Photography Intern

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Photography, the University of Michigan's visual storytelling arm, seeks a talented Photography Intern to join our team. This post-graduate internship offers a chance to work on portraits, events, athletics, and creative imagery while collaborating with experienced visual storytellers.

The role reports to the Director of Michigan Photography. Responsibilities include photographing campus events, creating portraits, assisting with shoots, editing, and organizing the photo archive.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience producing visual storytelling through portraits, events, athletics, and feature photography
• Photo-editing and retouching skills while maintaining authenticity

Responsibilities

• Photograph campus events, student activities, academics, and university programs.
• Create portraits of individuals and groups in a variety of settings.
• Photograph athletic events and other fast-paced assignments.
• Assist photographers with shoots, equipment, lighting, and other production needs.
• Edit and organize photographs for delivery and use.
• Learn and follow digital file management, captioning, and metadata practices.
• Help maintain and organize the university's digital photo archive.
• Work with photographers and staff on a variety of creative projects.
• Communicate with team members and clients in a professional and friendly manner.
• Be flexible and willing to learn as assignments and priorities change.

Skills

Collaborative

Adaptable

Communicative

Organized

Self-Motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

How to Apply A cover letter is required for consideration and should be attached as the first page of your resume. Use the cover letter to explain your interest in the position, highlight the skills and experience that make you a strong candidate, and include a link to a portfolio featuring 15-20 of your best images along with at least one photo essay, multi-image project, or a video story. Applications missing any of these components will not be reviewed.

Job Summary

Michigan Photography nationally recognized for delivering outstanding professional photography services to the University of Michigan community, the media, and the public, and the exclusive provider of still imagery for U-M Athletics is seeking a talented and versatile Photography Intern to join our award-winning team. This is a post-graduate internship.

As the visual storytelling arm of the Office of the Vice President for Communications, Michigan Photography produces portraits, event coverage, athletics photography, and creative imagery that help shape how the university is seen, remembered, and celebrated. This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful assignments across a world-class institution while collaborating with a team of experienced visual storytellers. The position reports to the Director of Michigan Photography.

Responsibilities

• Photographing campus events, student activities, academics, and university programs
• Creating portraits of individuals and groups in a variety of settings
• Photographing athletic events and other fast-paced assignments
• Assisting photographers with shoots, equipment, lighting, and other production needs
• Editing and organizing photographs for delivery and use
• Learning and following digital file management, captioning, and metadata practices
• Helping maintain and organize the university's digital photo archive
• Working with photographers and staff on a variety of creative projects
• Communicating with team members and clients in a professional and friendly manner
• Being flexible and willing to learn as assignments and priorities change

This role routinely moves audio/visual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus to client locations and remains in a stationary position throughout the entire shift, including evenings and weekends.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience
• Demonstrated experience producing visual storytelling through portraits, events, athletics, and feature photography
• Photo-editing and retouching skills while maintaining authenticity

Skills You Have

• Collaborative: Works effectively as part of a team and supports colleagues when needed
• Adaptable: Thrives in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and schedules
• Communicative: Builds strong relationships with clients and colleagues through clear, responsive communication
• Organized: Maintains accurate workflows and attention to detail while managing multiple assignments
• Self-Motivated: Demonstrates sound judgment and accountability while working independently

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, editorial, collegiate athletics, or similarly fast-paced environments
• Video experience is a plus, as social media and b-roll shooting is a regular

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including family care and maternity and parental leaves
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after one year
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental coverage
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, 40-hour position that includes paid overtime, as evening and weekend work is often required to support university events and athletic coverage. Occasional overnight travel outside of Michigan is required. A valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle are necessary. While most assignments take place in Ann Arbor, travel throughout the state including Detroit, Dearborn, Flint, Lansing, and Grand Rapids may be required.

Work Locations

This position is based in the Michigan Photography studio on the University of Michigan's central campus in Ann Arbor. The role follows a hybrid schedule that includes studio work, on-location assignments, and remote work.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.