in Mongolia is a unique opportunity for journalism students to gain practical work experience, build their portfolios, and boost their journalism and marketing skills. You can choose from three specializations: print, radio, or television, and actively create content; the print and television specializations will definitely appeal to photographers!. The program runs throughout the year, and you can join for a minimum of 4 weeks. You’ll work with experienced journalists and have a supervisor to guide you. You’ll have the opportunity to pitch story ideas, conduct interviews, create and edit content, and learn from professionals. The internship is located in Ulaanbaatar and you’ll live with a host family during your stay. Use your free time to explore the city and the surrounding areas.

Journalism in Romania for Teens

Open to high school students aged 15 to 18 years old, this program brings you to  Bucharest, Romania to learn about what it takes to pursue a career in journalism. This two-week experience places you at “The Village” magazine, an English and Romanian language publication for expats and locals. A few assignments that you might take on include conducting interviews, writing articles, reviewing events, taking photos, and more. This program costs $3,605 for two weeks – learn more here!

The Intern Group

The Intern Group  offers professional development placements for travelers throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Founded in 2011, this award-winning company has a mission to develop an innovative and culturally sensitive new generation ready to address the issues that affect the world today and tomorrow. It works with students and other individuals to develop customized internships with renowned NGOs and more than 1,000 leading employers globally. With more than 2,000 placements annually, the Intern Group selects only the top applicants from a field of 30,000. It’s been featured in Forbes, TIME, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and CNN. The organization provides assistance with visas, developmental workshops, career training, social and cultural events, quality housing, and in-country support.

Photojournalism internship in Madrid, Spain

Explore the world as a photojournalist on a  journalism and media internship in Madrid . Gain hands-on, professional experience and get your photography noticed in this industry, which is experiencing rapid growth and change. On this placement with the Intern Group, you can work for Guidepost, Madrid’s leading magazine focused on the large international community within the city. Take time to learn a new language, visit hidden gems within the city, and train with the best as you work alongside media industry professionals. While in Madrid, take day trips to museums, cinemas, and restaurants. Enjoy dinner and a Flamenco show, and attend an event at the Real Madrid Stadium. Make time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toledo, known for the medieval Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments in its walled old city. This placement lasts six weeks to six months, with a program fee beginning at $4,558. Keep reading and apply here!

Television & Film Internship in Medellin, Colombia

Improve your practical skills and grow a network of international contacts as a  television and film intern in Medellin, Colombia . This opportunity with The Intern Group is an excellent way to break into this popular industry and open your eyes to a brand-new professional culture. You’ll be inspired to learn how your photographic work can be transformed into multimedia as you learn more about casting, production, writing, directing, prop management, and cinematography. Improve your Spanish-speaking skills while in Colombia, as you work behind the camera at a company like Telecinco, a production house in Medellin. Spend free time on a walking tour of the city, learning about the culture and history of this mesmerizing country. Enjoy a day trip to el Peñon de Guatape, a landmark rock formation in Colombia. Take in cinemas, museums, restaurants, and more. Fees for this placement start at $3,620 for six weeks. Click here to read more and apply!

International Fashion Internship in Hong Kong

If you’re interested in photographing fashion, check out this  international fashion internship in Hong Kong . As this industry changes, it needs people with initiative, passion, and a creative mind. The Intern Group can pair you with a company that lets you explore fantastic opportunities and develop your skills as you learn the ins and outs of this dynamic industry. Interns learn all aspects of fashion including design, merchandising, buying, showrooms, fashion week organizations, and fashion public relations. While in Hong Kong, you’ll spend a day in Macau, the “mini Las Vegas of Asia,” and take a tour of Lantau Island. Dine at The Peak, and enjoy a panoramic view of Hong Kong. You can stay four weeks or longer and program fees start at $4,919.  Read more and start your application today!

Art, Photography & Graphic Design Internship in London

Think outside the box and bring your innovative ideas and creativity with you when you travel abroad on an  art, photography, and graphic design internship in London . Sign up with the Intern Group and choose to work with magazines, fashion companies, or marketing firms that will jumpstart your innovative career. Learn creative styles from an international team and gain valuable experience that will let you stand out in this competitive industry. While in London, enjoy cultural events such as Afternoon Tea service, a cruise on the River Thames, and climb high in the London Eye Ferris Wheel. Spend the evening in the West End at the theater, grab a pint at a pub, or wander Piccadilly Circus. Program fees begin at $4,852 for six weeks, with stays up to six months. Learn more and apply here.

Global Leadership Adventures

Global Leadership Adventures provides meaningful volunteer opportunities abroad to teens and high school students, including many photography volunteer opportunities. Its service-learning adventure methodology combines community service with adventure and hands-on learning, immersing young people in topics of social and global issues and teaching them personal leadership. Founded in 2004, Global Leadership Adventures sends thousands of travelers to 23 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America every year. Its five-point safety system ensures students’ safety and health and provides parents with peace of mind. With more than 2,000 references to the impact of its programs, Global Leadership Adventures is a trusted international organization, and its co-founder was even recognized by President Barack Obama for making a positive impact in Africa.

Volunteer in Cuba: A Culture in Focus

When you join Global Leadership Adventures in Cuba, you’ll  go on photo tours  in Havana, exploring hidden gems and reveling in the colorful street scenes. This program helps you develop skills as it places you in photography workshops and lectures, and gives you feedback on your snaps by local photographers. Learn how to take landscape photos and create work for a photo contest – a great way to get feedback for photography jobs abroad.

Beginning in 2015, travel restrictions for Americans were eased, and  Cuba is becoming an excellent destination  for travelers interested in gaining an immersive experience to learn about Cuban history, culture, and day-to-day life. At present, the Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issues general licenses for 12 categories of travel to Cuba, including journalistic activity, educational activities, and support for the Cuban people.

While in Cuba, you’ll take part in a community service project, learning about restoration and social projects in Old Havana, where an art organization has transformed a struggling barrio into a People’s Art Gallery. You’ll also travel to the countryside and volunteer at a social enterprise that’s a part organic farm, part family-run restaurant. Don’t forget the adventure part of the placement! While in Cuba, you can take salsa dancing lessons, go snorkeling and play volleyball in the Cuban Keys, and go horseback riding. All cultural activities, lectures, and weekend excursions are included, as well as secondary medical and travel insurance. Lodging and meals are included as well, and you’ll stay at a safe, restored, locally-owned hotel in Havana with roommates. Share an ensuite bathroom and enjoy community meals. This placement lasts 10 days with a tuition of $3,999. Click here to sign up !

Volunteer in Peru: Service through the Lens

Refine your photography skills and storytelling techniques on a  volunteer adventure trip to Peru , and experience a thrilling trek to mystical Machu Picchu with Global Leadership Adventures. While in-country, you’ll be able to photograph the daily life of the indigenous Andean communities and participate in workshops with award-winning photojournalists. You’ll take day hikes to the Inca citadel in the Sacred Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountaintops. Spend hours photographing the people in their colorful traditional garb, and interviewing them as they perform everyday tasks such as farming and weaving. One community service project you could partake in is creating a school yearbook, collaborating with your peers on taking portraits of students. There’s also a community development project that you can be a part of.

You’ll enjoy the hands-on learning aspect of this trip when you shadow professional photographers at work, tour a photography studio in Cusco, and take workshops. Your ongoing assignment is to continue refining your vision, learn how to use camera gear, and explore lighting and composition with your photos. At the end of the program, display your best work in an expo. Break a sweat during your adventure days, when you go on a hike from the Moray ruins to the while salt ponds of Maras. Enjoy off-road bike rides and a day hike to Machu Picchu, walking ancient pathways to this cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was most likely an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472), according to archaeologists.

Recreational and cultural activities and excursions, as well as workshops and lectures, are included in the program fee. Secondary medical and travel insurance, lodging and meals also are included. You’ll stay at a community-built and operated hotel in the Sacred Valley with shared rooms and communal meals. Tuition begins at $3,899 for two weeks and $5,399 for three weeks. Click here to learn more and to register !

Volunteer in India: Capture Their Story

When you travel to India to  capture their story  with Global Leadership Adventures, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of the spice markets, the rolling landscapes of the tea gardens, and the ancient Himalayan monasteries that echo the prayers of the Tibetan devotees. You’ll live in Dharamsala at the foot of the Himalayas, and your community service portion of the trip will place you as a volunteer at an underserved kindergarten to advocate for education.

Gain hands-on experience as you learn about photojournalism, ethics, and getting published by industry experts. You’ll visit rural and urban areas not frequented by tourists, capturing a unique view of India. Throughout your stay, you’ll develop your own body of creative and editorial work for a capstone project. While in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama, visit the city’s spiritual sites. Learn how to dance Bollywood-style, and take an Indian cooking class. Tackle Hindu lessons to connect with its residents. Trek to Kareri village to meet the semi-nomadic Gaddi people, and view the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Wrap up the trip with a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world!

Lodging is in the summer residence of the King of Kangra, located in the foothills above Dharamsala. You’ll share same-gender rooms with other volunteers and enjoy home-cooked meals. All educational materials, cultural activities, lectures and weekend excursions are included. Students also receive secondary medical and travel insurance. The tuition begins at $3,699 for two weeks and $4,999 for three weeks. Learn more and sign up here!

Agape Volunteers

Agape Volunteers is a registered UK charity that offers high-quality, low-cost travel experiences throughout Africa. This organization specializes in volunteering, tourism, and development work in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, and Maasai-land. For 10 years, AV has supported humanitarian efforts and environmental conservation – projects range from medical volunteering to teaching, to volunteering with wildlife, and program costs include registration and administration fees, as well as travel insurance, in total making Agape Volunteers the lowest-cost option if you want to volunteer in Africa.

Wildlife Encounter in South Africa

Grab your camera and travel to  South Africa for a wildlife encounter in the spectacular landscape of the Marakele National Park. This wildlife conservation project invites you to get up close and personal with some of Africa’s iconic Big Five, as well as its big cats! Combine your passion for photography with your love for wild animals in the Marataba section of the park, renowned for its natural beauty. Work side-by-side with naturalists who support endangered species, and gain hands-on experience as you contribute to the protection of lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, and hyenas. Your duties may have you monitoring game, patrolling fences, or even conducting invasive plant removal, restoring roads, removing the trash, and bush clearing. Other tasks include a major tracking project that has you checking and recording animal sightings with camera traps. Spend your Sundays relaxing or sign up for the optional microlight to observe and photograph the reserve from overhead. Duration and costs start from two weeks at £1,530.  Read more and sign up here.

Frontier  provides inspirational internships, volunteering opportunities, and  gap year  placements in 60 countries worldwide. Since 1989, Frontier has partnered with NGOs to offer 400+ capacity-building programs that combine community development with conservation. Frontier’s origins are in scientific and conservation research, and it works in ecosystem protection to save endangered wildlife and build livelihoods for under-resourced communities.

Media & Journalism Internship in Madagascar

Define your journalistic career with a  media and journalism internship  in Madagascar. Work with Frontier’s NGO partner as a field journalist, integrating yourself in day-to-day reporting and documenting the work and cultural activities of volunteers and staff onsite at this remote location. Depending upon your skills and qualifications, your tasks will include:

• Article production (written and online journalism)
• Photography
• Videography
• Graphic design
• Blogging or vlogging

Madagascar is a dramatic country with forest landscapes and gorgeous coastlines, and is home to species found nowhere else on Earth! You’ll see lemurs, chameleons, and turtles, and immerse yourself in the Malagasy culture. Bring a laptop and camera/video camera with you to highlight projects taking place here, both through written articles and photography. You’ll also film and produce videos, highlighting interesting aspects of life on the project.

You’ll live on the idyllic beach camp of Ambalahonko on the island of Nosy Be alongside other Frontier volunteers and staff. Camp life is simple and fun, sleeping in communal, local-style dwellings, known as “bandas.” Bathing requires only a bucket of water and you’ll cook your meals over an open campfire. Volunteers run the day-to-day camp activities, taking turns to collect firewood, purify water, and perform other camp maintenance duties.

Spare time gives you opportunities to swim in waterfalls, play football and beach volleyball, and socialize around the campfire. Play board games and cards, or just relax in a camp hammock and stargaze. You can also sign up for scuba diving courses and take river rafting sojourns. Fees start at $2,595 for eight weeks.  Read more and register here !

Media & Journalism Internship in Belize

Spend a summer or longer on a  media and journalism internship  in the Caribbean with Frontier. Travel to Belize, the biodiversity hotspot of Latin America, where pristine subtropical forests are a refuge for exotic wildlife, and conceal ancient Mayan ruins. You’ll spend part of your time documenting the volunteers who help to conserve the world’s second-longest barrier reef and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – renowned for its spectacular snorkeling and diving. Immerse yourself in authentic Belizean culture at the beach camp on Caye Caulker, and gain professional journalism experience and references.

You’ll need to provide a resume/CV of your skills and qualifications for this placement and bring your own laptop and camera/video camera. You’ll spend your time interviewing and reporting on the activities of the volunteers and staff on the project. Duties include writing articles, taking photos, capturing video, and posting content on the internet.

You’ll live in a beach camp alongside other Frontier volunteers, at a research station with living space, toilet, shower facilities, and communal living and cooking areas. Camp life is unsophisticated but fun. You’ll sleep indoors on roll mats or hammocks. In your spare time, you’ll be able to swim and snorkel, play beach volleyball, watch the sunset, and spend your nights learning the constellations. On weekends, visit San Pedro, Caye Chapelor, and the wider area of Belize City. Scuba dive at the famous Blue Hole, learn to kitesurf, windsurf, and sail, or take sunset boat tours. Internship fees start at $2,595 for eight weeks. Learn more here !

Since 2006, GoEco has offered affordable volunteer abroad programs and internships in over 45 countries throughout  Africa ,  Asia ,  Australasia ,  Central America ,  Europe , the  Middle East ,  North America , and  South America . With more than 170 different programs, GoEco is a great organization to check out if you’re looking for a variety of impactful trips to choose from, from  wildlife conservation  to  teaching English . GoEco was recently recognized as the  Top Volunteer Abroad Organization  from GoAbroad, Top Eco-Enthusiast by Greenmatch, and has been recommended by Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and more. As a volunteer, you will have 24-hour support from the GoEco team, from start to finish.

Greater Kruger Area Wildlife Photography and Conservation

Another wonderful adventure that you can embark on with GoEco brings you to  South Africa , where you will help with a program aimed toward raising awareness of conservation efforts and preserving the African environment. As a participant, you will help contribute to vital conservation efforts through creating a photographic database to be used as an educational tool and for animal identification. You will start with the three-day wildlife photography course, and can even take basic Zulu language lessons if you’d like. In the first four weeks of your stay in South Africa, you will learn how to improve your photography skills while working alongside professional photographers, take pictures of wildlife on game drives, learn to identify different types of plants and animals, assist with creating a photo database, raise awareness in the community about conservation, and much more. You also can choose to stay on the project for an additional two to four weeks. This program starts from $3,100 for four weeks, and you can sign up here .

Global Nomadic

Founded in 2009,  Global Nomadic  has placed more than 10,000 people on meaningful volunteer programs, internships, TEFL courses, and research projects in 40 countries worldwide. This organization offers projects that range from environmental conservation and wildlife rehabilitation to human rights and social sustainability. Global Nomadic specializes in helping young professionals develop internships and research projects that enhance and further their careers. Check out their different summer photography internships and journalism internships.

Photography & Journalism Internship in Thailand

The creative arts industry is booming in Southeast Asia, and this  photography and journalism internship offers you an exciting place to launch your portfolio and even your career! Join Global Nomadic in Bangkok, Thailand with a leading PR agency that will give you valuable hands-on experience in a multicultural city. Ideal for journalism and media professionals, this is a serious internship that targets Asian creative markets and offers you additional advantages such as Thai language lessons, luxurious accommodations, access to exclusive business networking events, and more.

You’ll start with a one-week language course to prepare you for the phrases you’ll use during your placement, and for life in Thailand. Next, you’ll begin working on important skills for photojournalism internships. You’ll assist in the photo department, preparing photographic material for campaigns. You’ll select subjects and equipment, review photos that were taken, and edit pictures with Photoshop. You’ll also write professional articles, and be encouraged to write creatively. You’ll work in collaboration with the company’s sales team, getting to know the content production process, from customer acquisition to pitching ideas.

Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to your high-standard accommodation, with its fitness center and a pool. Be prepared to live and work in a city that never sleeps! Bangkok is a huge metropolis where historic temples and buildings are juxtaposed next to modern Western-style architecture. There are endless opportunities for creating your photographic portfolio here. On weekends, travel out of the city for a relaxing day at the beach, or discover the rural areas north of Thailand. Duration is two months or longer and internship fees begin at $940.  Learn more and apply here !

Journalism & Photography Professional Placement in Argentina

Join a dynamic NGO in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to gain hands-on experience in communications and marketing. This  Global Nomadic internship  is perfect for art and journalism students who want to work in a community-based organization, researching, producing, filming, and editing videos and photographs.

Intermediate knowledge of Spanish is required for their journalism and photography internships, and lessons are available through Global Nomadic. You should also have previous experience and knowledge of video editing software and photography. Bring your own camera and laptop for editing, as well as enthusiasm and interest in the project. You’ll work around 20 hours per week as part of a team with your coordinator and fellow volunteers in the communication department. You’ll perform a variety of tasks, including:

• Producing videos, conducting interviews, editing photographs, translating texts
• Updating and maintaining a YouTube channel
• Visiting all NGO projects to collect info and photos, and to create videos
• Interviewing other volunteers to document experiences
• Managing publications and references in digital media
• Organizing meetings and get-togethers for other volunteers

Stay in a newly-built guesthouse where you’ll have access to the internet, a communal kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, library, and more. There are housekeeping services, and you’re close to local transportation. Explore Buenos Aires in your free time, sightseeing the exquisite architecture and local sights. Buenos Aires has an exciting and varied nightlife, a rich musical and arts scene, and world-renowned cuisine. Program fees start from $790 for two months, or $1,710 if you require accommodations. Read more here !

Launch an Adventurous Career

A career as a photojournalist is an exciting way to share your creative expression. You’ll travel to exotic destinations, meet diverse people, and learn a technically demanding profession. Photography is in demand because people are visual creatures with appetites for information. Photographers are needed in areas of portrait, commercial, scientific and industrial, aerial, and fine arts.

It can be a lucrative career when you consider that photographers work in nearly every industry, from aerospace product manufacturing to medical and diagnostic laboratories, from motion picture and video industries, to scientific research and development. These are the top-paying industries  for photographers today, with annual salaries topping at nearly $80,000!

Internships are an opportunity to engage in workshops and fieldwork, allowing you to explore the technical and creative aspects of photography in a studio or on location. Pick one today and launch your new career!

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Robin Van Auken · Writer

Robin is a researcher, writer, and a registered professional archaeologist, a skillset she uses every day as a cultural communication specialist with Hands-on Heritage . Her projects connect communities with an emphasis on interpretation and education and conserve cultural and environmental legacies.

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• Photography

Photography Internships Abroad

Interning abroad in photography is an incredible way to boost your portfolio! Learn from experienced professionals, and get a better idea of what it takes to develop a successful international career. Like most careers in the arts, getting a job in photography is extremely competitive. Taking on a photography internship abroad will give you specific expertise as well as artistic inspiration for your own photographs and vision.

Whether you’d like to expand your portfolio, refine your skills, or learn about a specific part of the field, goal setting can set you up for success. Goals can look like anything, take some inspiration from below.

• Try out or refine a skill that has challenged me in the past. How can a new setting help me develop the area?
• From being in a new place how can I stay present and learn from my mentors/peers?
• In what areas can I make the most out of this internship—networking, skill refinement, etc?
• What do I want to take away overall?

There’s so much to gain from interning abroad through photography. The basic benefits:

• Up to date with the field . Participating in an internship can showcase having experience with present-day trends and equipment.
• Hands-on experience . Have actual experience in professional work environments and get a feel for what employers expect.
• Build a more diverse and bigger portfolio . There’s no denying that your folder will expand for the better.
• Gain perspective and new inspiration . Interning somewhere new can impact learning from others and experiencing something new.

Photography internships are widely available all across the globe, so wherever you head, your camera will thank you. Here are three top locations for a memorable and exciting internship:

• South Africa

This part of the continent is ideal for photographers interested in a variety of subjects, from vibrant cityscapes to serene rural landscapes. Known as the "rainbow nation" for its diverse population, it offers rich cultural experiences and stunning natural parks.

Spain provides a wealth of cultural events and architectural wonders perfect for compelling photographs. With historic sites like La Alhambra and daily scenes filled with cobblestones and castles, your portfolio will have plenty to offer.

New Zealand

This country is a paradise for landscape and nature photographers, featuring incredible scenery with rolling hills and stunning coastlines. Known for its adventure activities, it also offers thrilling opportunities for action photography.

The question of when to go is a big factor. Different times of the year offer vastly different options for photographers, so discern what interests you and let it help dictate.

• Summer . As always, this is an excellent time for students to participate without many other commitments!
• Fall . This can be a quieter part of the year, especially as students return to school. An excellent time to capture outdoor subjects with seasonal changes and migratory patterns.
• Winter . The cold season offers unique and niche opportunities ranging from outdoors to specific sports.
• Spring . Lots of options start popping up in the spring, like fashion and marketing campaigns as the weather starts to regulate again.

Another tricky thing to figure out as you pursue an internship is choosing how long to stay! A few small recommendations:

1-3 months : A short internship like this is perfect for a student or young professional on a small break. It offers exploratory material.

3-6 months : An internship like this can frequently paired together with a study abroad experience. Check-in with a few different sources and see what suits you best.

1 year : A program this long is apt for someone in a gap year, a recent grad looking for substantial experience, or someone in an immersive academic environment.

Photography internships look different everywhere. A few things you can prepare for:

• Anything related to your time abroad , from housing to the cost of living is important to know upfront .
• Research any deals , specials, or offers for students or young adults.
• Most internships overseas require between 25 and 35 hours of work per week.
• Depending on your placement, you could be working weekends or after-hours events outside the studio.

A day’s work

• Work projects other than photographing are common. Anything from outreach to organizing shoots is fair game. Some programs may have you leading workshops or on the admin side, it all depends.

Visas and other information

• Unless you are native to the region, or area, you’ll need a visa , especially if you plan on staying an elongated period of time.
• Check with the program, embassy, or even airline for any essential information you need prepared .

1. Get matched

Interested in looking at more internship programs? Head to our Online Advisor ! There you can get matched with programs that suit your interests.

Results get sent right to your inbox!

2. Choose a program

Once you’ve found a program and are interested in looking at more or saving it, sign up for a MyGoAbroad account here . With a MyGoAbroad account, you can compare and collect any exciting internship.

3. Funding & scholarships

Did you know GoAbroad has funding and scholarship options to share with travelers? Fill out this scholarship and deals application and see what’s available to you!

As you apply to a program or programs you like, a program coordinator will be in touch.

5. Get your essentials

After all of that, prepare to apply for your visa and passport , book your flight there , and buy travel insurance !

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280 Photography Internships Abroad

Browse programs that match your interests

Top Provider of the Month

South africa's award-winning internship provider with vacorps.

9.74 430 reviews

VACorps Professional Internship Program

As a participant of our program in Cape Town, South Africa, you tell us what type of internship experience you are looking for and we will create a tailored placement based on your specific interests. We’ll place you within an environment where you will make a positive contrib...

9.75 4 reviews

Arts and Culture Internship (Photography)

Get the chance to work at a top photography studio during this internship program abroad! The Institute for Global Studies (IGS) has a long history of finding compelling placements for students. We partner with studios that handle top models, city government, orchestras, and o...

Institute for Global Studies

0 0 reviews

Intern in Sydney with Connect-123!

Do you want to build your career, explore new opportunities, grow your network, polish your resumé, and expand your mind--and do all of that in an English-speaking, thriving city that happens to be part of the world's most dynamic region? If so, you've come to the right place ...

Connect-123 Internship Programs

Nonprofit Photography Internship

Enhance your photography skills whilst making a meaningful impact during this NGO photography internship in South Africa. If you're looking to get some practical photography experience, and you're passionate about making an impact with your images, this could be the perfect op...

Penda Photo Tours

9.13 134 reviews

Internships in New York

New York City is a cultural and financial hub of the world that will leave you wanting more. We offer successful applicants the chance to gain invaluable work experience in one of the financial capitals of the world. Professional experience in New York will allow you to make p...

The Intern Group

9.49 108 reviews

Most Affordable Internships in Spain | Intern Abroad HQ

Award-winning and accredited intern programs in Spain (Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona or Seville) with Intern Abroad HQ. Start when you want and choose a duration from 2-24 weeks.Through Intern Abroad HQ, you'll gain access to the most affordable internship opportunities, and sav...

Intern Abroad HQ

9.54 39 reviews

Intern in Ireland with World Endeavors

Ireland's charming people, beautiful rolling green hills, and dramatic coastline combined with its bustling and diverse economy make it the perfect destination for interns looking for rewarding professional opportunities and life-changing personal experiences. World Endeavors ...

World Endeavors

9.42 78 reviews

Internship in Korea - Asia Internship Program

Korea is a dynamic destination to pursue an international internship as it is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world but still maintains its rich cultural roots. With South Korea experiencing major economic growth the past decade, a large amount of wor...

Asia Internship Program

7.75 16 reviews

Internships in Chile - Adelante Abroad

In Chile, Adelante offers programs in Vina del Mar and Valparaiso—two major, bustling Chilean cities, each having a unique atmosphere. There isn't be a better place to spend an internship abroad!Our programs in Chile will give you valuable, professional experience in your desi...

Adelante Abroad

9.29 34 reviews

Seoul Internships with Beyond Academy

Voted the world's most innovative economy, Seoul is home to Samsung and Hyundai, disruptive start-ups and everything in between. For international work experience that lets you stand out from the crowd and really get down to business - look no further than Seoul.We’ll carefull...

Beyond Academy

9.5 118 reviews

AIFS Abroad Internships in Florence, Italy

An international internship through AIFS Abroad puts you right in the middle of one of the world's most beautiful cities—Florence, Italy. Placement in this artistic city is a wonderful opportunity to gain practical work experience while fully immersing yourself in a new cultur...

AIFS Abroad

Content Creation and Photography Internship in Brazil

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to reside and work in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, where you will actively contribute to biodiversity conservation and build a diverse content portfolio.This program provides you with the chance to join a well-established organi...

Roots Interns

9.65 43 reviews

Intern in Singapore with Absolute Internship

Spend the summer gaining valuable work experience on Absolute Internship's award-winning Singapore program. Stand out as a future job applicant by completing a full-time internship in the world's most technology-ready city. Work within your industry of choice with over 30 fiel...

Absolute Internship

10 3 reviews

South Africa - Wildlife Photography and Conservation

This project has a number of long-term goals, with the ultimate goals to raise awareness and help preserve the precious African environment. These goals include hands-on conservation efforts, creating a photographic database, and conservation research. Originally located in th...

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Multimedia Internship in Peru

This internship opportunity abroad enables you to gain invaluable experience in multimedia while supporting sustainable development and conservation in Peru. The placement is based in a national park in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon. You will have personal encounters with w...

Kaya Responsible Travel

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Explore both on-site and remote, virtual international internship programs avail Connect-123 Internship Programs Learn More

More Programs to Check Out

Your options are endless

• MAXIMO NIVEL Get practical experience, improve your Spanish, and build your international... World Endeavors Be world-class with World Endeavors' customizable & affordable internships.
• The Intern Group Launch your career with the adventure of a lifetime Asia Internship Program Creates internship position in Southeast Asia that matches your wants and needs. CIEE College Study Abroad Gain real world experience with an internship across 20+ locations!
• Intern Abroad HQ Most Affordable Internships with Intern Abroad HQ Adelante Abroad Affordable & customized Year-round Internship Programs in Spain & South America VACorps A professional internship in Cape Town – the adventure of a lifetime!

Explore the world with no language barriers, and grab a Timekettle now

Frequently Asked Questions

Find out all the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What countries offer photography internships abroad?

Countries offering photography internships abroad include the USA, UK, Spain, Italy, Japan, Australia, and Thailand. Each offers unique opportunities based on local industry needs and cultural influences.

• Top 7 Providers for Photography Travel Programs

What does a photography intern do?

A photography intern assists with capturing images, editing photos, setting up equipment, and organizing shoots. They support photographers in daily tasks and gain hands-on experience in various photography techniques and industry practices.

Are there paid photography internships abroad?

Yes, there are paid photography internships abroad. Compensation varies by country, organization, and internship program. It’s important to research each opportunity to understand the pay and benefits offered.

• 12 Benefits of Photography Internships | GoAbroad.com

What is the typical duration of international photography internships?

The typical duration of international photography internships ranges from 3 to 6 months. Some may be shorter or longer, depending on the program and the needs of the host organization.

How can I find photography internships abroad?

To find photography internships abroad, search on platforms like GoAbroad and LinkedIn. Network with professionals in the field, check with photography schools, and explore opportunities through photography studios and agencies in your desired location.

• How to Get an Art Internship
• 11 Best International Photography Programs in the World

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Photography internships abroad are the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience for the future ... read more

Photography internships abroad are the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience for the future. Capture the essence of rural communities , incredible intern abroad will make you stand out when applying for a job in the future. It will also give you the opportunity to contribute to a greater cause. Improve your photography skills and develop your own style while traveling the world!

Teenage Summer Camp

Travel around Iceland, meet new friends, learn how to protect the environment, while you enjoy thermal pools, discover glaciers, waterfalls, black beaches and more.. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="0" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Photography Internship

This is a great experience for any photography/art students or graduates who need more experience in the field or anyone with an interest or experience in photography. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="1" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Marketing and Media Assistant

Volunteers help schools in investigating and reporting on events, news, as well as help with reception and administration issues. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="2" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Social and environment entrepreneur

Learn new skills and contribute to minimize the adverse environmental impact of tourism and get involved in important conservation and research programs. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="3" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Social Multimedia Journalism

Practice and develop your Social Media skills while experiencing caribbean culture landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="4" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Music, Art , Dance and Culture Teacher

Music, Dance, Culture & arts are what make the world beautiful & have the ability to illuminate people’s lives. Please apply & support us training our children & youths landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="5" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Creative Technologies for non-profits

Support organizations to develop their online presence and marketing materials if you have experience in website development, graphic design, videography or photography. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="6" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Photographers/Movie Producers

Capture images and videos of nature and its wildlife to use in YouTube clips, documentaries or magazine publications. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="7" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Photography/Videography

We need volunteers to produce wonderful shots and video about the work we do, our incredible region and on conservation topics landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="8" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Videomaker/Photographer/Graphic designer/

We always need to document our work, to make it more visible, to find the right image to convey the importance of what we do to prospect donors, supporters and volunteers landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="9" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Photography intern

If you're a keen photographer with a passion for making an impact, we'd love to have you join this NGO Photography Program in Africa! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="10" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Videos & documentaries creator

We wouldn’t be able to do what we do best without the generosity of volunteers. we would be honored to have your support in creating videos and documentaries of our work. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="11" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Giving a Voice to the Rainforest

Calling photographers and filmmakers to take amazing images of the Brazilian rainforest, its fauna and flora and traditional rural people! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="12" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Communications Assistant at NGO

Volunteer will work together with communications coordinator in the planning and execution of marketing and promotion strategies. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="13" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Social Media Support

You will be involved in filming, photographing, and posting on social media, all of the activities of the NGO's current programs. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="14" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Creative Communication

This project supports NGOs in Athens to develop their online presence and marketing materials in order to raise public awareness. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="15" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Creative Technologies

Use your design talents to craft powerful campaigns for NGOs, from infographics to animations, while actively participating in events like beach clean-ups. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="16" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Animal Release Center: Photography/Video Producer

Help us by expanding our wildlife database of photos and videos on flora and fauna of the Atlantic Forest and create videos and documentaries. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="17" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Creative Technologies support

This is a high-impact volunteer project wherein participants with technical digital skills make a difference by supporting the causes of NGOs in Rome. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="18" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Content Creator & Social Media assitant

We wouldn’t be able to do what we do best without the generosity of volunteers. we would be honored to have your support in creating videos and documentaries of our work. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="19" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

• 7 Travel Photography Jobs to take you around the World
• Career Tips
• By Lisa Michele Burns

Travel Photography Jobs + Tips for Becoming a Travel Photographer

Travel photography offers a broad range of potential career paths that can see you and your camera heading off for endless adventures around the world. From working as a photojournalist to capturing photos at a resort, there are plenty of ways to combine your love of travelling with photography if you’ve got both determination and talent.

I’ve been utterly obsessed with travelling since I was in school and first attempted to become a pilot so I can fly myself (and a plane load of passengers) to exotic destinations. That plan fell through when I got violently air sick during every flying lesson so my back-up was to become a travel journalist. You can read about that journey here , but long story short, that path led to discovering the art of photography and over the past 15 years I’ve worked a number of jobs under the ‘travel photography’ umbrella and it’s been one crazy, incredible adventure.

For those with a creative mind and the motivation to turn their dream into a reality and working business, it may sound cliché but the sky really is the limit. Sure it takes a tonne of begging, pitching, rejections, both time and money, BUT, now more than ever there’s such a need for photographic content that there are plenty of positions and career paths available!

But let’s take a peek at the available jobs!

Firstly, a few tips for getting a travel photography job –

• Create an online portfolio/website of your work
• Learn photography and develop a style that’s uniquely yours ( read more here on how to stand out as a photographer )
• Don’t undersell yourself or your photography and be confident in your ability
• Find a niche or specialty
• Learn to market your work and have a pitch ready for interviews/phone calls
• Invest in quality camera equipment ( see what Olympus gear I use here )
• Be flexible, travel photography requires a commitment to time away from home and long days working, unfortunately it’s only about 15% glamourous.

Now let’s take a peek at six travel photography jobs that may just be suited for you…

Travel Photography Jobs

#1 freelance travel photographer.

Working as a freelance photographer sounds quite carefree and adventurous but it does require a lot of organisation, patience and determination. As a freelance travel photographer you’re essentially running your own business so are responsible for not only finding work and clients, but marketing, managing, researching, producing the content to a high standard and then keeping a track of your invoicing and payments.

Freelance photography is a maze of opportunities when it comes to how you can make it work as so many brands, businesses and publications need content. As a freelancer you can potentially work for multiple clients at any one time or if you’re lucky, you may score a regular gig that will ensure a stable monthly income…a big plus when working solo!

While there are endless areas within freelancing that you can find work in, if you’re looking to focus on travel photography then you’ll want to have a good portfolio of work from your previous travels to use as you pitch for work. And of course, a passion for travelling and talent that helps you stand out when approaching clients and editors!

Learn more: Enrol in a self-study program called ‘ The Freelance Travel Photographer Course ‘ with The Wandering Lens, aimed at developing your photography portfolio, industry knowledge + starting a freelance career.

Read more: ‘ How to Become a Professional Travel Photographer ‘

Having an online portfolio is essential when working as a freelance photographer, I used to actually carry around a printed album of my work and introduce myself in person (yikes, scary!) but thank goodness a well-written email introduction with a link to your work does the trick now.

Travel photography is quite a competitive market to work in however there is a constant need for content with social media, magazines, online travel guides, blogs, marketing materials, newspapers and so on all requiring regular updates and a fresh take on destinations.

If you’re looking to approach magazines to have your work published, it can be worthwhile to read the publication for a few months to get a feel for their style, what they publish and what regions they focus on throughout the year…more often than not they’ll be quite seasonal so you’ll need to time your pitch. You probably won’t find a photo or article about skiing on the shelves just before summer as an example.

A few tips for working as a freelance photographer:

• Build a portfolio of both published + personal work (I recommend the Premium plan on Wix.com , loved using it for my site!)
• Learn the art of pitching
• Ensure you have enough funds to support yourself if it’s a little slow getting clients
• Don’t take rejection as failure, you will get a lot of no’s whether you’re just starting out or established so get used to negative responses and learn to shine once you get a yes!
• Streamline your finances so you have a steady system in place for expenses/income

Exciting news – The Freelance Travel Photographer Course is a brand new online offering by The Wandering Lens.

#2 Destination Wedding Photographer

It may come as a surprise to some readers, but I actually owned a wedding photography (and landscape) business for six years on a tropical island in Australia. After the first two years on one very small (but beautiful!) island, I branched out and took enquiries for destination weddings, combining wedding photography with my addiction to travelling.

As a destination wedding photographer you’re typically booked by a couple to photograph their wedding day somewhere away from home. It could mean they’re travelling from their home to somewhere close to your base, or they may ask you to travel with them abroad to photograph their nuptials, aka the dream job.

I’ve photographed over 450 weddings and of those, many were destination weddings in places like Italy, France, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and on numerous islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The best part about working as a destination wedding photographer is that if you’re equally as passionate about travel and landscape photography as you are about weddings and portraits, then you get to combine the two and create magic for your clients!

I had a motto with my business that it was ‘blending love and landscapes’, a concept that attracted clients because my work wasn’t traditional and posed, it was relaxed and romantic mainly featuring the couple amongst a scene, enjoying their wedding day and exploring the destination. You can have a peek at my wedding portfolio here .

As a business, working as a wedding photographer abroad you need to ensure you have insurance, a good contract, price your packages to cover travel costs and just like working as a freelancer, you need to have the skills to market and manage plus a portfolio that allows couples to trust that you’ll cover their perfect day professionally.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to be professional when photographing a wedding. It may look pretty and calm on the outside but there’s a lot of pressure involved because the moments don’t happen twice so you’ll want to ensure you’re completely comfortable using your camera in any environment, are a pro at posing or relaxing your clients so they’re appearing natural and their most beautiful in front of the camera and that you’ve got all the equipment to photograph not just on the day, but to save back up and edit the images.

Tips for becoming a destination wedding photographer:

• Build a career as a wedding photographer in your local area
• Create an online portfolio of your wedding and travel images (I used Wix.com to create my portfolio site in a few hours)
• Network at wedding industry events with potential clients
• Approach destination wedding specialists (they may need to add to their list of recommended photographers)
• Be confident in your abilities as a photographer and ensure you know how to capture a wedding day from start to finish in all conditions!
• Advertise in bridal magazines, social media and ask your friends and family to spread the word if they know anyone heading abroad to get married.

#3 Resort Photographer

Many resorts whether they’re located on an island, a ski resort or are attached to a theme park will have resort photographer positions available. Typically they’ll be seasonal and are a great way to work your way around the world with the safety net of a fixed income and usually some discounted staff accommodation where most people holiday!

More often than not the positions will be quite casual, requiring a few hours work per day photographing people doing activities or you may be booked for family portraits, events or work in the photography store. This job probably won’t get you rich quick but it’s a fantastic way to improve your photography skills while working in a beautiful destination.

One of the first resort photography jobs I did was at Tangalooma Island Resort and every day was a mix between photographing people at the sand dunes, on quad bike tours (yes I got to ride one!) and then in the evening I’d shoot sunset portraits and photos in the water with wild dolphins. It’s a job that inspired a lot of what I do today and I’ll be forever grateful for the skills and people I met during the year I worked there.

Settings: ISO 200 (this was taken from a moving ski lift), f/3.5, 1/1600sec.

To find a resort photography job take a peek at online employment sites for the area you’re hoping to work. You may need to also look into working visas if you’re looking to work abroad but a number of countries have working holiday arrangements if you’re under 32 and casual work like a resort photographer is an ideal position for this type of visa!

The skill level required for a resort photography job is usually not too high as more often than not you’ll be working in a set environment so the camera settings and position won’t change too much. It’s a great job if you’re just starting out and will help build a lot of confidence as a photographer which you can then take on to bigger and more professional opportunities.

Tips for getting work as a resort photographer:

• Be flexible with starting dates, working hours and living conditions
• Show you’re a people person and can think on your feet
• Demonstrate an interest or skill in photography
• Research the resort/area you’re applying for
• Learn the basics of capturing action shots and portrait images

#4 Photojournalist

Possibly the most respected job in the travel photography realm, a photojournalist is quite similar to working as a freelance photographer however is associated more with commissioned work from publications or clients.

Photojournalism is traditionally relating to the coverage of an event, issue, subject or location that helps to shed light and tell a story for a newspaper, magazine, NGO or online publication. More often than not, people working as photojournalists are also journalists who can write a supporting story or provide in depth captions for their images. To work as a photojournalist who specializes in travel photography, you’ll want to have gained a lot of experience before applying for jobs or approaching editors as these are sought after gigs!

Work experience, internships or publishing your own photo features and stories on a website/blog can be a great way to get a foot in the door as a photojournalist. These steps will also help you to develop your style and skills as a photographer because you’ll be booked for your ability and proven results.

It can be helpful to have studied or have a background in journalism and then check with your local newspaper for openings within the journalism or photography departments. Online publications can also be a great place to build a portfolio of published work so once you feel you’ve got a solid skillset and have a story to tell, pitch it, there’s nothing to lose!

Also don’t forget to enter photography competitions as some include a commission and chance to have your work published! National Geographic runs a monthly ‘Your Sho t’ competition, and a number of other publications such as Wanderlust and Lonely Planet also regularly run talent based contests which can help get your work seen by editors. World Nomads offers regular travel photography scholarships that offer talented photographers a chance to learn from industry experts and have their work published! *Always check entry terms when submitting your images as some contests are run purely to grab content and don’t have the photographer’s rights in mind.

Tips for finding work as a photojournalist:

• Research the work of other photojournalists, see where they’re getting published.
• Find a niche or issue you’re passionate about
• Develop a consistent style that editors can come to rely on
• Network with writers, photographers and editors at social travel and/or publishing events

Read more: The Art of Telling Stories with your Photos

#5 Cruise Ship Photographer

Now this is a travel photography job for the more patient and seaworthy photographer…for obvious reasons. While you’ll be visiting a number of exotic ports, there’s a lot of time spent on board the cruise ship so before you follow this path, be sure you’re ready for time at sea, cramped staff cabins and repetitive working conditions.

Typical tasks as a cruise ship photographer include capturing portraits of guests on board, at dinners, doing activities and if you’re lucky, some adventures off the boat but more often than not, it’s focused around what happens on the ship itself. The size of ship can differ, there’s luxury yachts right through to the mega cruise liners and you’ll find it much easier to secure a job on board one of the big boys.

There are some very cool opportunities that exist on board expedition vessels, not just your typical cruise ship. It’s worth researching available opportunities with Arctic or Antarctic expedition cruises as they’ll have on board photographers to and these positions will be more focused on not only photographing guests but teaching them how to capture the stunning scenery you’ll pass.

It can be a great job to build your confidence and skills as a photographer and you’ll get very comfortable using flash as a lot of the time it’s a staged setting (on a traditional ship). Because you’re working with guests, there’s a lot of interaction with people so you’ll want to be comfortable socializing or looking to use this experience to bring you out of your shell a little. Take a peek at MSC’s career site to see job outlines relating to photography on a cruise ship.

A few things to check when applying for a cruise ship photography position:

• What are the hours you’ll work?
• What country is the cruise ship company based in, for visa/work permit purposes?
• What are the living arrangements like? Is it a shared cabin?
• Do you get sea sick? If so, visit your doctor to be prescribed some medication!
• Do you get to actually visit the locations the ship docks in? In my opinion there’s no point being a cruise ship photographer if all you get to see is the ship! Unless you like ships…

#6 Travel Blogger

Ever wanted to take full control of your career and release your creative projects into the world without having to wait for someone to approve them? Travel blogging may be just the thing for you!

Now firstly, take away all those ideas that a travel blogger only writes about ‘what I did on my holiday in Paris’, more often than not, bloggers are savvy and business-minded people and the blog is not only a creative outlet, but a full-time job. Travel blogging is a career path open to anyone from any background with one common interest, a love of travel and thanks to the good old internet, is a job that can be done absolutely anywhere…with a WIFI connection!

Technically you can turn your own travel blog into anything you want! You can publish hard hitting political pieces about destinations effected by war, environmental articles and images that highlight issues relating to climate change, or you can of course, focus on the travel experience, cultures and destinations both popular and more off the beaten path.

Now having a travel blog doesn’t mean you need to be an accomplished journalist or writer, you can be a photographer keen to have somewhere to publish your images. I started The Wandering Lens to write destination guides for photographers and while I have a background in journalism, I wanted the site to be very image heavy so people would be attracted to the visuals, not the words. I actually don’t love the word ‘blog’ and prefer to call it a guide or website because essentially, it’s a little library of content that sits online waiting for someone to type some golden search words into Google and discover my Destination Guides or Photo Tip archives.

Learn more – chat with me (Lisa) about your goals and I’ll personally suggest a path forward to learn faster and get started as a travel blogger and photographer! Email [email protected] and let’s chat about your career!

A blog can be a fantastic way to share some behind the scenes of your photography missions whether they’re personal or professional to document the destination or project. At first it may feel like you’re pressing publish and only your mum is taking a peek (Hi Mum!) but building an audience to follow your work is one of the essential elements of having a blog and does take time and patience.

Since The Wandering Lens started back in 2015 I’ve grown from just 100 visitors per month to over 125,000 and it’s incredible to finally see years of work paying off. There were definitely times when it just didn’t feel worth it and it takes a lot of work and a tonne of motivation to stick with it. You’ll also need to dedicate quite a bit of time to creating content, to actually do the travel part of having a travel blog! This sounds like the fun part but because you’re working for yourself, need to ensure that you’re sticking to a budget and not going bananas on the credit card to become a famous blogger…that’s never going to end well. Once you’re more established you can approach partners, tourism boards, tour operators and accommodation outlets to work in supporting your ventures to reduce costs but to do this you need to be able to prove there’s a benefit to them, eg. your blog needs a lot of visitors or you can provide them with high quality imagery.

You may hear a lot of people say that you can start a blog in just a matter of minutes, which is very true. However, to create a successful travel blog you need to continuously work on it and treat it as a business. There’s always new technical updates to install, HTML code, plugins, SEO, checking your domain name and server subscriptions are up to date not to mention writing, photographing, editing, creating a layout then working to make sure your posts are seen across social media or visible on Google.

If you love sharing stories, telling people where to find amazing places or simply just want an outlet to publish your images then building a travel blog is such a rewarding career path. Eventually you can aim to monetize your website via display advertising or affiliate income but when starting out, it’s important to lay a foundation of solid and informative content or inspiring imagery that make people want to visit your site again and again.

#7 An Influencer

Since the rise of social media, a career path has evolved that relates to creating content with the aim of ‘influencing’ others. I’m sure if you’ve got an Instagram account you’re well aware of who the influencers are, personally I still find it a little bizarre that people are out there pretending (in some cases, definitely not all), to live a certain way or use certain brands because they’re being paid to do so. I know that probably 70% (random figure) are genuine but that other chunk can make this career appear a tad questionable and from a business point of view, very risky, especially if it’s your only source of income.

Influencing is essentially marketing with a fancy new name and the game of promoting and selling things to people has been around for centuries, it’s now just a bit more obvious.  Combining travel photography with being an influencer is a no brainer because visual aids  are essential when selling a product or experience and the need for fresh content is never ending. Working as an influencer can mean collaborating with clients to showcase their product, creating content for them to use in their own marketing requirements or using your influence to support something meaningful or a creative project.

Read more: ‘ The Power of Instagram and how its Changing the Way we Travel ‘

There’s a lot of factors that come into working as an influencer and while it may look glamourous on the outside, there’s countless pitches, emails, negotiations, planning, research and creating that goes into taking that perfect photo. More often than not people will judge an influencer solely on their images but forget about how much time and effort went into the set up and production, something you’ll need to perfect in order to become a professional influencer.

Read more: ‘ The Best Apps for Travel Photographers ‘

I’m a little old school but of course have social media and due to my following on Instagram @the_wanderinglens , I’m often considered an influencer despite the fact I have no fashion sense or rarely show myself on camera. Starting to consider yourself an influencer usually comes down to numbers, the amount of likes and engagement you receive and also, your message…which is the part I’m much more comfortable with. Being an influencer has many, many positives because once you’ve built a large following (or small and super engaged) and audience, you can use it for good. A lot of what I share relates to revealing beautiful places to photograph, creative photo tips for people to use on their travels and very soon I’ll be sharing content from a project I’m photographing that highlights destinations impact by climatic conditions and environmental issues. There’s a number of influencers currently involved in sustainable tourism projects, clean ups, wildlife conservation and charitable initiatives which is something that’s on the increase and a wonderful outcome from the world of social media.

One thing I do want to mention about becoming an influencer is that due to the ever changing algorithms and lack of control you actually have over how your content is delivered, it can be quite a risky career move. Instead, combine social media with another element of your business such as travel blogging, travel writing and travel photography to give yourself a better chance of a stable income and more opportunities.

There are a lot of courses available online that promise to ‘help you become an influencer’ but really, you need to follow these few steps:

• Create beautiful and original content
• Engage with other users on social media
• Have a message and/or tell a story within your posts
• Curate and publish a consistent body of work ( read more about this here )
• Lastly, get lucky. Sure it requires a lot of work but sometimes it’s all about luck too!
• Be responsible, being an influencer means you’re influencing trends and behaviour so take that fact seriously

Do you have any questions about working as a travel photographer?

Leave comment below and I’ll do my best to answer!

Keen to learn more with The Wandering Lens?

If you’re eager to improve your photography, explore your creative talents and even perhaps work in the industry, you’ll find self-study courses and a library of eBooks and Workbooks via The Wandering Lens store. I’ve developed online resources for photographers, creatives, dreamers, adventurers, travellers and freelancers. If that sounds like you, maybe we should connect and chat about your photography goals! These creative courses and resources bring together my 17+years of experience and lessons from working in the industry. I want to see others share their talents and get published, sell prints, find clients – to have the confidence to achieve whatever it is you want to within the field of photography. Get in touch via [email protected] if you’d like to chat about your photography!

SELF-STUDY COURSES – ONLINE LEARNING, WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE

You’ll find The Freelance Travel Photographer Course guides you through the process of getting ready to work in the industry, teaches you about pricing, professionalism and how to get published and find clients! If you’re keen to start a little slower, The 3-Week Composition Reset program is a great way to refresh your approach to photography, learn new composition skills and find your style as a photographer.

Want to work as a travel photographer yourself?

To learn more about becoming a travel photographer, join me for an 8-week online course called The Freelance Travel Photographer Course , where I share anything and everything you need to know to succeed in the industry, based on my 17+yrs as a professional travel photographer. Alternatively, you can register to receive my free email series focused on travel photography as a career. Register for the free travel photography email series here.

*This article contains relevant affiliate links to sites I recommend and from which I would make a small commission if you opt to use their products.

Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens. With 17+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.

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Blog comments.

Brennen Tope

May 11, 2019 at 3:32 am

Thanks for the post! I’ve been interested in traveling more with my camera and this will give me ideas for how to support that.

airlie beach accommodation

February 27, 2020 at 8:58 pm

really cool website

April 13, 2020 at 7:18 pm

I have finished my +1,+2, in India. Now I wish to take degree in IITTM (INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TOURISM AND MANAGEMENT) in Nellore. Iam very much instrested on wild life photography and travelling photography. Do we have any chances in this. I request to kindly look into my matter.

Trisha pragassa

April 19, 2020 at 7:50 pm

Hello Lisa. My name is Trisha and I am currently in high school but preparing to go to university. I wish to undertake a course that will in turn let me pursue a career concerning travel, photography or/and geography. I was hoping you could give me some advice because I am running out of options on what I can do. If possible please help me out with my predicament. Thank you.

Lisa Michele Burns

May 7, 2020 at 3:41 pm

Hi Trisha, great to hear you’re keen to get involved within the photography and travel industries. There are so many career paths you can take that it really depends on what you want to focus on. One tip I would give, is to include some element of business and/or marketing studies in there because if you’re running your own business whether it’s focused on travel or photography, having these skills will give you a head start! Best of luck 🙂

July 8, 2020 at 7:25 pm

Thank you for great article. There are also lot of people on worldee who takes professional photos and travel.

Zach McConnell

December 14, 2020 at 10:12 pm

Awsome – this gave me so much clarity

Ivvor Rocha

January 25, 2021 at 3:09 pm

thanks for sharing

Jacqueline L. Pollock

May 31, 2021 at 8:45 pm

I remember how excited I was when I first started posting on instagram. I finally had a platform to get my work seen, tell my stories, share my life and get inspired by those of others. It was all about creativity and art and The Work, it was fair and ethical and just awesome! Things have changed a lot since, and now I often find myself feeling sick to my stomach when I have to post a new picture!

June 11, 2021 at 3:49 am

Thanks for sharing such an informative website. your all article really greats.

July 6, 2021 at 1:44 am

Thank you for the information. It is very informative. I am just beginning my journey as a travel blogger/photographer and am so excited and a little overwhelmed at everything there is to learn. I have a long way to go but believe anything good in life comes with a price. Good luck to your future endeavors. Who knows, maybe one day we must get the opportunity to meet in person.

LA Photo Party

July 12, 2021 at 4:54 pm

Great Blog. Thanks for Sharing.

Lisa Hughes

October 18, 2021 at 3:33 am

Hi Lisa, I enjoyed reading your blog. I am just getting started as a travel agent and wondered if you know of some study programs with travel photography and writing combined. Or can you suggest some other route to learn more about photojournalism. Lisa

July 2, 2022 at 7:07 pm

Hi Lisa, apologies for the delay in replying to your comment! Combining work as a travel agent with photography/travel writing is so ideal. I actually came from a similar career path and studied tourism operations and management before moving into journalism. I’ve got a self-study program available online that works through the steps of improving your photography, creating a portfolio and exploring ways in which to freelance, start a blog or sell prints via your blog/website. You’re welcome to reach out via email ([email protected]) and chat further if you like!

Vivian Kent

August 17, 2023 at 5:43 pm

Thank you so much for sharing these invaluable insights on travel photography jobs! Your article has not only inspired me but also provided practical advice that I can apply to my own journey in the world of photography. Your tips are a treasure trove for aspiring photographers like me who dream of combining their passion for travel with their love for capturing stunning moments. Your generosity in sharing your experiences is truly appreciated. Looking forward to more of your incredible content!

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How to Get a Photography Internship in 2024 (Proven Tips)

Getting work experience from professional photographers is one of the fastest ways to improve your skills and advance your photography career.

Learn | By Jeff Collier

Shotkit may earn a commission on affiliate links. Learn more.

A photography internship allows students to work closely with a professional photographer to gain work experience and expand their knowledge.

An internship can help fast-track your photography career, giving you the boost needed when looking for work in this competitive field.

Learn how to network with photographers, write your cover letter, and learn everything you need to know about applying for a photography internship in 2024.

I used to work a lot with photography interns on projects and loved sharing my expertise with those willing to learn.

All of my knowledge is included here for you to understand what to expect and how to get a photography internship quickly.

Table of Contents

How to Get a Photography Internship in 2024

There are many ways to find a photography internship, including networking and directly contacting photographers you want to work with.

Here are some of the best tips to help you get a photography internship this year:

Send an Introductory Email

Credit: Cottonbro Studio

Write an email similar to a cover letter introducing yourself to the photographer.

The email should indicate why you should be given an opportunity to be a photography intern, information about who you are and what photography experience you already possess.

When sending out this email, choose a photographer or employer that most interests you so you can gain the experience and knowledge you need as a photographer.

Practice Your Elevator Speech

Credit: Ekaterina Bolovtsova

When approaching a potential employer, you want to have your introduction as polished and professional as possible.

Write down your elevator speech, keeping everything brief but concise, and practice in front of a mirror or with friends.

Have Photography Samples Ready

Credit: Marcelo Chagas

Depending upon the employer and the nature of your internship, you might be asked to show some samples of your work during the interview process.

A strong portfolio should showcase your talent and what you have already learned.

Printing out a portfolio or creating a lookbook can provide you with something physical you can give photographers, or you can choose to create a digital portfolio.

You do not need to pay for an expensive website to post your photographic sample, but if you want, you could use a free online app, such as Pixieset, to send sample galleries of your photos.

• How to make a photography portfolio

Be Excited and Eager to Learn Photography Skills

Credit: Matheus Bertelli

No one wants a photography intern who dreads coming to work, and employers are looking for interns who are eager and willing to learn.

During your interview, be excited about the internship and ask lots of questions to show your interest in the experience and the photographer you hope to work with.

• What are the best photography schools?

Consider Relocating

Credit: Blue Bird

Sometimes a photography internship is unavailable in your hometown or nearby city.

Because of this, some students need to relocate to a larger city where they can access many more opportunities.

We understand this is not always an option, especially if you are not financially able to do so, but if you can afford to move to a new city or find a paid internship paying enough for you to move, it might be worth the change.

Credit: Picjumbocom

You will be up against many other photography students who are looking for an internship and may be applying with the same photographers as you are.

Take time to research each photographer you are interested in learning from, and keep a list, so you are prepared with a backup plan if your first choice is not an option.

• What are the best online photography classes? 

5 Tips for Getting a Paid Photography Internship

Most summer photography internships are unpaid because you learn how to build a professional skill set; however, getting a paid photography internship is possible. You just need to know how to find it.

So, how do you find a paid photography internship? Here are some ideas to help you:

1. Network Early

Start networking with professional photographers early to learn who offers paid internships and to make yourself stand out during the intern application process.

2. Career Centers

Many universities or adult learning centers have a career center, which can provide you with a career coach to help you pinpoint paid internships, including photography internships abroad.

3. Cast a Wide Net

Check with everyone you know, including your parents, academic advisors, friends, and family, to see who may know someone in their networks looking for a paid intern.

4. Internship Fairs

Colleges, community centers, and other venues host internship fairs, which may include vendors in the photography field who you can speak with and learn about their unpaid or paid internship programs.

You may even learn more about an international internship that will take you to other countries where you will gain valuable experiences.

5. Ask for It

If you accept an unpaid or paid internship, don’t be afraid to ask for compensation beyond an hourly wage, such as reimbursement for expenses and travel pay.

What are the advantages of taking part in a photography internship program?

Credit: Ron Lach

Photography internships provide many benefits for students seeking to gain work experience and expand their photographic knowledge.

Taking part in photography internships is one of the best ways to fast-track a photography career and can help you develop technical, practical, and networking skills.

Serious photography students can benefit from an in-person internship, where they will receive real-world and hands-on experience, which is not typically gained from formal education.

Photography internships abroad provide travel experience for students looking to travel the world and learn from the best photographers in some of the top cities around the world.

Other advantages of taking part in a photography internship program may include the following:

• Gain photo editing skills, including using Adobe Creative Suite
• Build your portfolio and resume
• Learn marketing and advertising skills
• Build your self-confidence as a photographer
• Learn about the behind-the-scenes work
• Get paid or receive college credit
• Gain valuable work experience
• Practice handling equipment
• Gain valuable photography studio experience

What do you do at a photography internship?

Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko

As an intern, you are a low man on the totem pole, which means you can expect to conduct some entry-level work, including making appointments, scheduling travel arrangements, and filing.

Depending on your internship job description, you may also spend a lot of time running errands, getting coffee, posting on social media, helping stylists, and setting up lighting equipment.

How many days a week you work or how often you will attend photo shoots vary by the photographer and company you are interning with.

Some photographers only shoot once or twice a week, while others, such as portrait photographers, shoot daily in the photo studio.

Ultimately you will be put to work wherever you are needed, but don’t worry, you are there to learn, and they know it.

You will have plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experiences to help you with your career goals.

How do I write a cover letter for a photography internship?

Writing the perfect cover letter for a photography internship provides others with a snapshot of your career as you share a personal and professional story about yourself.

The cover letter is meant to help you stand out from hundreds of other college students seeking the same internship.

Don’t rewrite your resume. Instead, highlight your passions, dedication, and eagerness to learn more about photography.

Some tips to help you write a fantastic cover letter include the following: 

• 1st paragraph: Open with a fun story about yourself, why you got into photography, and why this internship is the perfect fit for you.
• 2nd paragraph: Introduce your background and experience, which you will bullet point below.
• 3rd paragraph/closing: Let the photographer know where to see your portfolio and how eager you are to learn from them and their team.

What Type of Photography is Best for a Career?

Credit: Leah Kelley

Being a professional photographer is an exciting life, and your career will often have you traveling, meeting new people, and gaining unique experiences each day you work.

Within the professional photography field, there are several genres you can work within, including product, model, portraiture, or wildlife photography .

The most important thing to consider when looking for a photography career is to work shooting subjects you enjoy working with.

Photographers do earn a decent salary , and some of the highest-paying photography jobs include:

• Fashion Photography
• Commercial Photography
• Wedding Photography
• Photojournalism
• Portrait Photography
• Freelance Photography
• Food Photography
• Landscape & Nature Photography
• Medical Photography
• Film Set Photography
• Sports Photography
• Real Estate Photography
• Photographer’s assistant

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

Includes limited-time discounts.

Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.

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Photography Internships: In Travel

Photography internships in travel and volunteer opportunities abroad.

Show someone a beautiful, colorful film or photograph if you want to grab their attention and keep them there. Tess Flanders, a newspaper editor, suggested in 1911 that journalists and publicists use photography internships. The phrase “It’s worth a thousand Words” has been repeated and misquoted many times since then. However, it still rings true.

Professionals in the visual arts are needed for many reasons. Video and photographs are a part of our DNA. Vision is the primary way your brain processes information. 20 percent of your brain goes to this purpose. Vision is accompanied by the ability to see colors, which can increase recall of information by as much as 82 percent. Photography internships are available for high school students. Volunteer opportunities for practicing artists are also available. Journalism internships are available for college students.

Intern Abroad Headquarters offers internships for college and graduate students. They offer top-notch internships around the world, from media and communications in Greece to event and PR management in Bali.

Global Leadership Adventures is a great option for teens and high school students. The organization offers a hands-on learning experience and professional photographers for its community service projects. While abroad, you’ll be able to attend lectures and participate in workshops. This organization offers opportunities to travel to India, Peru, and Cuba.

African Impact also offers photography internships . You will be able to go on safaris with amazing animals like elephants, lions and antelope. This internship is a great opportunity to improve your landscape photography skills and animal portraiture, and raise awareness about conservation.

South Africa Photography Internship

African Impact’s creative professionals will help you gain experience in photographing wildlife, people and landscapes in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area. While you are assisting wildlife projects in South Africa, this internship will allow you to work with professional photographers to improve and develop your skills.

Your photography  internships will allow you to create a stunning portfolio of photos that show your talent and raise awareness about conservation. The internship will give you experience in the pre-visualization, production and editing of photos. During this internship, you’ll learn more about South Africa’s animals and their habitats as well as the challenges they face. You will not only be photographing, but you will also edit the photos you have taken and improve the image.

Global Nomadic

Global Nomadic was founded in 2009 and has placed over 10,000 people in meaningful volunteer programs, internships, TEFL classes, and research projects in over 40 countries. The organization provides projects that cover everything from wildlife rehabilitation and environmental conservation to human rights and social sustainability. Global Nomadic is a company that helps young professionals to develop William Kofron Photography research and internship projects that will enhance their careers. You can check out their various summer journalism internships.

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We offer over 150 exciting projects across 4 continents and 32 countries. If you aren’t sure where you would like to have an experience of a lifetime then please use the program finder below.

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FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY

Join Kaya as a film or photography intern and showcase the work of NGOs and their projects through your lens. Utilize your creativity and technical abilities to enhance your professional portfolio.

Film & Photography Internships

Use your photography and film skills by interning with Kaya on a film or photography placement. Support community initiatives, environmental programs and NGOs by helping them promote their work and enhance their communications through film and image. With thousands of projects doing important work but lacking the resources to capture it effectively, you can make a difference by bringing your unique style and creativity to the table.

You can participate in activities such as creating portfolios for project beneficiaries, capturing wildlife or communities for social media, and producing short videos for websites or YouTube. Join us on a film or photography internship in Africa’s Big 5 in Greater Kruger, Cape Town, or Belize’s film camp , aimed at inspiring young people.

A creative eye and a camera are all you need to join us on this internship opportunity. Use your skills to produce impactful, emotional, and informative images, allowing projects to better communicate their stories and improve their sustainability.

Our Film & Photography Internships

Refine your photography skills, enhance your CV and help create impactful images for a local NGO in Cape Town

Multimedia internship in Peru to develop your CV/resume and help while supporting biodiversity conservation

Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

A Sincere Guide on How to Be a Travel Photographer

• By Nicholas Tinelli
• July 14, 2020
• Last Updated: July 5, 2024

How to Be a Travel Photographer and live off your passion?

This idea fascinated me since I was young, when I dreamt among the pages of National Geographic with the images and stories that led me to live exciting imaginary adventures in faraway places.

I’m sure that, If you’re reading this article, you probably feel the same emotions and want to develop your passion and go one step further as a Professional Travel Photographer .

I’ll tell you a secret: it’s not as simple as many people think, but it’s not impossible either. It is absolutely worth it and in this guide I will explain step by step how to get results and improve over time , with dedication and patience.

My photography journey began a long time ago, first as an amateur, in my spare time, and now as a professional.

It is a process of personal discovery, still in progress, that keeps generating emotions and changing my life, allowing me to combine my greatest passions.

After this brief introduction, we are ready to dive into the first part of this guide on How to Be a Travel Photographer . If you are not interested in reading the entire guide, use the table of contents below to move between topics. 

What is Travel Photography?

Travel Photography is a very broad genre, including landscapes, portraits, wildlife,culture, food, architecture, documentary/reportage, events, and advertising related to the tourism industry.

From a more human point of view, we can consider it as a means to share moments, stories that tell the essence of a place , of a culture , that transmit emotions and take us on an imaginary journey.

Can you make a living from Travel Photography?

Of course, even if competence is higher than in the past and there are already many images in circulation, there is always a need for new material and creative people in the world.

The possibilities are two:

• Work for someone (for example a magazine or an agency);
• Start as a freelancer, independently.

In my case, I decided to opt for the second choice and build my own space.

For some time now I have been dedicating myself to travel stock photography, as a contributor for AWL Images , obtaining good results and publications.

I also began to propose myself with Photoshoot Buenos Aires , a portrait service for travelers, and started teaching through courses and tailor-made experiences in the capital with Photo Tours in Buenos Aires .

In addition, I offer Editorial & Commercial Photography services for hotels, resorts, personalities and tourism institutions. 

All this with the warm support of my students and people close to me, which is fundamental on a mental plane and important to receive constructive feedback and continue to improve.

The key to growing your business and become a Professional Travel Photographer is first of all to diversify your services (staying in the same niche), without expecting everything to work at the beginning and setting yourself short term goals .

Slowly you will understand what works best and what doesn’t. The important thing is that what you do reflects you and your personality.

At first it is never easy, there is a lot to learn and some expenses to take into account, but if you stick to the guidelines that I will show you next, result of my personal experience, you can live this change with more awareness.

How much does a Travel Photographer make?

It is not easy to define the Travel Photographer’s salary in numbers. It really depends on the type of service you offer, the connections you manage to generate, how you promote your work, and who supports what you do.

If a great name like National Geographic sponsors your work, the results are guaranteed.

The Characteristics of a Travel Photographer

Usually, a Travel Photographer has certain characteristics that serve to deal with situations that can be very different from those in which one is accustomed to the everyday environment and help to relate to others.

Respect and Humility

The journey often involves meeting with situations of extreme poverty and people willing to offer us the few things they have to show hospitality.

As well as cultures and societies that live differently from us, with aspects that we may not agree.

The Travel Photographer must be able to approach these realities with humility and respect , not only because it is the right way to relate to others, but also because this attitude will open up many more possibilities.

It is a sign of great nobility and you will get the gratitude of the people you meet along the way.

Mental and Physical Strength

The Travel Photographer must get used to moving for hours and hours with different means of transport, on planes, trains, or a nice Tuk Tuk!

You will often have to complete the work in a limited time, without being able to take any breaks. In addition, you will have to deal with long queues, temperature changes, language barriers, health problems, etc..

All of which can be stressful in the long run.

For this reason you need a good physical and mental preparation , which will help you to live your profession with serenity.

Good Language Skills

A minimum knowledge of languages helps you move around better.

For sure, You could always rely on a translator, but many times the budget doesn’t allow it, so it’s convenient to be able to ” arrange ” in some other way.

Already with English, Spanish and French you will cover a good part of the world and on occasion you can rely on a local guide, which in any case, especially when it comes to ethnic photography, is always an ideal choice to approach another culture.

See also: Ethnic portrait in Travel Photography

Flexibility and Reliability

Get ready to cover a traveling event, a documentary assignment from a magazine, or any other task with a last-minute change.

In real life you get as organized as possible, but the unexpected is always around the corner.

Especially if you work as a freelancer , it won’t be enough to be a good photographer, you’ll also have to show flexibility in your schedule, reliability in the field and in the delivery of work.

It’s a quality that every photographer should have, not just a travel one. I’ll never get tired of repeating it, try to be creative.

There is always a high demand for original content and creativity is the most important skill , which also depends on your preparation and inspiration.

See also: 6 Helpful Exercises to Improve Your Photographic Eye

Get Up Early!

It’s not a quality, it’s a suggestion. Local life starts before dawn and you don’t know how many things you’re missing by staying under the blankets. Get used to getting up early and taking advantage of the best light hours .

See also: 10 mistakes that a travel photographer should not make

Below you will find a list of 16 steps , consider it as a “checklist”. Print it out and review it over time, keeping track of your progress.

There are many paths you can follow to Become a Travel Photographer and each one will add something extra to your experience.

Behind the success there is above all a great effort, dictated by passion, study, practice and experience .

A trial and error that depends on you, as well as other factors: your geographical location and the working relationships that you will develop along your career.

Step 1 - Ask Yourself Some Questions

What do I like? What kind of Travel Photographer do I want to be?

To understand How to Be a Travel Photographer and answer to these key questions it is important to move towards a choice that is a result of your personality, of what you really like.

Maybe you want to work as a Humanitarian Photographer or Photojournalist and cover events in difficult areas of the planet to tell a story.

Or maybe you want to photograph for large hotel chains or tourism-related businesses, be a Wedding Destination Photographer or even just share your passion with others.

There is an important difference between one case and the other, and you will have to take it into account from the beginning.

See also: Inspiring Interview with Gavin Gough, Humanitarian Photographer

Don’t You Have a Clear Idea?

Start working on what you’re most passionate about and gradually, with experience, you’ll understand what is the right path for you .

Step 2 - The Travel Photographer Gear

The weight of the equipment is a key element for the travel photographer. Less weight, less effort, and easier mobility when travelling.

The difficulty lies in maintaining a good balance between weight and quality, since in general, especially in optics, “weight” is also a synonym for quality .

Where do we store the equipment? What is the ideal bag for a Travel Photographer?

In my case, I’ve been traveling for a long time with a “Think Thank” photo trolley, custom-designed to be carried as hand luggage and indispensable to transport all the equipment I need.

Once at destination I choose only part of the necessary gear according to the type of activity I am going to do , placing everything in a Lowepro backpack, well-padded and with rain protection.

The type of equipment clearly depends on what photos you want to do.

If you’re into documentary photography, for example, you might want to go for a Mirrorless camera with a short focal length lens (like 50mm), a combination that’s not invasive when approaching people.

If you’re focused on landscapes and sell prints instead, you’ll probably need a camera with a large sensor to maintain high quality, a carbon tripod, solid and lightweight for travel, at least a wide-angle lens and a good set of ND filters.

Study your equipment and get to know it well to get the most out of it on journey.

If you’ve just dived into the world of travel photography, check the article below about the essential equipment to get started .

See also: Essential equipment for getting started with Travel Photography

Are you worried about safety during the trip with expensive equipment?

You’re right to think so.

In a place you don’t know you’ll have to be even more careful, ask the local people for advice before you go and perhaps insure your equipment .

I’ve been relying on World Nomads for a long time, which offers good coverage for photographers.

Step 3 - Learn Travel Photography

This point is often overlooked. The truth is that you never stop learning and even the best photographers always need to study and update in order to remain active in an ever-changing market.

Personally, I started training myself with photography manuals, on my own, by reading. Then, over time, I realized courses with other photographers, even those not related to travel photography, to have a wider vision of the topic.

I especially like to imagine, looking at a picture, what the photographer did to get it and I don’t give up until I understand it.

To date I continue to study, learn and teach through my courses, to try to convey my personal experience . From travel photography, to color theory, post-production, composition, portrait, the study of light. etc.

Study takes time, but it is fundamental, as well as practice . If you can’t travel that much, start photographing locally , maybe some festivals, portraits and landscapes around home.

You will be able to put what you have learned into practice and get to know your equipment better.

TIP : Taking part in a Travel Photography Workshop will exponentially increase your skills, with the practice, experience and support of a professional photographer. An amazing experience to learn photography.

Step 4 - Get Inspired By Other Travel Photographers

See also: 8 travel photography books to get inspired.

This will also help you realize what kind of travel photography you are looking for.

The Travel Photographer Job requires commitment and sacrifice, but first of all passion and inspiration for what you do.

The photos will speak for you!

Step 5 - Develop Your Own Style

To learn How to Become a Travel Photographer you will first have to understand what you like. That’s why it is important to study the work of other professionals.

Gradually decide how you want to show yourself to your audience : through the use of color or black & white, or maybe you want to make your portraits known only through the use of natural light, or on the contrary, with studio lights.

Whatever the case, this choice will help others to recognize your photos more easily, thanks to a Unique and Particular Style .

See also: Black and White vs Color Photography

Therefore, the study of technique and post-production is fundamental, in order to maintain a homogeneous work.

TIP : don’t worry so much about trends, they come and go. Do what you like, follow your own style.

Step 6 - Produce Content, Build An Effective Portfolio

To generate interest in a client and start earning money you will first have to produce content related to what you want to do and then organize it into a portfolio .

Consider it your business card. You will often need it and it will demonstrate, at least at first glance, your experience and professionalism as a photographer.

The portfolio represents the best of your work , choose a few images, but powerful. Try to be critical and improve it over time. Personally, I decided to divide it into themed galleries , but you can present it in different forms, depending on your style.

Nowadays it should be enough for you to present your portfolio in digital format, through a website or Instagram . If necessary, in any case, you can always create a physical copy, printed on paper.

In order to be able to improve your travel photography portfolio over time, try to keep your photos organized , as the number of images has increased considerably with digital photography and you may find it difficult to retrieve what you need when you need it.

TIP: when travelling, take a wide selection of your portfolio with you on an external drive or in the cloud.

It’s possible that a client will get in touch with you and need a quick response, and it’s convenient to have more material with you to show them before they look for another photographer.

See also: How to Build a Photography Portfolio

Step 7 - participate in travel photography internships.

You need to produce new content. You already photographed a lot around home and now, you feel ready to expand your vision.

You’re on your way!!

An interesting idea to grow your portfolio and at the same time live a wonderful experience abroad is to participate in a Travel Photography Internship .

In this way, you will be able to participate in different projects worldwide, ranging from community volunteering and conservation of flora, fauna, and environment, to teaching, human rights, and photojournalism.

Here are some example of companies that organize this kind of activity:

• Global Nomadic
• African Impact
• Global Leadership Adventures
• Intern Abroad HQ
• Frontier Gap
• Projects Abroad

You will be part of a team, meet new people, acquire new skills and make a great contribution to the community.

There are many projects and destinations available. Check carefully what best suits your needs and interests . You will approach situations that were previously just a distant dream.

It will be the beginning of a new adventure and an important step in your career as a professional travel photographer.

Once you have collected the material you will have a more solid portfolio and more chances to be accepted in large multimedia content agencies.

Step 8 - Create a Logo

A beautiful logo identifies your business , has an impact on the public and helps to show your professionalism .

Try to be creative and if you can’t design it yourself, rely on an experienced freelancer and not on a generic logo design service.

Step 9 - Build a Website

A simple and clear website, not only improves your presence as a professional , but is also the ideal way to show your portfolio .

Try to take care of the aesthetics, says a lot about you as a photographer .

Depending on the commitment you want to put into it and your interest in getting results, you will be faced with important choices:

What system do I use to build it?

Personally I chose WordPress (the .org version, be careful!   wordpress.com is not the same thing), a development ecosystem that allows me a good dose of freedom .

I can do most of the “routine” work on my own and rely on a developer if I need to do something more complex.

Other platforms, like Wix , Squarespace or Weebly allow, through a “drag and drop” system, to build a website easily, but in reality the limitations are many and at a certain point you find yourself forced to a change.

Perhaps with the need to implement a function that is not yet available or continuous problems with the layout.

The third option is to rely on a web developer to build it directly in code and possibly a designer , two fundamental figures if you decide to take this path.

It may be a bit more expansive, but you will certainly get a completely customized job.

Where do I buy the domain?

Choosing the hosting for your website

Think about SEO

SEO (“Search Engine Optimization”) is an important factor if you want your customers to find you in organic form by entering keywords related to your business on Google or other search engines.

The choice of platform you use to build your site will also affect SEO. The advantage of WordPress.org is that you can optimize your OnPage SEO easily using plugins like Yoast or RankMath .

TIP: Search “Travel Photographer Website” on Google to find inspiration from the work of other professionals in your own niche.

Step 10 - Improve Your SEO

Now that you’ve got yourself in the game with a website, you’ll have to think about improving your SEO .

You can do this for example by creating valuable content for your blog or developing your social networks .

There’s a lot to learn on the subject and you’ll find interesting articles to start with in Yoast and RankMath’s blog.

Step 11 - Develop your presence in Social Media

Never before have social networks been so important. Don’t exaggerate trying to run many social profiles .

I recommend you to invest your efforts on Instagram and YouTube as a professional photographer. They’re two channels that can give you more results.

Remember that achieving success on social media is not easy, but it’s worth a try.

Instagram Tips:

• Don’t rely on services that promise paid followers, it’s an unfair and useless technique that doesn’t produce results. Instead, try to get them to follow you for who you are. You’ll have fewer followers, but obtained organically, of greater value .
• Search among your “Competitors” and find relevant “Hashtags” with your niche that can better position you with the Instagram algorithm.
• Reply to comments and engage with people related to your niche to build relationships.
• Tag travel and photography brands , as well as tourism agencies.
• Use the “Geo-Tag” in posts and stories.
• In addition to images, using quality video content in the feed and stories can increase your chances of success.
• Take care of your “Feed” style and optimize your “Bio” and “Highlight Stories”.

Don’t get obsessed!

Social Media requires great effort, just try to do your best and, if you really want to do things properly seek the advice of an experienced freelancer who can give you useful tips to organize your social strategy .

Step 12 - Promote Yourself, Search for New Clients

Now that you have everything in order and can present yourself professionally, it’s time to make yourself even more known and go looking for new customers.

Try to promote your work first among family and friends, and then with small local businesses.

Especially these days, with social networks, everyone is looking for a better way to introduce themselves to their audience and the need to renew their image.

Have a look at my commercial service for companies and individuals to get an idea.

Tip: Get a certification on Google My Business (you can do it even without having a physical direction).

Optimize your account properly to improve your local SEO , allowing more customers to discover your business. In addition to this, you can also register in some photographers’ directories.

Work on your website, SEO and social networks should already give you results and visibility.

If in any case you feel that this is not enough, you can promote your business through advertising on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube or Google Ads .

Tip: At least at the beginning you should rely on the advice of an expert in Digital Marketing . This way you will avoid throwing money away.

Optimizing a campaign without the necessary knowledge is not easy.

Step 13 - Enter a Travel Photography Contest

It takes time and concentration, but participating and achieving results in a travel photography contest can increase your visibility exponentially , with all the benefits that follow.

Photo Contest Insider is a source where you can stay up to date with the latest news from the competition front.

Tip: Read the rules well and make sure that the contest organizers respect the rights of the photographer and that by giving your consent you do not allow a perpetual and free use of your images.

Step 14 - Get Your Work Published

I remember the first time one of my pictures was published in National Geographic . As soon as I heard about it, I exploded with happiness.

As a photographer, there is no better recognition and it means that your work is considered professional .

Getting a publication is a great achievement and possibly the first of many.

Unless you work directly for a magazine or an agency, as a freelancer you will have two paths to follow to increase your chances of being published :

1. Contribute to Stock Agencies

Participating actively with your images in stock agencies will take up your time, you’ll need to make sure you offer quality images and “tag” them correctly.

Over time you will get important publications that will help you promote your business .

There are many image stock libraries on the market.

Generally divided into:

• Premium Stock  

2. Pitch a Story to a Magazine

This is another effective method to obtain publications, although it takes a lot of time and preparation. In this case you will need to create a direct contact with a journalist or editor . So try to be prepared, friendly and professional.

Also keep in mind that a publisher receives a lot of emails a day and yours may get lost for some reason. Insist without exaggeration, let some time pass in the case and send it again. If at the second chance you don’t get a reply, forget it.

You’ll have to put together a sellable story , that includes text and photos. If writing is not your strong point, get help from a professional copywriter , you’ll find plenty on Fiverr.

Tip: Do an accurate research . This means reading other articles published by the magazine carefully, analyzing its style and the audience it addresses.

Take a look at Wanderlust Magazine’s guidelines to better understand how to move and create important and lasting working relationships.

Step 15 - Sell Prints

There’s nothing like seeing your artwork printed . Selling prints can help you earn more money and make your work more popular.

You can do it in different ways. Start by offering this service to family and friends, and then you can do it through your website and social networks. Have a look at my Fine Art prints page to get an idea.

Another option is to offer your work to local galleries , it will help you to create an important space as a photographer and artist .

Step 16 - Teach and Organize Travel Photography Workshops

Once you have reached maturity as a Travel Photographer , you will also be ready to pass on your knowledge and passion to others.

You will be able to teach and organize courses in person and online, and form a group that will grow over time.

You can also provide  Photography Workshops.

I personally offer Travel Photography Workshops in Argentina . This allows me to travel even more, produce more content and give a unique experience to other enthusiasts like me.

TIP: There are already many groups of photographers who organize this kind of activity on the market, try to propose yourself showing them your solid experience , they might be interested in expanding their proposal.

See also: Travel Photography Workshops: Guide to the Best Choice

Step 17 - the importance of storytelling.

You have reached the final step of this guide on How to Be a Travel Photographer . You almost made it!

Last but not least: the importance of visual storytelling. A travel photographer must be able to convey emotion , through the use of composition, light, colors, and telling a story, involving the public .

It is the soul of this work and gives meaning to what we do.

Take example from photographers who dominate storytelling and capture the attention of their audience, such as GMB K Akash , who tells with extraordinary images the harsh street reality of Bangladesh or Ami Vitale , who has long been dedicated to the conservation of rhinos in Africa.

If you can communicate with your audience not only with images, but also through your experience and use of words, you will have achieved the greatest of results .

How to Be a Travel Photographer - Final Notes

Finally, I must say that I enjoyed writing this guide on How to Be a Travel Photographer , which I hope you found useful.

The references to external sites and photographers have no commercial purpose, they are the result of my personal experience and if I have included them is because I believe they are really valuable .

The Travel Photographer’s career is very attractive but certainly not easy to pursue. Think of it this way: you’re following your passion and it’s not a waste of time .

Don’t be in a hurry, try to understand what you want, put into practice the points I have described gradually and above all: Have fun on the way!

On my side, I will continue to keep this guide updated over time, so that I can always share relevant information and hopefully add a few more travel photography tips.

If you have any comments I’d love to read them.

Stay up to date with the latest articles and news from the blog.

• guide , travel , travel photographer , travel photography

Nicholas Tinelli

2 thoughts on “a sincere guide on how to be a travel photographer”.

I’ve been following your blog content with interest for a while. Until now, I have always been photographing as an amateur, but I would like to be able to pursue a professional career. Thank you for providing this guide and your experience. I was wondering, what camera and lenses do you use?

Thank you, Thomas, for taking the time to read it and leaving a comment. I really hope the guide will be helpful. Actually, I’m photographing with a Canon 5DSR, a great camera body. As for the lenses, I don’t separate myself from the 24-70 mm and the 70-200 mm, two optics that I always carry with me on travel.

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Welcome to my travel photography blog.

I’m Nicholas, a Travel and Portrait Photographer with a passion for writing.

In this blog, I share articles about Travel Photography, my personal experience, tips, and information about the activities I organize.

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How to Become a Nat Geo Photographer

Reader Question:   How do I become a photographer for National Geographic?

My Answer:   Photography is really no different than any other pursuit in life if you plan to make a living at it.   Unfortunately, there are very few full time salaried photography jobs.   All the photographers who take pictures for   National Geographic Traveler   are freelance independent business owners.

Taking pictures is an enjoyable activity, but if you decide that you want that to be your job you may find it’s not much fun anymore.   So, in order to be a successful photographer you need to be absolutely obsessed with photography. You also need to have an inner compulsion to communicate stories you feel strongly about.

As I said before, becoming a photographer is not too different than other jobs. First you need to find out everything you can about that field, then you need to figure out who the decision-makers are. At the same time you must spend all your time taking pictures so that when you finally find the right person to talk to, you have the work to back up your ideas.

As a former director of photography at National Geographic magazine used to say:”If we want to hire you, we already know who you are!”

What he meant by that is photographing for National Geographic is not a first-timer’s job.

Our editors are constantly looking at magazines, books, newspapers, and online for photographers who deliver compelling pictures time and time again. Once they start to see a photographer’s name over and over associated with good work in different media, then they might reach out to those individuals and ask if they have any good story ideas.

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Because it’s not enough to just be a good photographer. To make it at National Geographic you have to have interesting stories to tell.

Dan Westergren   is director of photography for   National Geographic Traveler   magazine. Follow him on Twitter   @dwestergren   and on Instagram   @danwestergren .

Do you have something you want to ask Dan about travel photography?   He’ll be answering reader questions periodically on the blog, so be sure to leave a comment.

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