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Internship Photographer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

gannett

2026 Fall newsroom internship

Des Moines, IA

$18 - $20/hr

The fall, 20-hour-a-week internship is open to candidates interested in news reporting, photography or videography. It is based in Des Moines. The successful candidate will have some experience in ...

R&R INVEST INC

Marketing Intern- Fall 2026

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Looking for an internship to complement your academic studies this fall? Are you a driven and ... Capture property photography and assist with Matterport 3D tours and other digital marketing assets ...

Precision Inc

Marketing Intern

Pella, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Internship Travel Required: 0-10% Reports To: Culture Development Manager Revision Date: August 19 ... Maintain a photographic library of products and product applications. * Stay current with graphic ...

HyVee

Graphic Design Intern - Summer 2027

West Des Moines, IA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

The summer internship program at Hy-Vee, Inc. provides qualified candidates the opportunity to grow ... Photography, illustration, and/or video shooting or editing skills a plus. * Excellent writing and ...

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All JobsPhotographer JobsInternship Photographer JobsInternship Photographer Jobs in Iowa

Internship Photographer information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$24

$36

How much do internship photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship photographer in Iowa is $24.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $27.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship photographer do?

An internship photographer assists professional photographers or works within a company to gain hands-on experience in photography. Typical responsibilities include helping set up photo shoots, editing photos, organizing equipment, and sometimes capturing images under supervision. Interns learn about different photography techniques, post-processing software, and the workflow of professional photographers. The role provides valuable exposure to the industry and helps interns develop a strong portfolio.

What are internship opportunities working with a photographer?

Internship opportunities in which you work with a photographer include a variety of positions, most of them specific to a particular industry. For example, you may learn more about fashion photography, news photography, or even stock photography. In this student role, you may participate in training with common industry camera equipment, build up your photo portfolio and skills, and sometimes travel to various locations to participate in a photoshoot. Some photography internship opportunities are geographically limited, or at least more common in certain areas. In general, the larger and more urbanized an area is, the more opportunities you have.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Photographer, you need a foundational understanding of photography principles, basic camera operation, and typically some coursework or portfolio showcasing your skills. Familiarity with editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom and experience handling DSLR or mirrorless cameras are commonly expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to take feedback gracefully are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality images, meeting client or project expectations, and growing professionally in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by internship photographers and how can they overcome them?

Internship photographers often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced shoots, managing multiple assignments, and balancing creative vision with client or supervisor expectations. To overcome these, it's important to communicate clearly with team members, stay organized with schedules and equipment, and seek feedback regularly to improve skills. Embracing flexibility and being proactive in learning from experienced photographers can also help interns grow and handle the varied demands of the role effectively.

What is the difference between Internship Photographer vs Photography Assistant?

AspectInternship PhotographerPhotography Assistant
Required CredentialsBasic photography skills, possibly some coursework or portfolioPhotography skills, technical knowledge, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, often in studio or on location, supervisedSupportive role, assisting lead photographers in studio or on shoots
Employer & Industry UsageInternships in photography studios, media companies, or freelance setupsPhotographers' studios, event photography, commercial shoots

Both roles involve photography skills and work in similar environments, but an Internship Photographer is primarily a learning position aimed at gaining experience, while a Photography Assistant supports professional photographers during shoots, often with more technical responsibilities.

How can I become an internship photographer with no experience?

To become an internship photographer with no experience, focus on building a portfolio of your work, learn basic photography skills, and become familiar with camera equipment and editing software. Volunteering for local events or assisting experienced photographers can also provide practical experience and connections in the field.
More about Internship Photographer jobs

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The most popular types of Photographer jobs in Iowa are:

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For Internship Photographer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Photographer jobs in Iowa look for?

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Cities in Iowa with the most Internship Photographer job openings:

Internship Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Photographer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 61% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,532 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

2026 Fall newsroom internship

gannett

Des Moines, IA

$18 - $20/hr

Internship

Re-posted 14 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 78 rated media

Job description

The Des Moines Register, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is offering a fall 2026 paid journalism internship to Iowa college students and recent graduates. The fall, 20-hour-a-week internship is open to candidates interested in news reporting, photography or videography. It is based in Des Moines.  

The successful candidate will have some experience in journalism, in school or in a professional setting. They will be able to work 20 hours per week in a high-pressure newsroom setting.  

Program details: 

  • 10 weeks (targeted start date: Sept. 14) 
  • Hourly rate is $18.00 
  • 20-hours per week (some flexibility in setting which hours are worked) 
  • There will be rolling application reviews through Aug. 31.  

Gain hands-on experience in: 

  • Covering news and enterprise 
  • Guidance from veteran editors 
  • Working Election Day/night and with the politics team in the days leading up to Nov. 3 
  • Work will be published in the Des Moines Register and desmoinesregister.com 

Responsibilities: 

  • Research and gather information from various sources 
  • Produce written and multimedia content
  • Collaborate in brainstorming sessions  

Requirements: 

  • Enrolled in or recently graduated from an Iowa college or university program (junior year or beyond preferred) 
  • Familiarity with newswriting style 
  • Critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail 
  • This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.   
  • Availability for some evening and weekend work  
  • This is a Des Moines-based internship.  

Application Instructions: 

  • We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done:  
  • Your resume (1 page) 
  • A cover letter outlining how you would approach the internship and what you hope to gain from the experience. 
  • Working links to 3–6 samples of your work or your portfolio.  
  • Contact information for at least two references.  

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