Event & Lifestyle Photographer (Volunteer)

Mentor A Promise is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth (ages 5–18) experiencing housing instability, grounded in the belief that every child is a Promise—full of potential, dignity, and possibility. We deliver consistent, high-quality programming across mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative expression in shelters, schools, and community spaces, creating structured environments where students can grow, be seen, and build lasting skills. Through signature experiences like The Imagination Studio, The Kitchen Table, The Sound Lab, and The Story Space, we nurture academic development, emotional well-being, and creative voice, all within a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessibility-centered framework. Our work prioritizes dignity-protective storytelling, consent-driven engagement, and deep community partnership, ensuring that how we serve is as intentional as whom we serve. We are not only addressing immediate needs - we are building pathways to confidence, belonging, and long-term opportunity, so every child has the support and foundation to carry their promise forward.

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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 activationsPhotograph MAP participants, volunteers, and engagement momentsDocument 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 MAPSupport campaign and editorial shoots

Visual Storytelling

Capture images that reflect emotion, movement, and authenticityTell stories through composition, timing, and perspectiveEnsure all imagery aligns with MAP’s dignity-centered values

Content Support & Delivery

Edit and deliver high-quality images in a timely mannerOrganize and label files for easy use across teamsSupport content needs for social media, campaigns, and website

Cross-Team Collaboration

Work with Event Coordinators for scheduling and coverageCoordinate with PromiseVoice for social media useAlign with PromiseBrands for campaign visuals

On-Site Presence & Professionalism

Represent MAP professionally at eventsEngage respectfully with participants and communitiesAdapt to fast-paced, real-world environments

Qualifications

Required

Experience in photography (event, lifestyle, or similar)Strong understanding of composition, lighting, and timingAbility to capture candid and dynamic momentsReliable and able to work in live event environmentsAlignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

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

Commitment

Volunteer roleApproximately 5–10 hours per week (event-based scheduling)Minimum 6-month commitment requiredNYC-based (in-person events required)

What You’ll Gain

Portfolio development with real-world event and campaign photographyExperience capturing MAP’s presence across NYCCollaboration with creative, events, and communications teamsProfessional references and letters of recommendationA 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.