Event & Lifestyle Photographer (Volunteer)

Event & Lifestyle Photographer (Volunteer)

PromiseStudios | Photography, Visual Storytelling & Field Documentation

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: New York City (In-Person Events)

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Creative Director / Head of Production

Works Closely With: Event Coordinator (PromisePublic), PromiseVoice, PromiseBrands, Creative Teams

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. As we expand across the city, capturing real moments—movement, energy, and connection—is essential to how our story is told.

About PromiseStudios | Creative, Storytelling & Production

PromiseStudios is MAP’s creative division responsible for visual storytelling across film, photography, and media. The division ensures that every captured moment reflects authenticity, dignity, and the lived experiences of our communities.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Event & Lifestyle Photographer to capture high-quality images at events and activations where Mentor A Promise is actively participating.

This includes runs, races, bike rides, community events, fashion and creative shoots, and public activations—documenting both movement and meaning within MAP’s presence.

This role focuses on capturing real moments in real environments, specifically through the lens of MAP’s involvement.

Key Responsibilities

Event Photography (MAP Participation)

• Capture MAP’s presence at events including runs, races, bike rides, and community activations
• Photograph MAP participants, volunteers, and engagement moments
• Document how MAP shows up and interacts in public spaces

Examples may include:

• New York City Marathon (when MAP participates)
• TD Five Boro Bike Tour (when MAP participates)
• NYC Half Marathon (when MAP participates)

Lifestyle & Creative Photography

• Capture fashion, brand, and creative content (e.g., Thread & Promise initiatives)
• Photograph portraits, candid moments, and storytelling visuals tied to MAP
• Support campaign and editorial shoots

Visual Storytelling

• Capture images that reflect emotion, movement, and authenticity
• Tell stories through composition, timing, and perspective
• Ensure all imagery aligns with MAP’s dignity-centered values

Content Support & Delivery

• Edit and deliver high-quality images in a timely manner
• Organize and label files for easy use across teams
• Support content needs for social media, campaigns, and website

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work with Event Coordinators for scheduling and coverage
• Coordinate with PromiseVoice for social media use
• Align with PromiseBrands for campaign visuals

On-Site Presence & Professionalism

• Represent MAP professionally at events
• Engage respectfully with participants and communities
• Adapt to fast-paced, real-world environments

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in photography (event, lifestyle, or similar)
• Strong understanding of composition, lighting, and timing
• Ability to capture candid and dynamic moments
• Reliable and able to work in live event environments
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience shooting sports, events, or street photography
• Experience with photo editing tools (Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.)
• Experience in fashion or brand photography
• Interest in storytelling through imagery

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week (event-based scheduling)
• Minimum 6-month commitment required
• NYC-based (in-person events required)

What You’ll Gain

• Portfolio development with real-world event and campaign photography
• Experience capturing MAP’s presence across NYC
• Collaboration with creative, events, and communications teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role documenting moments that matter

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Portfolio (required)
• Brief statement of interest

This role captures how we show up.

Not just the event—but our presence within it.

This role holds the pieces together.

From research to outreach to execution—help ensure every story is fully built before it’s told.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.