LOR Photo Ambassador | LOR Foundation

LOR Photo Ambassador

Locations: Lander, Wyoming; Taos, New Mexico; Cortez, Colorado; Monte Vista, Colorado; Libby, Montana; Questa, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho
Compensation: $500 monthly stipend

Position Overview

LOR photo ambassadors focus their lenses on the people, places, and events that make their communities special. Contracted on a rolling basis in the communities where LOR works (Taos, Lander, Cortez, Monte Vista, Libby, Questa, and Weiser), photo ambassadors are local photographers interested in developing their multimedia skills, sharing their images with a new audience, and getting paid to do it. The part-time role—ambassadors work on short-term contracts—is ideal for photographers who are passionate about their communities, eager to highlight rural life from a local perspective, and looking to improve their craft. 

LOR photo ambassadors work closely with LOR staff to bring the best of their communities into focus by creating a collection of visual assets LOR uses in its storytelling and branding efforts. Sometimes this means assigned shoots, but more often photo ambassadors are given creative license to capture what they see as quintessential local culture. LOR welcomes applications from photo ambassadors of various skill levels, including students, hobbyists, and professionals. 

Primary Responsibilities 

  • Produce 20 community photos per month for consideration, five of which LOR retains for its use. The ambassador program is meant to be collaborative, meaning photographers will regularly meet with LOR’s team—particularly LOR’s communications manager and community officers—to plan for upcoming shoots and address content priorities. 
  • Gather accurate quotes and captions from photo subjects that address important community issues and authentically reflect the perspectives of the people who live there. 
  • Collect and upload model releases for all subjects who are identifiable in an image. 
  • Represent the LOR Foundation when on assignment in the community. Photo ambassadors engage with the community on behalf of LOR, so we seek candidates who approach the community with sensitivity, who understand and can articulate the foundation’s mission, and who condcut themselves with professionalism.

Qualifications 

  • Experience as a photographer. Professional photography experience is not required, though we do seek applicants who have at least some experience building a portfolio of work and taking images of people in their community. 
  • Live in a community where LOR works. LOR hires and works locally, so photo ambassadors must live in or near the community they would be photographing. LOR is currently working in Lander, Wyoming; Taos and Questa, New Mexico; Cortez and Monte Vista, Colorado; Libby, Montana; and Weiser, Idaho. 
  • Comfort scheduling photoshoots with individuals, businesses owners, and event organizers, as well as someone who is amenable to accepting photo assignments on short notice.
  • Excellent time management and communication skills. Photo ambassadors schedule photoshoots with residents, business owners, event organizers and others. Occasionally photo assignments come up on short notice. Keeping LOR updated if issues arise with specific assignments, deadlines, or other matters is essential to the success of the role. 
  • Openness to feedback and guidance. 
  • Familiarity with digital asset management systems is a plus. 

To Apply

Applications should include a resumé, a link to a portfolio (a social media account showcasing professional work is acceptable), and a short note expressing your interest in the program. 

Visit LOR’s Facebook page to see collections from past LOR photo ambassadors.

Email ahannon@lorfoundation.org to apply or learn more.