Nonprofit Photography in South Africa
VOLUNTEER
COMMUNITY
Learn How to Approach NGO Storytelling with Your Camera
Are you a keen photographer with a desire to make an impact? Join this NGO (non-governmental organization) photography project in South Africa. You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your photography skills, learn how to approach photography for nonprofit organizations, and document projects in the field. You will be guided by professional photographer Anna Lusty who has years of experience in both commercial and voluntary photography. You will be able to get involved with various organizations on a grassroots level, and a selection of your images will be donated to the non-profit initiatives you’ve documented, so that they can be used to raise awareness and funds.
Project highlights
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Professional Tutoring
Enhance your skills through personal guidance from photographer Anna Lusty.
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Story Telling
Learn how to document NGO projects in the field and maintain cultural sensitivity.
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Hands-On Involvement
Have direct interaction with the programs and organizations you visit.
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Unique Portfolio
Build your professional portfolio as a photographer.
Available: Once per Year
Duration: 2 Weeks
Price From £3,196 This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
Project impact areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Nonprofit Photography project in Zambia.
COMMUNITY
NGO Photography
During this project you’ll learn about the role photography can play in a humanitarian way. Through effective and captivating photography, you are able to really tell a story of the organization, the impact of their work and the communities. Images are a powerful visual tools for raising awareness about these projects and attracting support from donors. You’ll provide grassroots organisations with high quality images, to use in fundraising campaigns, which will have a direct effect on the causes they support. We work with charities focused on skill development, food security, poverty reduction, female empowerment, education, animal welfare, and environmental development.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
COMMUNITY
Workshops
At the start of your project you will be guided through theoretical workshops and practical photo shoots by humanitarian photographer Anna Lusty. She will tutor you personally to help improve your photography skills, as well as gain a deeper understanding of working with NGOs and what it means to document their work in a way that will be culturally sensitive and effective for their communications and fundraising efforts.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
COMMUNITY
Out in the Field
Following the workshops, you’ll enjoy individual non-profit photography assignments – either by yourself, or with one or two other photographers. You’ll spend Monday to Friday with your assigned organization, getting to know its vision and mission, and photographing its projects. You’ll have plenty of time to observe the projects, gain hands-on involvement, understand how the projects are run and interact with the local communities they are assisting. You can expect to spend about half of your time shooting, and the other half on post-production.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
Accommodation & Meals
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Your home away from home in Stellenbosch is a comfortable, welcoming bed and breakfast with shared rooms and relaxed indoor and outdoor communal spaces.
You’ll stay at a comfortable bed & breakfast in Stellenbosch. You’ll share a bedroom with up to one other person (same gender), though single room options may be available at times. You’ll enjoy indoor and outdoor communal spaces to relax, enjoy the good views, and to do your workshop sessions.You’ll receive a wholesome breakfast at the accommodation every morning. Lunches and dinners will be opportunities for you to source the meals you like, and to explore some of the wonderful cafes and restaurants in the Stellenbosch area.
Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s renowned wine country, Stellenbosch is a charming town that captivates visitors with its oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Life at the Base
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Renowned for its world-class vineyards, this picturesque region offers a delightful blend of fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. The surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop, inviting exploration for photographers and nature lovers.
Cape Town boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Dominated by the iconic Table Mountain, the city offers stunning panoramic views and a diverse range of experiences. Whether exploring the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap or enjoying a sunset at Camps Bay, Cape Town promises an unforgettable journey filled with rich history, local culture and extraordinary beauty.
South Africa has a few different cellular network providers, for which SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport. Various package options allow for phone calls and/or data usage. Wi-Fi availability is dependent on the accommodation option.
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday, where someone will be waiting to welcome you. You’ll travel by car to the accommodation, which is a short 30-minute drive. You can arrive any time that day, though we recommend you don’t arrive too late, so that you have some time to settle in and relax before the first workshop on Monday morning.
Meet Anna Lusty, a professional photographer and the workshop leader for this internship. Originally from the UK, Anna has gained almost 20 years of photography experience in South Africa, splitting her time between voluntary and commercial work. She has extensive experience in documenting the work of charitable organizations, and her images have been used for social media, websites, annual and donor reports, fundraising campaigns, brochures and flyers, Christmas and thank you cards, and coffee table books for major donors.
You’ll stay at a secure accommodation in a safe area of Stellenbosch. On all the photography shoots, you’ll be accompanied by local photographers with intimate knowledge of the communities we’ll be visiting and photographing in. We have a child protection policy to ensure the safety of any underage children we come in contact with during our photography sessions. Upon arrival, you’ll receive detailed information on how to follow African Impact’s guidelines, including how to stay safe during your stay.
Project Destination
Renowned for its world-class vineyards, this picturesque region offers a delightful blend of fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. The surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop, inviting exploration for photographers and nature lovers.
Communication
South Africa has a few different cellular network providers, for which SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport. Various package options allow for phone calls and/or data usage. Wi-Fi availability is dependent on the accommodation option.
Flights & Arrivals
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday, where someone will be waiting to welcome you. You’ll travel by car to the accommodation, which is a short 30-minute drive. You can arrive any time that day, though we recommend you don’t arrive too late, so that you have some time to settle in and relax before the first workshop on Monday morning.
Staff
Meet Anna Lusty, a professional photographer and the workshop leader for this internship. Originally from the UK, Anna has gained almost 20 years of photography experience in South Africa, splitting her time between voluntary and commercial work. She has extensive experience in documenting the work of charitable organizations, and her images have been used for social media, websites, annual and donor reports, fundraising campaigns, brochures and flyers, Christmas and thank you cards, and coffee table books for major donors.
Safety
You’ll stay at a secure accommodation in a safe area of Stellenbosch. On all the photography shoots, you’ll be accompanied by local photographers with intimate knowledge of the communities we’ll be visiting and photographing in. We have a child protection policy to ensure the safety of any underage children we come in contact with during our photography sessions. Upon arrival, you’ll receive detailed information on how to follow African Impact’s guidelines, including how to stay safe during your stay.
...the joy of making a real impact...
“It was such an inspiring experience. I’ve definitely come a long way not only as a photographer but as a whole, the experience really enriched me on a personal level. The opportunity to photograph things that most people would never get the privilege of; walking into rural communities and truly feeling welcomed and wanted there, engaging with the local people was something that maybe initially felt a little bit daunting but turned into the best part! Faces and hugs I’ll never forget. It’s definitely made me think harder about what I want to do in the future.”
Heidi Hughes
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport
- Photography workshops by Anna Lusty
- Placements with nonprofit organisations
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
Exclusions
Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, all meals aside from breakfast, weekend tours and personal expenses.
Requirements
- The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
- The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
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Volunteering in Africa means travelling with purpose- joining meaningful community or conservation projects, where you pay to cover your stay and project costs, turning your trip into an immersive, impactful experience rather than a traditional holiday.
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Project faqs
What Can I Expect To Learn As An NGO Photographer?
A lot! Anna will help you sharpen your technical photography and post production skills. But mostly, and quite uniquely, you’ll learn the role photography plays in the nonprofit sector, and how to effectively document the work of an NGO. You’ll learn in theory and in practice, and you can expect to leave with an inspiring portfolio of images.
What Photography Equipment Do I Need To Bring?
In general, we recommend an SLR camera, a range of lenses, and spare memory cards (or film) and batteries. Sometimes filters and tripods are recommended as well. It also helps to bring a computer with editing software.
Once you’ve booked, we’ll give you a document with detailed pre-departure information that will include a packing list. We’ll advise you on what clothes to bring, what practical gadgets you might need, and of course what photography gear we recommend.
Who Is This Project Suitable For?
Anyone with a passion for storytelling photography, a keen interest in documenting social impact work, a willingness to adopt a flexible approach, and a desire to learn.
Our favourite weekend activities in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, the jewel of South Africa, offers volunteers an exhilarating array of weekend adventures. From scaling the iconic Table Mountain to lounging on pristine beaches, the Mother City caters to every taste. Culture enthusiasts will relish the vibrant arts scene, colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, and bustling markets.
