National Geographic Internship

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2009 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNSHIPS

The National Geographic Magazine will offer two photography internships during the summer or fall of 2009. The program is an opportunity for young photographers to experience first-hand the rigors of life in the professional world. It is also an opportunity for us at the Geographic to scrutinize the work of those in whom we may have further interest. We are proud that many of our regular “shooters” are former summer interns.

One internship is automatically offered to the winner of the College Photographer of the Year contest administered by the University of Missouri, Columbia. For information, go to www.cpoy.org. 

The other internship is awarded based on a portfolio. It is primarily for college students – undergraduate or graduate—but we will also consider someone not currently in school. The purpose of the internship is experience and encouragement to those who aspire to be a photojournalist. Interns must be at least 21 years of age and U.S. citizens, or have appropriate student work documents.

Both internships are for fourteen weeks at a salary of $480 a week. When on assignment away from the city, the Geographic pays all expenses. Transportation expenses to and from Washington at the start and conclusion of the internship are covered by the Society. The interns are responsible for their own housing.

To apply, send us a portfolio of recent work (no more than 30 images), a resume, and a letter of recommendation from a photography teacher or established photojournalist. We are interested in strong photojournalism and your ability to produce a visual narrative. We will also consider an aspiring studio photographer. CDs are the preferred method of submission but portfolios may also be in the form of slides, prints or clippings of any combination, in color and/or black and white. Digital images should be sized to approximately 1600 wide, 72 dpi.

All portfolios must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2009. Send to Susan Smith, Deputy Director of Photography, National Geographic Magazine, 1145 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Please clearly label your envelope, “NGM Photography Internship” and if you would like for us to return your portfolio, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. 

We will notify all applicants via email by early March 2009. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested and eligible.