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Photography Intern

Carolina Ascent FC
3 hours ago
Internship
On-site
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Photography Internship Learning Plan
Organization: Carolina Ascent FC / Charlotte Independence
Role: Photography Intern
Duration: Short-term, Temporary Internship
 
Learning Goal 1: Develop Sports Photography Skills
Objective
Build the ability to consistently capture high-quality images during training sessions, matches, and community events.
Learning Activities
  • Attend 1-2 training sessions weekly to practice: 
    • Action photography
    • Athlete portraits
    • Wide-angle storytelling shots
  • Learn to anticipate key game moments.
  • Practice camera settings for: 
    • Fast-moving subjects
    • Variable lighting conditions
    • Indoor and outdoor environments
  • Review photos with Creative Content Producer for feedback.
Success Measures
  • Produce a minimum of 40-50 usable images per training session.
  • Consistently capture sharp action shots during matches.
  • Demonstrate improvement in composition and storytelling throughout the season.
Learning Goal 2: Master Match Day Coverage
Objective
Learn to document the complete match-day experience from arrival through post-match celebrations.
Learning Activities
  • Create shot lists covering: 
    • Team arrivals
    • Warmups
    • Fan experiences
    • Sponsor activations
    • Halftime entertainment
    • Match action
    • Post-match celebrations
  • Study professional sports photography portfolios.
  • Learn positioning strategies around the field.
Success Measures
  • Capture all required match-day assets each game.
  • Consistently deliver a balanced gallery representing multiple aspects of the event.
  • Meet league and club photography standards.
Learning Goal 3: Improve Editing and Workflow Efficiency
Objective
Develop a fast and organized workflow for editing, labeling, and uploading images.
Learning Activities
  • Learn Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop workflows.
  • Practice: 
    • Color correction
    • Cropping
    • Exposure adjustments
    • Metadata tagging
    • File naming conventions
  • Develop a standardized cataloging system.
Success Measures
  • Deliver edited galleries within established deadlines.
  • Maintain accurate photo labeling and organization.
  • Reduce editing time while maintaining quality.
Learning Goal 4: Gain Experience with Live Photo Editing
Objective
Support real-time social media coverage during matches.
Learning Activities
  • Learn rapid image selection techniques.
  • Practice editing photos within minutes of capture.
  • Understand social media image requirements and dimensions.
  • Coordinate with social media staff during matches.
Success Measures
  • Successfully provide live-edited images during matches.
  • Meet social media posting timelines.
  • Produce images optimized for engagement.
Learning Goal 5: Support League and Sponsor Content Requirements
Objective
Understand the visual storytelling needs of leagues, sponsors, and partners.
Learning Activities
  • Review Gainbridge Super League and USL League One content requirements.
  • Capture sponsor signage and activation moments.
  • Photograph community appearances and partner events.
  • Assist with media day planning and execution.
Success Measures
  • Consistently capture required sponsor and league assets.
  • Provide photos suitable for partner marketing use.
  • Successfully contribute to media day deliverables.
Learning Goal 6: Build a Comprehensive Seasonal Content Library
Objective
Create an organized archive of visual content that supports future marketing efforts.
Learning Activities
  • Categorize photos by: 
    • Players
    • Matches
    • Community events
    • Sponsors
    • Fan engagement
  • Track content gaps throughout the season.
  • Capture a mix of action, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes imagery.
Success Measures
  • Contribute regularly to the organization's digital asset library.
  • Help create a diverse collection of reusable content.
  • Ensure content is searchable and well-organized.
Learning Goal 7: Strengthen Creative Content and Social Media Skills
Objective
Generate creative ideas that increase fan engagement across social media platforms.
Learning Activities
  • Participate in content brainstorming meetings.
  • Research sports social media trends.
  • Suggest recurring content themes such as: 
    • Training Tuesday
    • Matchday Moments
    • Player Spotlight
    • Behind the Lens
    • Community Impact Stories
  • Analyze engagement metrics.
Success Measures
  • Present at least 2-3 content ideas monthly.
  • Have content recommendations implemented by the club.
  • Demonstrate understanding of audience engagement strategies.
 
End-of-Internship Outcomes
By the conclusion of the internship, I will be able to:
  • Capture professional-quality sports photography in live environments.
  • Cover matches independently from pre-match through post-match.
  • Efficiently edit and deliver images under tight deadlines.
  • Support live social media content needs.
  • Meet league, sponsor, and organizational photography standards.
  • Maintain an organized content library.
  • Contribute creative ideas for digital content and fan engagement initiatives.
  • Build a professional sports photography portfolio showcasing work across training sessions, matches, community events, and media day activities.