Work as a photographer with Climate Tracker and document environmental projects!
An image can convey a powerful message without the use of a single word, and a series of images can tell an entire story. This past month alone, shocking photographs of the burning Amazon and São Paulo darkened with ash unlocked a story of deforestation, large-scale agricultural and mining operations, and attacks on Indigenous communities. In harnessing the power of visual documentation and storytelling, how can we apply the use of photography to stories of environmental protection and potential solutions in order to understand how we can best move forward?
For this assignment, 20 photographers will be asked to visually illustrate the environmental projects supported by the GCCA+ in 10 different countries. Themes will span from energy (solar and other renewable energy), nature-based solutions, climate displacement, coastal resilience, climate finance, gender, waste management, mangroves restoration, and more.
Projects will take place for a 1-2 week period over the course of October 2019 to April 2020, and we are looking for photographers from the following countries to document the local environmental projects:
- Africa: Ghana, Togo, Djibouti, Chad, Mozambique, Sudan, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria
- The Caribbeans: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago
- Oceania: Papaua New Guinea, Marshall Islands
- Asia: Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Bhutan
WHAT WILL THE ASSIGNMENT ENTAIL?
- Capture at least 40 high quality images with relevant captions and meta-data of the assigned GCCA+ project
- Write an accompanying article (400 words) to contextualize the photos
HOW WILL CLIMATE TRACKER SUPPORT YOU?
- Provide a stipend of €350
- Cover local travel costs (budget will be discussed with and approved by Climate Tracker prior to the assignment)
- Work with a regional coordinator to help organize your local travels
DO YOU WANT TO JOIN? HERE IS WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO:
To apply, you have to:
- Write a brief introduction to yourself, your work, and your experience with environmental photography/NGOs
- Include a link to your portfolio or a sample of your work (optional: include links to your social media platforms and past published works)
- Indicate your estimated availability and location for the next year
- List the photography equipment and relevant software that you have
FAQs
Do you have to be from one of those countries?
Yes – however if you can demonstrate that you have the ability to travel and work in the identified countries, we may be able to make an exception. Please note international travel costs and visa fees will not be covered.
If you are not from one of these countries but still want to be involved with Climate Tracker Photography, you can become a Climate Tracker Photographer member here, where you can be part of a global network of environmental photographers and gain access to resources and future opportunities.
Is there an age limit?
Photographers aged 18-30 are encouraged to apply. However, you may still submit an application even if you are above the age limit if you believe that you would be a strong fit for this assignment.
When will the assignments take place?
The exact dates of the assignment are dependent on the specific project, but fieldwork will take place for periods of 1-2 weeks throughout the October 2019 to May 2020 period. Photographers will be given notice ahead of time prior to the start date of the assignment. As a result, it is important that you communicate your availability to the best of your ability in your application in order for us to best match you to the right projects.
How will the participants be selected?
The applications will be evaluated based on the strength of the applicant’s professional experience with photography, knowledge of environmental issues, and their ability to visually capture and communicate stories in a captivating manner. The photographer’s portfolio will be evaluated based on the quality of the individual images, the strength of the portfolio as a cohesive whole, the originality and expression of ideas conveyed, and the social impact and reach of the images.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
The Climate Tracker rating system for photography can be found here.
Are photographers paid?
The photographers will be provided with a stipend of €350 and local travel costs (which will be discussed with and approved by Climate Tracker prior to the project) will be covered.
How will Climate Tracker support photographers?
We will work with a regional coordinator to support the logistical planning of the project prior to the assignment. Photographers will be given guidelines on expectations for the project prior to departure. Climate Tracker and the regional coordinator will be available for communication during the assignment.
Link to Toolkits/Past work
See this recent article by one of our photographers from last year’s project, featuring Faaris Adams’ interview with the GCCA+ on being on assignment in Djibouti: http://www.gcca.eu/stories/douda-one-hardest-places-i-have-ever-visited?fbclid=IwAR2AUjbf_FfW8E7kiptGS6aDE-Lgruzsqo5JjSERRUYg9cBFybxOq1RCJuw