Photography Intern

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, seeks two energetic, creative, and passionate Marketing & Communications Graphic Design Interns to assist the team in executing the 2027 Festival.

Who We Are

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts, culture, and build community spirit.

Internship Description

The Photography Intern will play a key role in documenting and visually telling the story of the various National Cherry Blossom Festival programs and events for the 2027 Festival. Duties may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Work closely with the Marketing & Communications Team to understand event visual objectives, organizational branding through photography, and deliver high-quality photos within established deadlines.
• Capture a variety of in-person public and private event types including large-scale the Festival’s Signature Events, Community Programs, Participating Organizations, and more.
• Assist in creating a detailed shot list for all event to ensure all internal and external photo coverage aligns with the Festival’s branding and desired visual outcomes.
• Communicate coverage needs and asset requests in a timely manner.
• Organize, manage, and upload all photographs taken and received from partners to the Festival’s photo gallery and management system.
• Apply consistent file naming conventions, keywords, and tags to improve asset searchability.
• Perform basic photo editing, cropping, color correction, resizing, and optimization as needed.
• Develop PowerPoint presentations for special campaigns, events, and initiatives displaying photographs showcasing the Festival’s branding, energy, and story.
• Assist the marketing team with sourcing appropriate imagery for ongoing campaigns, marketing collateral, special projects, and additional content needs.
• Additional photography-related requirements and responsibilities as necessary.

Time Requirements: The Festival seeks interns who are available for both Fall AND Spring semesters to get the most value and experience during this internship. Interns who can commit to only one semester, either Fall or Spring, are also welcome to apply. Event execution support is subject to the intern’s availability and discretion. Interns are asked to commit to at least one full semester supporting the Festival.

Schedule:

Fall Semester targeted start date: Monday, September 14, 2026

Fall Semester end date: December 2026, depending upon the intern’s schedule

Spring Semester targeted start date: Monday, January 11, 2027

Spring Semester end date: May 2027, depending upon the intern’s schedule.

The 2027 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 – April 11, 2027.

September - December 2026:

• 10 to 15 hours per week between the hours of 10 AM and 5:30 PM - Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday (Tuesday and Friday remote as needed).
• Evening availability to execute the Festival Launch event (late October 2026).
• Start and end dates are flexible to align with semester schedules and internship academic credit requirements.
• Hours, schedule, and work format (must be primarily onsite with minimal remote option) are determined in consultation with the Marketing and Communications team and based on student availability.

January – May 2027:

• 10 to 15 hours per week between the hours of 10 AM and 5:30 PM - Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday (Tuesday and Friday remote as needed).
• Start and end dates are flexible to align with semester schedules and internship academic credit requirements.
• Hours, schedule, and work format (must be primarily onsite with minimal remote options) are determined in consultation with the Marketing and Communications team and based on student availability.
• Evening and weekend availability to execute key Festival weekly programs and events during peak months (March 2027 – April 2027).

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited university or college as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. Recent graduates may also be considered.
• Candidates must be studying photography or a similar degree and provide a portfolio showcasing visual storytelling through layout, composition, lighting, etc
• Experience operating a DSLR camera, including adjusting settings for indoor and outdoor environments
• Proficiency in photo editing using Adobe Photoshop; plus Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Experience in photo management systems similar to SmugMug
• Passion for community engagement, the arts, and/or international friendship
• Strong attention to detail and organized with the ability to multi-task
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Able to work independently and complete multiple projects in a timely manner
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of people in an exciting, fast-paced environment
• Preferred, but not required: Prior experience in videography including Adobe Premiere Pro and experience in Canva

Compensation

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. internships are unpaid, but college credit may be offered depending upon the educational institution’s guidelines and requirements. A monthly stipend is available for interns to defray the cost of commuting to the office.

Please include a PDF file of your portfolio using the application form and/or include a link to your website portfolio on your CV/resume.