Photographer in Shelby, Michigan at AMERICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The Photography Specialist documents daily activities and life at camp, with an eye toward AYF’s year-round marketing and communications needs. Photos are shared with families at home and used for AYF marketing materials, including social media, the website, Founder Fire, and pamphlets. The Photography Specialist attends daily camp programming, and curates, lightly edits, uploads, and organizes photos online, including creating Closing Day slideshows.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• Miniwanca necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The Photography Specialist lives onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

• Document daily life at camp by photographing a wide range of activities, cabin groups, and staff, including support staff; photograph every camper at least every two days.
• Work with the Communications Manager and Director of Outreach to fulfill a shot list of required photos for year-round communications needs, visiting a variety of program areas to take photos.
• Curate, tag, and upload photos regularly (approximately 200-300 photos a day to be uploaded daily at 5:00 PM to the camp’s photo-sharing platform for camp families.
• Collect, organize, and upload photos from off-site or multi-day trips upon their return.
• Keep camp cameras charged and in good working condition; lend cameras to trip leaders and program leaders as needed.
• Take camper headshots and cabin photos on Opening Day; order prints of cabin group photos so each camper receives a copy by Closing Day.
• Create Closing Day camper slideshows (one for each Closing Day) and an end-of-season Staff Slideshow.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics; provide mentorship and connection to all in the community.
• Actively participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm, creating an inclusive environment that encourages all campers to participate.
• Model responsibility and compassion for campers in all activities, such as cleaning cabins or the eating lodge.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and receive guidance and instruction.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• At least one year of post-high school experience.
• 1–3 years of experience capturing high-quality, action-oriented photography and using photo editing software.
• Highly organized, self-sufficient worker with strong time management skills; consistently meets deadlines and can balance work on concurrent projects.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Professional or academic experience in photojournalism, sports photography, or portrait photography.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Lightroom, iMovie, and SmugMug (or other cloud-based media storage platform).
• Prior work with youth, preferably at a summer camp or other recreational program.
• Open to working in an outdoor environment, with an interest in hiking, canoeing, backpacking, or camping.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.