Summer Camp Photographer

About the role:

Chelsea Piers is seeking an organized, enthusiastic, and skilled photographer to join our team as a Summer Camp Photographer Intern for Summer 2026. Chelsea Piers operates one of New York City’s most dynamic summer camp programs, offering 16 specialized sports camps – from gymnastics, basketball, and soccer to ninja/parkour, rock climbing, and ice skating – across multiple NYC locations.

This role is responsible for capturing the energy, spirit, and memorable moments happening across our camps every day. You will photograph approximately 800 campers per week across more than 10 Chelsea Piers camps at two locations – Chelsea Piers Chelsea in Manhattan and Chelsea Piers Field House in Brooklyn – producing a high volume of still and action shots that are uploaded daily to our parent portal so families can see their children’s experiences in real time.

This position can be structured one of two ways: a single intern traveling between both locations, or two interns each dedicated to one location. Either way, full coverage of both sites must be maintained throughout the summer.

Responsibilities:

• Photograph Chelsea Piers campers throughout each program day, capturing both posed group shots and candid action moments across all camp activities – from gymnastics and basketball to ninja/parkour, rock climbing, and more.
• Meet location-specific photo volume targets: 1,000+ photos per week at Chelsea Piers Chelsea and 500+ photos per week at Chelsea Piers Field House Brooklyn, ensuring every camper and group is represented with multiple shots.
• Travel between Chelsea Piers Chelsea (Manhattan) and Chelsea Piers Field House Brooklyn as required, managing time and equipment efficiently across both locations and all associated camps.
• Accurately sort and organize all photos by camp at the end of each day, ensuring images are correctly attributed before upload.
• Upload organized, unedited (raw) photos to the camp’s parent portal each day within a 30–60 minute post-shoot window so parents can view their child’s day in a timely manner.
• Maintain familiarity with all 10+ camp identities, group structures, and naming conventions to ensure accurate photo categorization.
• Handle camera equipment responsibly and independently throughout the program day.
• Communicate proactively with camp staff to anticipate key moments, group activities, and scheduling changes.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

• 8:45 AM – Arrive on-site, set up equipment, coordinate with camp staff on the day’s schedule.
• 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM – Actively photograph campers across activities, groups, and venues throughout the day.
• 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM – Sort all photos by camp, review for completeness, and upload unedited images to the parent portal.

Staffing Structure

This position can be filled in one of two ways, depending on availability and candidate fit:

• Option 1 – Single Intern: One photographer covers both Chelsea Piers Chelsea and Chelsea Piers Field House Brooklyn, traveling between locations as scheduled throughout the week.
• Option 2 – Two Interns: One photographer is based at Chelsea Piers Chelsea (targeting 1,000+ photos/week) and a second is based at Chelsea Piers Field House Brooklyn (targeting 500+ photos/week). Both interns follow the same daily workflow and upload process.

What You'll Gain

• Real-world, high-volume photography experience in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
• Exposure to event and documentary-style photography across multiple locations.
• Experience managing a professional photo workflow from capture to client delivery.
• A portfolio’s worth of candid and action photography across a full summer season.

Requirements:

• Hands-on experience with a DSLR or mirrorless digital camera; must be comfortable operating camera settings manually in varying lighting and outdoor conditions.
• Exceptional organizational skills – this role demands meticulous file management and the ability to track and sort large volumes of photos across 10+ named camps without error.
• Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment with children; must stay focused and composed while managing a high daily photo volume.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when sorting and labeling photos by camp – accuracy is critical as images go directly to parents.
• Reliable time management – must consistently complete daily uploads within the allotted post-shoot window.
• Physical stamina to be on your feet and moving between locations throughout the day.
• Comfort working independently with minimal supervision once trained.

Nice to have:

• Experience with Flickr or any other photo management, sharing, or digital asset platform – familiarity with uploading, organizing, and sharing photo libraries is a strong plus.
• Experience photographing children, youth sports, or events.
• Familiarity with file management systems, folder structures, or digital asset tools.
• Basic knowledge of photo import and transfer workflows (no editing required – photos are uploaded raw).
• Prior experience in a camp, youth program, or similar environment.

Interested candidates should submit a portfolio or sample photos along with their application to Chelsea Piers.