Photography Intern

The Dance Challenge | 2026–2027 Competition Season

Position: Photography Intern
Organization: The Dance Challenge
Position Type: Paid Internship
Compensation: Pay to be determined
Travel Required: Yes
Season: October 2026 – June 2027

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About The Dance Challenge

The Dance Challenge is a traveling dance competition committed to creating an affordable, professional, positive, and memorable competition experience for dancers, coaches, families, and schools.

We are seeking a creative, dependable, and energetic Photography Intern to join The Dance Challenge team for the 2026–2027 competition season.

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This is a hands-on opportunity for an emerging photographer to gain real-world experience photographing live performances, sporting-style events, portraits, candid moments, awards, and behind-the-scenes content in a fast-paced event environment.

 

The Photography Intern will work closely with The Dance Challenge staff and will have the opportunity to build their photography portfolio while gaining experience in event photography, content creation, workflow management, branding, and live event production.

Internship Schedule

 

The internship will begin with the first four competitions of the 2026–2027 season:

 

October 10, 2026
Fort Madison, Iowa

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October 17, 2026
Waverly, Iowa

 

October 31, 2026
Alburnett, Iowa

 

November 21, 2026
Storm Lake, Iowa

 

These four events will serve as the initial internship period.

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Following the November competition, The Dance Challenge and the intern will evaluate the experience and determine whether the internship will continue for the second half of the season.

 

Potential additional dates include:

January 9, 2027
Des Moines, Iowa

 

January 30, 2027
Monticello, Iowa

 

February 20, 2027

Bridgeport, West Virginia

 

March 19–20, 2027
Fort Dodge, Iowa

 

June 11–13, 2027
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

 

Availability for the majority of competition dates is strongly preferred.

 

What You'll Do

The Photography Intern will be responsible for helping capture the energy, excitement, personalities, and memorable moments of each Dance Challenge competition.

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Responsibilities may include:

• Photographing dancers during live competition performances

• Capturing action shots, candid moments, awards, team celebrations, and behind-the-scenes activity

• Photographing judges, staff, coaches, studios, school teams, and special competition moments

• Identifying standout images for marketing and social media

• Assisting with TDC's Photo of the Day feature

• Organizing and transferring digital photo files following competitions

• Assisting with basic photo selection and editing as needed

• Working with TDC staff to identify photography needs for future marketing materials

• Maintaining a consistent photography style that reflects The Dance Challenge brand

• Interacting professionally with dancers, parents, coaches, judges, school personnel, and TDC staff

 

Because The Dance Challenge operates as a small event team, the Photography Intern will also gain experience with the behind-the-scenes production of a traveling competition.

 

The intern will:

• Arrive Friday evening and assist with competition setup

• Be onsite for the duration of Saturday's competition

• Assist with competition tear down Saturday evening

• Help the TDC team with miscellaneous event needs when photography responsibilities allow

 

Travel

This is a travel-based internship.  The Dance Challenge travels to communities throughout Iowa as well as select out-of-state locations.

 

TDC will provide or cover approved:

• Hotel accommodations for competition weekends

• Travel-related meals

• Airfare for the Bridgeport, West Virginia competition, if the internship is extended through that portion of the season

 

Specific travel arrangements will be coordinated with the selected intern.

 

Compensation

This is a paid internship.    Final compensation will be discussed with the selected candidate based on experience, availability, photography background, equipment, and expected responsibilities.

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Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Has an interest in photography, visual storytelling, sports photography, dance photography, event photography, or digital media

• Has experience using a DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Understands basic photography concepts including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, focus, and composition

• Is interested in developing skills photographing movement in challenging lighting environments

• Is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

• Can work independently while also being part of a team

• Is dependable and punctual

• Has strong attention to detail

• Has a positive attitude and professional demeanor

• Is comfortable interacting with children, teenagers, parents, educators, and coaches

• Is willing to travel and work occasional long competition days

• Is willing to jump in and help wherever needed during an event

 

Experience photographing dance or sports is helpful but not required. We are looking for someone with strong potential, creativity, dependability, and a willingness to learn.

 

Equipment

Applicants should have access to their own photography equipment capable of photographing live movement in indoor performance environments.

 

Applicants should include information about the camera and lenses they currently use when applying.

 

The intern will work directly with The Dance Challenge leadership and become an active member of the TDC competition team.