Event Photography & Video Volunteers

Location: On-site

Minimum Commitment: 10 hours

Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator / MC / Admin Staff

Role Summary

Public InventionCon 2026 is a unique event that blends open-source engineering, humanitarian technology, and hands-on making. Our Volunteers are our backbone; we need someone who can find the beauty in a breadboard and the excitement in a successful demo.

Help us document open-source hardware in action. We need hobbyist photographers, students building portfolios in STEM or Documentary filmmaking.

What You’ll Do
• Macro Photography: Capturing small circuit boards, 3D-printed parts, or intricate mechanical movements.
• Over-the-Shoulder Video: Skill in filming "POV style" to show how a tool is used or a code snippet is implemented.
• The "Aha!" Shot: Predicting the moment a prototype finally works and capturing the inventor's reaction.
• Mobile Content Creation: High-quality smartphone videography for instant posting.
• Dynamic Pacing: Ability to edit short, 15-second clips that capture the "buzz" of the room, networking, and the venue's vibe.
• Engagement Eye: Spotting the most "Social Media" moments—like a group of undergraduate and graduate students interacting with a PIHE Project or a high-five between collaborators.
• The "In the Wild" Shot: A prototype being tested or used by a human, rather than just sitting on a table.
• The Collaboration Shot: Two people from different backgrounds looking at a screen or blueprint together.
• The Branding Shot: Clear shots of the Public Invention logo or the event banner to use for 2027 marketing.
• The "Mistake" Shot: Capturing the troubleshooting process—it shows the reality of invention.

What You Bring The Essentials
• Reliable Camera Body: A DSLR, Mirrorless, or high-end Cinema camera. (smartphone for social media).
• Plenty of Power: At least 3-4 extra batteries or a high-capacity power bank. Outlets are often scarce or occupied by demos.
• High-Speed Memory: Multiple SD/CFexpress cards (minimum 128GB each). Class 10/U3 speed is necessary for 4K video.
• Comfortable Gear: A padded neck strap or harness and closed-toe shoes (invention floors can have heavy equipment or stray wires).

Disclaimer for Volunteers: > "Please note that Public InventionCon cannot be held responsible for personal equipment. Volunteers are responsible for the security and maintenance of their own gear. We recommend labeling all batteries and chargers with your name."

🏆 What Success Looks Like for You
• Volunteers don’t pay for admission)
• A tech Portfolio
• Networking with the "Public Interest" Tech Elite
• Mastering the "Documentary-Tech" Genre

Ready to drive Public InventionCon 2026?

Apply now and help us succeed at means your work becomes the primary tool for spreading open-source inventions.

RSVP for your interview call https://calendly.com/volunteerspi and help us shape the future