5 Practical Tips for Finding Photography Internships in 2022

Published on 1 August 2023 6 min read

Build an Impressive Portfolio
Network with Industry Professionals
Research and Apply to Photography Internships
Follow Up After Applications and Interviews
Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms

If you're on the hunt for photography internships, you're in the right place. We have five practical tips to help you out. There's a lot of competition out there, but with a strong strategy, you can always stay one step ahead. So, let's kick things off with our first tip: building an impressive portfolio.

Build an Impressive Portfolio

Whether you're looking to land a photography internship at a leading magazine or a budding startup, having a striking portfolio is key. This is your chance to showcase your talent, your style, and more importantly, your potential. So, let's jump into how you can create a portfolio that helps you stand out.

Choosing the Right Photos

The photos you choose to include in your portfolio can make or break your chances of getting that dream internship. Here are a few tips:

Quality over quantity: It's better to have a handful of great photos than a truckload of average ones. So, pick your photos carefully.
Showcase your range: Show that you can handle different types of photography—portraits, landscapes, action shots, etc. This can demonstrate your versatility to potential employers.
Tell a story: Try to select photos that tell a story or convey a particular mood. Storytelling is a powerful tool in photography, and it's something employers look for.

Presenting Your Work

Once you have your photos, next up is presenting them in a professional, eye-pleasing manner. Consider the following:

Keep it clean: Opt for a simple, clean layout that lets your photos do the talking. Overly complex designs can distract from your work.
Organize your photos: Group similar photos together. This can make your portfolio more coherent and easier to navigate.
Include context: Where relevant, include a brief description or backstory for each photo. This can give viewers a deeper understanding of your work.

Ultimately, your portfolio is an extension of you. It's not just about showing that you know how to take great photos. It's about showing who you are as a photographer. So take the time to create a portfolio that really shines, and you'll be well on your way to finding the photography internship you've been looking for.

Network with Industry Professionals

When it comes to finding photography internships, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Networking is a powerful tool, and it can open up opportunities that you might not find otherwise. Here's how you can start making those all-important connections.

Attend Photography Events

Photography exhibitions, workshops, and seminars are great places to meet industry professionals. Here's how you can make the most of these events:

Be prepared: Before you go, do a bit of research on the event and the people who'll be attending. This can help you strike up meaningful conversations.
Be approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and show genuine interest in what others have to say. First impressions matter!
Ask smart questions: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions can show that you're serious about your career in photography.

Join Online Photography Communities

In today's digital age, networking isn't just about face-to-face interactions. Online communities can be a goldmine of opportunities, too. Here's how:

Choose the right communities: Look for active communities that are relevant to your interests and goals. This could be a forum for wedding photographers, a Facebook group for nature photographers, and so on.
Be active: Don't just lurk in the shadows. Participate in discussions, share your work, and provide constructive feedback on others' photos.
Connect personally: If you come across someone who's work you admire or who shares similar interests, don't hesitate to reach out to them directly. A simple message can go a long way.

Remember, networking isn't just about taking—it's about giving, too. Whether you're at an event or online, aim to provide value to others. That's how you build strong, lasting relationships in the industry, and that's how you find photography internships that can kickstart your career.

Research and Apply to Photography Internships

With a knack for networking and an impressive portfolio, you're well on your way to landing your dream photography internship. The next step is to start researching and applying for these opportunities. Here's how to do it effectively.

Where to Find Photography Internships

Photography internships are all around you—you just need to know where to look. Here are some places to start:

Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn regularly post photography internships. Make sure to set up alerts so you're notified as soon as new opportunities become available.
Company Websites: Many companies post internship opportunities on their own websites. If you have a dream company you'd love to work for, check their website regularly for updates.
Photography Schools and Clubs: If you're a student, your school or club might have partnerships with companies offering internships. Don't forget to check with them!

How to Apply for Photography Internships

Once you've found a photography internship you're interested in, it's time to apply. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Make sure you understand what the internship involves and what the company is looking for in an intern. This can help you tailor your application to fit their needs.
Prepare Your Documents: Most applications will require a resume and a cover letter. Highlight your photography skills, experience, and passion in these documents. Don't forget to proofread!
Submit Your Application: Follow the application instructions carefully. If you're asked to submit your portfolio, make sure it's up-to-date and showcases your best work.

Remember, finding the right photography internship can take time, so don't get discouraged if you don't land your dream opportunity right away. Stay patient, keep networking, and keep applying—you'll get there!

Follow Up After Applications and Interviews

Once you've sent in your applications, your job isn't quite done yet. The next step is following up on your applications and interviews. This shows potential employers that you're serious about the internship and it can make you stand out from other applicants. Here's how to do it the right way.

Following Up on Applications

After submitting an application for a photography internship, it's a good idea to follow up with the company. Here's a simple roadmap:

Wait for a Response: Give the company some time to review your application. A week or two is usually a good amount of time to wait before following up.
Send a Polite Email: Send a short, professional email to the person who's handling the applications. Remind them of who you are, express your continued interest in the internship, and politely ask about the status of your application.

Following Up After Interviews

When you've had an interview for a photography internship, it's important to follow up afterward. Here's how:

Send a Thank-You Note: Within 24 hours of your interview, send a thank-you note to the person who interviewed you. Thank them for their time, express your enthusiasm for the internship, and briefly remind them of why you're a good fit.
Check In: If you haven't heard back after a week or so, send a polite email to check in. Express your continued interest and ask about the next steps in the process.

Remember, following up shows your commitment and can give you an edge in getting that photography internship. Just remember to be patient, professional, and respectful in your follow-ups. Happy hunting!

Did you know that you can use social media and online platforms to find photography internships? Yes, you heard it right! These platforms can provide rich opportunities and resources for you to explore. Here's how you can make the most out of them.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn can be gold mines for discovering photography internships. Here's a simple guide on how to use them:

Follow Relevant Pages: Start by following pages of photography studios, magazines, and photographers you admire. They often post internship opportunities.
Engage with Their Posts: Don't just scroll past their posts. Comment, like, and share their content regularly. This can help you stand out and get noticed by these organizations.
Reach Out: Don't be shy to send a direct message expressing your interest in interning with them. Share a little about yourself and your passion for photography.

Using Online Platforms

There are also numerous online platforms dedicated to job and internship listings. Here's how you can use them effectively:

Sign Up: Start by signing up for platforms like Indeed, Internships.com, and LinkedIn. They frequently list photography internships.
Set Up Alerts: Set up job alerts on these platforms for "photography internships". This way, you'll be notified as soon as new opportunities are posted.
Submit Your Applications: Don't hesitate to apply as soon as you find an internship that aligns with your interests and career goals.

By leveraging social media and online platforms in your search for photography internships, you are opening yourself up to a world of opportunities. So get out there and start exploring!

If you're eager to find photography internships and want to explore the world of fashion photography, check out Gil Anselmi's workshop, 'Finding Your Lane In Fashion Photography.' This workshop will help you understand the ins and outs of fashion photography and guide you on finding the perfect internship to kickstart your career in this exciting field.