Photography Mentorship Program
OUR EVENT DOCUMENTATION-PHOTOGRAPHY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM iS OPEN
The Event Documentation/Photography Mentorship Program is designed to give emerging photographers a chance to learn about festival photography from a seasoned mentor while building on their portfolios and getting paid. Sounds pretty sweet, right? The program includes a full day of in-class learning before the festival with photographer Louis Bockner, as well as continued support throughout the weekend with participants delivering a selection of photographs to be used by the festival in future promotion and to include in their portfolios.
Program Dates:
Class learning Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 - Ymir, BC
Tiny Lights Festival Documentation May 29th-31st 2026 - Ymir, BC
Here are some things we’re looking for:
People who have some experience with photography, although specific portfolios in music and/or event photography aren’t necessary.
People who are eager to learn more about photography on both a technical and artistic level.
People who are respectful and community-oriented with a mindset of sharing knowledge in the pursuit of creating community and art.
Folks from the BIPOC community or other groups that have been historically underrepresented in event photography.
What you can expect & what is expected from you:
- 6 hours of in-person training on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, in Ymir, BC, where we will learn:
Photographic techniques relevant to festival photography.
How to navigate festivals as a photographer in a professional manner.
How to navigate consent: legal vs. moral guidelines.
What festivals want (besides awesome photos of musicians).
So you took a great photo, now what? Editing & File Management.
How and when to deliver dailies, sneak peek albums and full galleries.
- Daily check-ins throughout the festival (May 29th-31st) where we go over our work and problem-solve any issues that might be coming up.
- Some scheduling and shot lists so that we make sure all performers are covered and not just that wild band with the singer who swings from the rafters.
- Deliver 10 edited, high-resolution “sneak peek” photos in the week following the festival and 50 as a final submission within three weeks.
Schedule:
- May 23rd, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm
- All day May 29th-31st, 2026. While there will be some fixed scheduling, the majority of the work will be free-range in nature.
- If you are interested in participating but unable to reserve all the required times, we encourage you to still apply. There is a place to indicate your availability on the application form.
What you will receive:
- Complimentary Staff Pass to Tiny Lights Festival, including camping.
- $150.00 remuneration
- Admission to the Volunteer after party on Sunday, May 31st @ 7 pm