Wildlife Photography Internship Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
The power of photography as a contributor to change in society is substantial. We believe, through proven experience, that our projects have the ability to contribute to community upliftment and conservation of declining species on a large and far-reaching scale. As an intern, join us in a results-driven environment, where you will learn not only about wildlife photography, but how to work as part of a team who are focused on, and in tune with, global issues. The images that you will contribute will raise public awareness towards wildlife decline, habitat loss, cultural conservation and human-wildlife conflict. Of course, it s also about teaching you how to get that perfect shot. You will gain a unique insight into the challenges and logistics of photography in the African Bush while based at privately owned lodge situated in the Kruger Canyons Biosphere, on the border of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Recent photography achievements include: 1. Establishing a link with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in South Africa, where our volunteer s photographs are used in their marketing and fundraising content. 2. Supplying a total of 1231 professionally produced and edited photographs to our NGO partners, Eco Children. This has allowed them to rebrand their organization, promote and raise awareness of their cause, and raise vital funding for sponsorship, scholarships and bursaries for local schoolchildren. 3. Regularly contributing to the nationwide magazine, The Klaserie Chronicle. With credit for both the individual photographer and African Impact, this supports our efforts to raise awareness of local and national issues on conservation and education. 4. Spending over 100 hours preparing and presenting lessons for local schoolchildren, using photographers own photographs directly for conservation education. 5. Creating 12 monthly newsletters that are sent out to all partners and alumni on request. The Warthog Post is written by volunteers, for volunteers and shows the outside world what is happening on-the-ground at our program base.
This internship will give any up-and-coming photographer a chance to capture some unforgettable images and memories. However, before you take the steps to become an intern we believe it is important to ask some key questions of yourself and also from us to ensure that this internship is right for you. We will ensure that you: Are exposed to practical and relevant skills at grass roots level. Set yourself achievable goals that will show your growth and learning, with regular assessments, critiques and evaluations. Understand how to solve problems within your chosen field and be exposed to critical thinking within this specialist photography field. Become a true Global Citizen within diverse communities. Know that you and your work are part of a bigger picture that continuously monitors, evaluates and uses your contribution in a significant, worthwhile manner. Are you interested in Working towards an end product under the mentorship of an experienced professional photographer? Building an amazing portfolio that few others have the opportunity to create? Understanding in depth the behavior of animals and integrating into local cultures in order to take better photographs? Studying one of the most difficult disciplines in photography and learning how these skills are transferrable to other areas? Using your photographs for a higher purpose and learning how to use photography as a conservation and education tool? Learning how to use pre-visualisation, production and editing to form your own definitive photography style? Learning about photographic marketing and gaining an understanding of how the internet can assist your career?
You will spend 3-12 months living at our Greater Kruger volunteer program base, Dumela Lodge. Volunteers from around the world travel to take part in a short-term photography program (including a photography and Lightroom workshop in the first week) to immerse themselves in photography while making a meaningful contribution. Passion, organization and sharing of ideas and processes are integral to each and every activity from our staff, interns and volunteers alike. In your role, you will gain insight into people, communication and project management all skills that are essential in the world of the modern professional. Photography Be prepared for early starts and to take your photography skills to the next level. While you will primarily focus on wildlife (both big and small), you will also be taking photos of a variety of different subject matters including landscapes, astral photography, people and much more. Through your work on this internship, you will also grow to learn and understand more about South Africa s captivating animals, their behavior, habitats in the wild and also its people. Personal Assignment Throughout your placement, you will be working on a personal assignment that will be agreed upon by you and your mentor. Through constructive and creative sessions, you will outline the goal of this assignment, which could be anything from creating a photographic book or designing your own website, to curating an exhibition of your work. The assignment will be due for the end of your placement, giving you a tangible product that you can be proud of! Photo Editing Taking that great photo is only half of the work involved. You will spend some of your time editing the best of the photos you have taken and turn them from great photos to that awardwinning shot. Conservation Education Sustainable research and conservation is only possible with the education and inclusion of local people. Working in primary and high schools, you will help us teach conservation education in order to raise awareness.
Critique Sessions You will get to host one critique session per week. These critiques are designed to allow you to assess others work, and by doing so, this will teach you to distance yourself from your own photographs and to analyze them critically, without emotion. Be prepared to be inspired by, and learn from, the work of others! Mentorship Each week you will also meet with your mentor to discuss the week s activities, your highs and lows, and what you have overcome. This will give you the chance to discuss your strengths and weaknesses so we can help you learn what to focus on moving forward. Physical Conservation You will also get involved in physical conservation tasks like clearing encroaching bush or invasive plant species removal, which helps us restore animal habitats. Event and Partnership Assignments When and where required you will be set individual photographic tasks, such as covering events for partner organizations, corporations or local communities. Presentations and Interactions You will enjoy a myriad of presentations on wildlife, ecology, habitats, and threats they face.
If you are ready for a challenge and eager to learn, please transfer your motivational letter, CV/Resume and 10-20 of your best images to us using a free tool such as WeTranfer.com. The images must be in JPEG format and no bigger than 5MB, but can be of any subject of your choosing that shows your talent for a wide range of genres. Email: A Creative Eye Great photography is about the imagination and eye of the photographer, so we are looking for people with a creative eye. While it s hard to make our animals, landscapes and people look anything other than spectacular, it is possible to capture something in a photo that will tell a story and take your breath away. Camera Skills You will need to be confident with your camera and have a good working knowledge of how to use it. Software Knowledge A working knowledge of editing software like Lightroom is also essential. Experience of photo editing software such as Photoshop would be an added bonus. Positivity and Passion While interning and living in South Africa, the bush will bring its own unique challenges that will require you to be patient, positive and flexible! Prior to your arrival, candidates will be interviewed via phone or Skype to determine their suitability for the role. Upon arrival at Dumela Lodge, we will evaluate your skills further, which will enable us to learn what you are capable of and allow us to build your skillset from there.
ABOUT THE LOCATION Situated in the heart of South Africa s famous Big 5 Greater Kruger Area, we are surrounded by game reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park which is just 45-minutes from the lodge. WHERE YOU WILL BE STAYING During your internship, you will stay at our program base within the Greater Kruger Area a spacious thatched lodge boasting a large swimming pool and situated on 18 hectares of land. This beautiful landscape serves as home to impala, warthog, bush pig, nyala and a great diversity of birdlife. Here can you dine, relax and socialise. We don t know of a better place to sit around a campfire and admire the stars! The nearest town is Hoedspruit, a 30-minute drive from our lodge. We do a weekly town trip on Fridays to visit the supermarkets and souvenir shops, where you can spend some time relaxing with a cup of coffee or an ice-cream.
12 Weeks USD GBP EUR AUD 8,458 4,386 6,038 10,089 Who is African African Impact is a social development company that is driven by 6 individual causes that have been developed though our long-term relationships and experience with communities and volunteering in Africa. 12 Weeks USD GBP EUR AUD 7732 4223 5530 8833 Want to stay longer than 12 weeks? Contact us for pricing and dates! What s included in the cost? Return transport between Nelspruit International Airport and the program base Orientation program, including a security briefing and introduction to South Africa All daily transfers to and from your projects Full board and lodging, which includes 3 meals a day at Dumela Lodge Assistance at your projects by African Impact staff and volunteer coordinators What s not included in the cost? All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, snacks, drinks and clothing Return flights to and from the internship location Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement - to include cover for repatriation and air evacuation Visa please note that the program fee does not cover the cost of visa s, and visa requirements differ per country while we will assist you in providing all of the relevant information required to arrange your visa, it will be the intern s responsibility to ensure they have the necessary visa for the country. These causes motivate, excites and focuses our vision and allows us to offer internships that contribute to wider causes in Africa. As responsible leaders, we are committed to supporting our professional internship portfolio, all of which are unique in support and celebrated results. Through cultural immersion, our internships give individuals the ability to incorporate academic and experiential learning outside the classroom. Want to know more? Ask Emma Emma will guide you through the whole pre-arrival procedure for this placement and you will receive comprehensive information throughout to ensure you are fully prepared for your internship with us. Emma is originally from South Africa. She has been fortunate to travel around Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia. After living and working in the UK for several years she decided to move back home to sunny South Africa and is excited to work for African Impact. She can t wait to introduce you to this beautiful country! Email Emma on: emmas@africanimpact.com We look forward to welcoming you for a unique, rewarding and unforgettable experience!