Community Photographer

The Community Photographer volunteer helps capture authentic moments of connection, belonging, and community at Maybelle Center. Through candid photography during standing programs and larger community events, volunteers help Maybelle share the experiences, relationships, and spirit of our community with members, volunteers, partners, and supporters.

This is a recurring, flexible opportunity for a photographer who enjoys working in a community-centered environment and is comfortable respectfully engaging with members while documenting moments as they naturally unfold.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Capture high-quality, candid photographs of connection and engagement during Maybelle Center programs and community events
• Photograph a variety of community experiences, including standing programs, gatherings, celebrations, and larger cornerstone events
• Be present and responsive to the Community Room environment while respecting the flow of activities and member experiences
• Build rapport with members and engage warmly and respectfully while taking photographs
• Work with Maybelle staff to understand the people, programs, and activities being photographed
• Follow Maybelle’s photo guidelines, including the no-media list and communications team guidance
• Coordinate with staff on the focus and goals for each photography session
• Honor privacy, confidentiality, dignity, and professional boundaries in all interactions
• Communicate clearly with staff before and during photography sessions

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional photography experience or a strong interest in developing photography skills
• Owns or has access to professional photography equipment
• Comfortable photographing candid moments in an active community environment
• Friendly, approachable, and responsive to engaging with members
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work respectfully and unobtrusively around ongoing programs and activities
• Attentive to privacy, consent, and boundaries when photographing community members
• Reliable and responsive when coordinating photography sessions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout Community Room and event spaces during photography sessions
• Ability to carry and use personal photography equipment
• Comfort working in a dynamic, active community environment

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

• New volunteer orientation covering Maybelle Center’s mission, values, community environment, and expectations
• Introduction to Maybelle’s approach to engaging with members
• Communications-specific guidance, including the no-media list and photography guidelines
• Review of the photography shot list and goals for each session
• Ongoing coordination and support from the Volunteer Coordinator and Maybelle staff, with communications team input on photography priorities

TIME COMMITMENT

This is a recurring opportunity with approximately 2–4 hours of photography support each quarter, with the potential for more frequent opportunities based on volunteer interest, availability, and Maybelle Center’s event schedule.

Scheduling is flexible and coordinated around Maybelle programs and events. A typical session may involve selecting one or two days each quarter to capture a combination of standing programming and larger community gatherings—for example, bingo and Member Forum, a regular Community Room day followed by a birthday party, or a seasonal celebration.

We welcome volunteers to engage in ways that align with their availability and capacity. Advance coordination helps identify programs and events where photography support would be most valuable.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT

Volunteering takes place at Maybelle Center in Old Town/Downtown Portland. The environment is community-centered, relational, and active, with opportunities for members and volunteers to gather, connect, and participate in programs and celebrations.