Are you interested in photography? Maybe interested in pursuing a career in said field? Here are all the juicy reasons you should do a photography internship ASAP. Get excited to explore your creative side while simultaneously working towards a professional goal!
Photography internships serve as vital stepping stones in your journey, helping to refine skills, build networks, and open doors to opportunities in the world of photography. Photography internship benefits are worth knowing if you’re looking for guidance on whether or not you should apply to a program.
If you’re looking to bring your photographic aspirations to life, this is definitely the right path for you!
12 benefits of photography internships
Photography is not only an art form, but it’s also an important method of storytelling—these internships will give you the opportunity to master this incredible skill. Capture moments that speak volumes and share them with the rest of the world!
If you’re asking yourself why you should intern abroad, just know that these internships will not only polish your technical skills but also offer you a new and unique lens to view the world through.
1. Get hands-on experience
Work towards your photography goals in a new and amazing location of your choice!
The hands-on experience you will get is the number one reason to do a photography internship. Photography internships immerse you in real-world scenarios where you can practice what it takes to be a working photographer.
Engaging directly in shoots and editing processes, interns can gain invaluable insights, helping to navigate through the complexities of photography projects.
Get a sense of what it’s like to work in this field and apply to the wide array of programs available to you!
2. Build a professional network
Internships serve as a pivotal platform allowing you to build professional connections. A great benefit of being a photography intern is the ability to connect with so many like-minded individuals.
This opportunity to network can help you in more ways than you can count, just by meeting new people and getting to know each other’s career goals, industry experience, and skills!
By working alongside industry experts and peers, you can significantly influence the trajectory of your career, opening doors to job offers, opportunities, and collaborations.
3. Develop your portfolio
A standout portfolio is a photographer's calling card, so make sure yours is the best it can be! Photography internships will offer you the chance to work on a wide range of projects, providing you with diverse content that can help you standout amongst your peers.
These internship programs are offered all around the world, giving you the chance to capture moments that are specific to your interests.
Whether that be nature, landscape, architecture, portrait, or whatever your heart desires, these programs can help! Showcase your skills and creativity to potential clients, and start developing your portfolio.
4. Gain technical practice
Get up close and personal with the equipment you’ll need to succeed!
Through a photography internship, you’re going to be working with different technology, allowing you to get familiar with commonly used equipment. You will be exposed to the latest photographic tools and editing software.
This hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology not only hones your technical skills but also prepares you for future advancements in the field.
Part of being a photography intern means you will learn to adapt to the professional world; this includes your ability to adapt to the technical aspects of photography!
5. Explore your creative side
If you’re afraid that becoming an intern means your life will be all work and no play, don’t worry!
One of the benefits of photography internships is the freedom to experiment and find your creative voice. Every photographer has a distinct style, and developing your own approach to photography will be so much fun!
Tap into your creative side and explore your love for photography throughout your internship.
6. Learn how to solve real-world problems
Interns are going to face some real-world challenges, but they are going to overcome them!
In this process you are developing critical problem-solving skills, which is a vital skill every employer wants to see on a resume and hear about in an interview.
These experiences, from addressing unexpected shooting conditions to navigating client requests, are invaluable in building resilience and adaptability—making it a top benefit of photography internships.
You will easily stand out in an ocean of candidates with this newfound insight.
7. Acquire new skills
Learn new skills like time management—a vital skill for everyone, especially photographers.
The greatest photography internship benefits are the new skills you will acquire.
You might be working on multiple projects simultaneously, which will help teach you about effective time management. This essential skill is crucial for meeting deadlines, managing workflows, and balancing creative pursuits in this field.
Your future career of photography all depends on the impressive skills you will learn!
8. Interact with clients
A huge part of being a photographer is your ability to interact with current and future clients, and these internships are no different.
You are often going to be involved in direct interactions with clients. This exposure to client relations is going to be great for you, offering insights into managing expectations and communications.
This is essential for delivering projects that align with clients' visions.
9. Receive feedback and grow
As mentioned before, photography is an art form, and there are so many ways to interpret a certain photographic vision.
Receiving feedback is the best way to learn how to convey your message properly and ensure your work is of the upmost quality. Constructive criticism from mentors and peers during an internship is key to your growth, both personally and professionally.
Engaging with feedback allows you to refine techniques and perspectives, giving you the space to improve and grow!
10. Gain industry insight
Get excited to meet with like-minded photographers and build your professional network.
It’s a little intimidating when you’re unsure of what goes on in the professional world of photography, so participating in an internship is a great first step!
Interns will immerse themselves in this world, gaining an understanding of the business side of photography.
This knowledge of marketing strategies, pricing, copyright laws, and client management is fundamental for navigating a successful career in the industry.
You will also have the opportunity to learn how to interact with peers and collaborate on projects. Stand out from the crowd and get ahead by applying to an internship!
11. Adopt a new cultural perspective
Photography internships abroad will force you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, another big benefit of the experience!
The culture you will be exposed to will influence the work you produce, and help you gain a new lens to see the world through.
This experience enhances one's ability to capture stories with empathy and respect, broadening your perspective and approach to photography.
12. Pave the way to your career!
What are you passionate about? Whether it lies in photojournalism, portrait photography, commercial work, or another specialty, internships can help you focus on your career ambitions!
You might be exposed to different types of styles while on your internship, allowing you to find out what kind of work you love.
Experiencing various photographic styles firsthand will help you find out what you want to do in life!
Get matched with 5 photography internships right now
3 photography internships to consider
Did you know that there are opportunities for wildlife photographers? Start your adventure in the wilderness and look into these programs!
Embarking on this journey can open up a world of discovery, but you might be unsure of where to start. Well, another great benefit of being a photography intern is the huge variety of programs you’ll have to choose from! Here are three noteworthy programs to kickstart your search:
1. Wildlife Photography Internship in South Africa
- Why? Ideal for nature lovers, this internship offers the opportunity to capture the beauty of wildlife and make an impact! You can contribute to conservation efforts and make each photograph a testament to the importance of preservation.
- Where? South Africa
- Read Penda Photo Tours reviews
2. Arts and Culture Internship (Photography)
- Why? This program immerses you in local arts and culture, allowing you to shoot images that tell vibrant stories of traditions, people, and places. There are a variety of destinations you can choose from, so choose the location that fits you best!
- Where? Various locations
- Read Institute for Global Studies reviews
3. Film, Photography, and Art Internships
- Why? For those interested in the broader world of photography, film, and art, this multidisciplinary approach is a fantastic choice. You can tap into your creative side and explore your artistic expression in these programs!
- Where? Various locations
- Read Connect-123 Internship Programs reviews
Compare these programs side-by-side with MyGoAbroad
Photography internships open up a world of possibility!
Applying to a photography internship will be one of the best decisions you will make, furthering your career and diving into your passion.
Photography internships are more than just opportunities; they are your way to turn your passion into a profession. Each captured moment, each learned skill, and each challenge you face paves the way to a fulfilling career in photography.
Now that you know the benefits of photography internships, you can start your journey confident that this will be the best decision of your life. If you still have some questions about when to intern abroad, or how to get an internship abroad in general, be sure to contact an advisor at your university for further concerns.
Remember that every shot is a step on your journey. So… seize these opportunities! The world needs to be shared.
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