Volunteer Production Assistant (Photography + Audio + Set Support)

Project: The Home Project— a fine art + social engagement project on houselessness and wealth equity

Organization: Heartisan Foundation

Location: Southern Oregon (Ashland/Medford area)

Type: Volunteer (with perks like meals, mileage reimbursement, and portfolio credit)

Start Date: July 2025

Time Commitment: ~6–12 hours/month (varies by shoot schedule)

About the Project

The Home Project is a collaborative art and storytelling initiative using fine art photography and local artists to humanize the experience of houselessness and challenge the narratives around wealth and belonging in Southern Oregon. We're building off our successful California-based project Look Me in the Eyes (view: abramkatz.com/housing-project), expanding it to include Oregon-based artists, SOU students, and marginalized voices from across the region.

Role Summary

We're seeking a Volunteer Production Assistant to help create a safe, smooth, and supportive experience for our portrait subjects and creative team. This role is ideal for someone who’s organized, people-centered, and curious about photography, lighting, and grassroots storytelling.

You’ll support the lead photographer on shoot days, assist with lighting setups, audio capture, and general logistics (like greeting participants and helping set the tone). You don’t need a ton of experience—we’re looking for someone reliable, respectful, and excited to contribute. (Internships available for students)

Responsibilities

• Assist with set setup and breakdown (lights, stands, backdrop, cables)
• Manage reflectors, modifiers, or bounce boards on request
• Monitor equipment during sessions (mirrorless camera awareness a plus)
• Capture behind-the-scenes audio or interview moments (we’ll train you!)
• Greet and orient portrait participants, offer water/snacks, ensure comfort
• Support consent form collection and basic shoot documentation
• Help cultivate a calm, collaborative, culturally aware on-set environment

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills; warm, grounded energy
• Curious or experienced with photo or AV setups
• Reliable, responsive, and able to take direction
• Able to lift ~30–40 lbs and be on your feet for 2–3 hours at a time
• Passion for community storytelling, equity, or the arts
• Bonus: Spanish or ASL fluency, or experience with underserved communities (not required)

What You’ll Get

• Training in portrait set logistics, sound capture, and lighting
• Meaningful connection to a powerful community-focused art project
• Letter of recommendation upon completion
• Name/photo credit on project materials and public display
• Portfolio-worthy experience in real-world creative production
• Reimbursed mileage for field days + meals/snacks provided

To Apply

Please email heartisan.foundation@gmail.com with the subject line "Volunteer PA – Home Project" and include:

• A short paragraph about your interest in the project
• Any relevant experience (resume or informal list is fine)
• Availability July-September 2025

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. We welcome people from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience related to our project themes.