Do you want to donate your time and talent as a photographer to help your community?
If so, I’ve made a list of my Top 10 Ideas below – but any non-profit organization you care about would gladly welcome photographs to help tell their story.
- SCHOOLS – As a parent of two kids in Austin public schools, I always donate a portrait session to the yearly school fundraiser. Besides donating a session, you could also volunteer to photograph school activities for their website, social media and teacher newsletters.
I like to create themed photo booths for school fundraisers and events.
2. ANIMAL SHELTERS – You can volunteer to take photos of the animals there to help get them adopted. In Austin, you could reach out to the Austin Animal Shelter, the Austin Humane Society or Austin Pets Alive.
Volunteering with House Rabbit Rescue in Pflugerville, TX.
3. URBAN FARMS – you can reach out to Urban Roots, Green Gate Farms, Boggy Creek Farm to volunteer to document their work (as well as work in their fields). You may also come home with some fresh veggies.
Welcome Sign at Urban Roots Farm in Austin, TX
Welcome Board at Green Gate Farms in South Austin.
CSA Veggies from Green Gate Farms.
4. ADOPTION – Reach out to the Heart Gallery with Partnerships for Children to take portraits of children available for adoption in Austin. Help them find loving families.
5. SMALL BUSINESSES – Do you enjoy branding sessions for small business owners? If so, the EGBI (Economic Growth Business Incubator) is looking for volunteer photographers to help take photos of the small business owners they serve.
6. AUSTIN PARKS – Do you love spending time in Austin’s many parks? Contact the Austin Parks Foundation for opportunities on how your photography can help their department.
7. DONATE OLD GEAR – Besides donating your time, you can also donate equipment. Donate your photography gear to help another generation tell their stories. Reach out to Youth in Focus, Photo Start or PhotoVoice.
8. CANCER PATIENTS – The Gold Hope Project connects photographers with pediatric cancer patients to take portraits for their families.
9. TEACH – Reach out to local schools or clubs to share your knowledge as a professional photographer. Career Day anyone?
10. VOLUNTOURING – Not in Austin, but if you’d like to travel as a photographer and don’t mind paying some expenses – check out Voluntouring or Photographers without Borders for international opportunities to use your photography skills.
Documenting volunteer work in Mexico.
Ready to volunteer your photography? Also check out this Article: 7 Questions to ask yourself before volunteering.
If you have other ideas for Austin volunteer photographic opportunities, please contact me to add to my list.
You can also check out some of the volunteer photography work I did recently for Austin Sunshine Camps:
