LEARN NEW PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS WHILE DOCUMENTING THE WORK OF GRASSROOTS CHARITIES
Use your photography skills for a good cause during this Humanitarian Photography Project in South Africa! It’s an exciting opportunity to learn new skills, document the work of grassroots charities, and enjoy spending time in this stunning area outside of Cape Town.
As a photographer on this program, you’ll enjoy a 2-week program that’s fully facilitated by professional humanitarian photographers. Both in theory and in practice, they’ll help you improve your photography and understand the intricacies of nonprofit photography in a South African context. You’ll be documenting the work of various nonprofits – all field-based social impact projects – and donate a selection of images to them. Your images will be used by the nonprofits to raise awareness for their cause, report to their donor database, and reach new potential donors. This workshop is a way to create a unique portfolio, contribute to social development work through your photography, and to experience South Africa in a truly immersive way.
We’re now happy to be taking applications for May 2025. To qualify, you’ll need to have some previous photography experience, and a solid understanding of the technical elements of photography. (No need to be a pro though!)
As a photographer on this Humanitarian Photography Program, you’ll be part of Penda, a company that provides photography travel opportunities around the world. In South Africa, they have partnered with local photographers and a great number of nonprofits to help create strong visual tools for important causes. The nonprofits that Penda supports through these programs have a wide range of focus areas, including education, early childhood development, human rights, female empowerment, skill development, poverty reduction, local entrepreneurship, animal welfare, and food security.
The first week of this Humanitarian Photography Project will focus on workshops run by humanitarian photographers Anna Lusty and Noortje van Wulven. They’ll teach you all about nonprofit photography; how to approach it in the most effective way, how to document the essence of a cause, and how to be culturally sensitive in an African context. The workshop will be partly theoretical, and partly practical; Anna and Noortje will take you to a number of nearby charities so that you can start photographing and put any new skills into practice. It will also give you a good sense of cultural nuances, and an understanding of the issues that the communities are facing.
During the second week, you’ll embark on photo shoots at nonprofits. We’ll pair you with nonprofit organizations that are doing important work, and that could benefit from having some quality photography. You’ll have time to learn about the organization’s mission, get a good feel for its projects, and document it as you go along. You’ll be working in a small group of 2 or 3 photographers, and you’ll spend about half of your time photographing, and the other half on editing your work. Anna and Noortje will sit down with you regularly to assess your project, review your work, and prepare you for the next shoot.
Weekends are time off and a great opportunity to explore Stellenbosh, Cape Town, and the gorgeous areas around them.
You’ll stay at a comfortable bed and breakfast near Stellenbosch, a lovely town 30 minutes out of Cape Town. You’ll share an en-suite bedroom with one other person (same sex), and you’ll have several communal areas to enjoy, both indoors and outdoors. Breakfast will be provided for you each morning, and you’ll have a kitchen where you can prepare lunch and dinner – or you might opt to go out for some meals. You’ll be based just a short drive from Stellenbosch, a town with plenty of great shops, cafes and restaurants, and we’ll provide regular trips back and forth. You’ll be based in the famous winelands area, and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Stellenbosch is a relatively small university town, but petty crime can occur. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, keep your belongings close, and be extra vigilant at night by staying in groups and using Ubers to get around.
The accommodation has free Wifi to stay connected while traveling. As you’ll be in the field a lot, you can opt to purchase a local SIM card to maintain network access 24/7. Be sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers, prior to traveling.
Breakfast will be provided daily. Lunch and dinner are not included in the internship rate. You’ll have access to a shared kitchen at the accommodation to cook meals, or you can opt to explore the many cafes, bars, and restaurants in Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch is a town full of various attractions. As South Africa’s second oldest town, you can explore the historic town center, museums, shops, distilleries, galleries, historical sights, restaurants, wine routes, and more. Being one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, there is no shortage of inspiring wine, food, art, and cultural activities.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
Dates: May 4-18, 2025
Program Fee: USD 3,750
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
“At first I didn't know what to expect so I just convinced myself that it will be all work and no fun, but secretly I had hoped that it will be an adventure of learning and experiences. Which in the end it was more than I could have imagined. It has opened my eyes and mind to a whole new photography direction, as well as social skills with people and organizations It is something unexplainable, that has to be experienced to understand. As well as the support and communication from Roots really calmed my nerves.”
Loume, South AfricaHumanitarian Photography Program
“I think this program will really help my photography career, and the whole experience has also made me step out of my comfort zone and has helped me become a new person. It definitely surpassed my expectations because I thought it was just going to be a quick little class and a few days out in the field but it was so much more than that. Every day we were shooting somewhere new and learning something. Meeting new people everyday and just having the most fun ever.”
Maxx, USAHumanitarian Photography Program
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
