Since its founding, HCP has earned an international reputation for exhibitions of current and relevant work that have helped to define the state of photography. HCP's exhibitions have included works by some of the most important photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as the work of many emerging photographers who are now established professionals.
Spring 2025
Application Period: October 10 – November 15, 2025
The Houston Center for Photography seeks creative individuals interested in photography and the visual arts for internship opportunities. Offered year-round internships at HCP provide a platform for undergraduate and graduate students to gain practical, hands-on experience in our community engagement, exhibitions, education, and operations departments. HCP’s mission is to promote inquiry about photography and related media through education, exhibitions, publications, fellowship programs, and community collaboration. Our hope is to match each intern with duties that match their interests and learning goals.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN INTERNSHIP AT HCP
- Availability to commit a minimum of 8 hours per week for a 3-month term; a commitment of 15-20 hours per week is preferred
- A passion for photography, visual arts, and/or contemporary culture is essential
- Previous work experience is a plus, but not required, provided the candidate meets strongly all other qualifications
- Pursuing studies in college at the undergraduate or graduate levels, or a recent graduate
- Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with ability to organize, and manage competing priorities
- Maintain a friendly and approachable style with an emphasis on ensuring positive visitor experiences
- Dedicated and reliable, with a proactive attitude and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment; with require minimal supervision
- Working knowledge of the Google Suite (or Microsoft Suite) is required, with familiarity of the other being a plus
- Knowledge and experience with Adobe Suite (Lightroom, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere) is a strong plus
- Experience with website platforms like WordPress and Squarespace is highly desirable
- A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for occasional errands are preferred, but not required
INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE
The internship term is 3 months and requires a firm commitment of a minimum of 8 hours per week. Candidates committing at least 15 hours per week will be prioritized during the selection process. While scheduling is flexible during standard business hours (M–F, 10 am–6 pm), candidates are also asked to be available for one or more special HCP events, which are held evenings and weekends.
- Summer Internships take place June–August. The deadline for applying is March 15th
- Fall Internships take place September–December. The deadline for applying is July 15th
- Spring Internships take place January–May. The deadline for applying is November 15th
BENEFITS
HCP internships offer valuable benefits to support your artistic and professional growth.
- A $300 honorarium upon completion of their internship
- A complimentary one-year HCP membership
- Awarded up to $1,000 in scholarships to take two HCP education courses and or workshops within one year
- Free access to HCP’s Digital Lab and/or Lighting Studio
- A personalized 2-hour “Path to Success” consultation
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The application must contain a resume, a cover letter, and three references. If you are applying for the Marketing Intern position, there is an option to submit sample work.
In 2024 HCP dedicated its third gallery space to Houston and its metro area photographers. We welcome your submissions for exhibition consideration. This rolling call for entry opens in September and stays open until the end of August. Artists must be HCP members to apply. Each year we will consider submissions on a rolling basis for one of our eight solo exhibition slots. Work is considered as it comes in and artists will be provided notification at the end of subsequent month if their work has been accepted for exhibition. Houston based artists may apply more than once per year with new work. There are no themes or limitations to the type of work we will consider as long as the work falls within the discipline of photography.
Houston Center for Photography’s mission is to increase society’s understanding and appreciation of photography and its evolving role in contemporary culture. HCP Education offers over 150 courses, workshops, and masterclasses on an annual basis.
Thanks to the generosity of both our donors and Platinum/Gold Sponsorship Members, HCP established a new scholarship program supporting the professional development of photographers in Houston and its metro area. We welcome submissions from HCP members and non-members alike for full scholarships to attend courses and masterclasses offered by HCP. Approved applicants are eligible to receive one scholarship per year.
Eligibility
Scholarship applications will be open year round to adults (over the age of 18) of any skill level living within a radius of 100 miles from Houston’s city center. HCP membership is not required for scholarship application. Our scholarships are designed to support all members of the community and do not require any sort of educational prerequisite or minimum qualification for consideration (students in photography programs are, however, welcome to apply).
Schedule
Scholarship applications are received on a rolling basis throughout the year. New applications are evaluated as they come in and applicants will be notified at the end of the subsequent month if their application has been accepted. Accepted applicants remain candidates to receive a scholarship for a period of one year. Scholarship recipients may apply for another scholarship only one year after their original application.
Evaluation Process
Application evaluation is a holistic process that takes into account each applicant's financial need, the potential impact receiving a scholarship will make for the applicant, and the merit of their portfolio and statements. New scholarships will be offered on a rolling basis as they are made available. Candidates will be offered specific scholarships taking based on their interests, photographic work, and personal background.
Accepting Scholarships
Each approved applicant is eligible to receive only one scholarship per year. Recipients accept offered scholarships by returning a signed copy of their scholarship notification and registering for the relevant class. Scholarships that are not accepted as described will be offered to other candidates instead. Candidates who cannot accept an offered scholarship may be considered for other scholarships while their application remains eligible.
Recipients’ Responsibilities
Scholarship recipients are expected to attend classes and complete all assignments. Students are responsible for making it to in-person classes. Recipients who fail to attend 70% of classes will not be eligible to apply for additional scholarships. HCP submits an IRS form 1099 to recipients of prizes and awards as required by the Internal Revenue Service. Please consult with a tax professional for information regarding your tax obligation.
Evaluation Committee
Applications are evaluated by multiple staff members at HCP. The evaluating team changes every month to provide equitable opportunities to all applicants.
Houston Center for Photography’s mission is to increase society’s understanding and appreciation of photography and its evolving role in contemporary culture. HCP Education offers over 180 courses, workshops, and masterclasses on an annual basis, including a variety of Teen Class during the Summer.
Thanks to the generosity of both our donors and Platinum/Gold Sponsorship Members, HCP is able to offer scholarships in support of the professional development of photographers in Houston and its metro area.
Eligibility
Scholarship applications are open year round to teens (between the ages of 13 and 18) of any skill level living within a radius of 100 miles from Houston’s city center. HCP membership is not required for scholarship application. Our scholarships are designed to support all members of the community and do not require any sort of educational prerequisite or minimum qualification for consideration.
Schedule
Scholarship applications are received on a rolling basis throughout the year. New applications are evaluated as they come in. Applicants will be notified by the the end May if their application has been accepted. Scholarship recipients may apply for another scholarship only in the following year.
Evaluation Process
Application evaluation is a holistic process that takes into account each applicant's financial need, the potential impact receiving a scholarship will make for the applicant, and the merit of their portfolio and statements.
Accepting Scholarships
Recipients accept offered scholarships by returning a signed copy of their scholarship notification and registering for the relevant class. Scholarships that are not accepted as described will be offered to other candidates instead.
Recipients’ Responsibilities
Scholarship recipients are expected to attend classes and complete all assignments. Parents and students are responsible for transportation to/from HCP. Recipients who fail to attend 70% of classes will not be eligible to apply for additional scholarships. HCP submits an IRS form 1099 to recipients of prizes and awards as required by the Internal Revenue Service. Parents should consult with a tax professional for information regarding their tax obligations.