Become a Photographer
Be part of something special…
There are thousands of children out there waiting to share their stories and their faces with the world; we are here to help them. Inspiration Through Art is a non-profit based organization made up of photographers nationwide that provide free photo sessions to our nation’s heroes. Through the power of photography and the gift of art, we are banning together to bring to light the beautiful faces and stories of our nations smallest heroes.
Because of the wide reach that we cover, we are always looking for new photographers and volunteers to join the team. Taking the time to photograph a hero can be both humbling and rewarding. Volunteering by hosting an art fundraiser or event is also a great hand’s on way for our younger volunteers to give back! Photography and art have given us all a lot, and this is a great way to give back!
If you are a Professional Photographer who is willing to donate your time and talent to bring smiles to these deserving families, by being a part of this project, please take time and read the information on this page before you submit the application provided at the bottom. You must meet ALL criteria (see below) to be considered, and also must agree to our terms of offering one {1} NON-watermarked image to us from your session for our website.
- Ability to give each Hero family 15 – 20 images from their session either digitally or prints at NO COST TO THEM.
- At least one {1} year of experience shooting Professional Portrait Photography.
- 18 years of age and have a valid postal address.
- Provide own transportation to and from all sessions and/or events.
- Professional websites are preferred, but we will also consider Flickr, Facebook, Smug Mug, etc… All information and galleries must be up-to-date and offer a good idea of your ability to shoot, and the quality that you offer.
- Ability to shoot professionally in all types of settings including, but not limited to: Child’s home, hospital room, studio, or outside location (if it’s possible.)
- Any continued illness that will put our Heroes at risk will, unfortunately, disqualify you to be a photographer for our organization. Please ask us before applying. If you encounter a cold before a session it is YOUR responsibility to inform the Hero parents and work out a new date to shoot. Shooting a session while you are ill is PROHIBITED.
- Guarantee is NOT made that you will be contacted for a session. Once you have been approved you can be contacted by a Hero parent at any time. We do not promise that a photographer will be contacted by a parent.
- By joining Inspiration Through Art you understand, and grant, Inspiration Through Art permission to use any photos taken for the Inspiration Through Art website, Facebook, marketing materials, and any other media outlets in relation to Inspiration Through Art. Photographers retain the copyrights of all photographs used.
• • • FAQ’s • • •
Why do you require photographers to give one image without a watermark?
When you do a session with ITA we want it to remain about the kids, always. It’s not about each photographer getting their name out, or free publicity for them. It’s about what you’re agreeing to in terms of giving back to these incredible families. By requiring that ALL photographers give us one non-watermarked image we can use that image on our website, and facebook page, to help share their stories. Photographers are always welcome to share their images on their own facebook pages, but for our website and facebook, we want the theme to stay focused on the kids.
What am I required to offer the families, and what am I able to charge them for?
When you sign up to be a photographer with us you are agreeing to a free session, and to offer either digitally or in print form, at least 20 – 25 images, to the family at no cost to them. Once you’ve achieved that, you can always offer them boutique items or additional items at a percentage off, if you like, or you can charge them full price. If you’ve provided the basic requirements of the session, anything after that is entirely up to you and your business.
How does the process work, can you give an example?
The entire process to become a photographer, and to see your first session through, basically will go like this:
• After you’ve read through the criteria, and agree to our terms, you will apply on the website with all your information.
• Over the course of a week, one of our volunteers will go through all the weeks applications and approve those that fit the criteria.
• Anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks after applying, and barring approval, you will get an email that says you’ve been approved, gives you information, links to look up, etc… {KEEP THIS EMAIL}
• Once approved you’re free to share the good news on your facebook pages, announce it on your blog {we wouldn’t mind a link 
}, and start spreading the word in your local community that you’re now offering our sessions.
• As an approved photographer, now you’re ready to take on sessions. Families will contact you, not ITA, about setting up sessions. Make sure to get the word out!
{As a side note, once you’ve gotten your approval email from us, you will not get any others unless we’re specifically asking for your help with a family. A lot of photographers tell us they got their approval email, but then got nothing after that, and weren’t sure why. Once we have approved you, then you’re all set and ready. We aren’t going to be the ones to email you about a session, the families will!}
As a photographer for your organization can you guarantee that I’ll get to do a session?
The simplest answer is, no. We make no promises that someone in your area will need your services. Unfortunately we have a lot of photographers who assume there are kids waiting already, and that’s not always the case. Getting to do a session could also depend on you, and your participating in getting the word out. If you work hard to contact local groups, hospitals, therapy centers, etc… you just might be the reason someone hears about our organization, and will be able to contact you for a session. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t immediately needed!
How do the families find me?
Here at ITA we keep an ongoing list of all our photographers. We make sure to keep it updated, and ready, for families to view and choose which photographer fits their needs. We do not partner families and photographers automatically, and the only time we offer is in extreme cases. We do this so that each family can look through the list, browse the photographers and their websites, and pick their own. That is how the families will find you!