Got Photography Skills? Volunteer with Us!

Do you love capturing the world in unique and creative ways? Do you have a passion and talent for photography? If you have your own equipment and are available on weekends and evenings, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re expanding our crew of volunteer photographers to capture our exhibitions, public programs, and more at JANM. Volunteer photographers work with the Marketing and Communications department to shoot photographs that document and illustrate JANM’s events, initiatives, and mission to promote the understanding and appreciation of America’s diversity through the Japanese American experience.

Volunteers’ photographs are featured on our website and blog; highlighted in institutional reports, presentations, and outreach materials; used across social media; and archived at JANM. Their work conveys the powerful stories of the Museum and its mission to the public on a global stage.

Come join us and be part of an active network of volunteers!

JANM Volunteer Richard Watanabe captures the excitement of mochitsuki at the 2024 Oshogatsu Family Festival. Photo by Doug Mukai.

JANM Volunteer Nobuyuki Okada snaps photographs of visitors stamping the Ireichō. Photo by Doug Mukai.

Volunteer Opportunity: Photography

Reports to: Marketing and Communications

We’re looking for photographers who:

  • Have experience photographing events, exhibitions, people, and/or buildings at a quality level
  • Own photography equipment and a computer
  • Can select, edit, and digitally transfer photographs
  • Can attend at least one on-site event a month, usually on weekends or evenings
  • Are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with visitors, staff, and volunteers
  • Have keen visual and compositional judgment
  • Are professional and flexible in meeting needs and circumstances of events
  • Can be appropriately dressed for the occasion
  • Can communicate with staff about their schedule in advance

Physical demands include:

  • Standing (10%)
  • Walking, including stairs (80%)
  • Sitting (10%)
  • Lifting (up to 5 pounds)

Sound like you? Submit your volunteer program application! Once we receive your application we will schedule a phone call with you to discuss volunteering at JANM and request a sample of 3–5 photographs.