Internship Program: applications now open!
Deadline: June 25, 2026 | 11:59pm (EST)
Penumbra Foundation is seeking candidates for an intensive internship focused on preserving a project from an artist’s archive using Penumbra’s Digitization System.
The Digitization Internship provides the opportunity to gain invaluable artistic and professional skills through experience with artists and their archives. Given the fact that there are many artists’ archives which are at risk of being lost, this internship offers participants the chance to play a part in photographic preservation that is invaluable to artists’ careers as well as provide a historical record.
The program will run from September 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027, spanning a four-month internship period with a scheduled break during the holiday season. The position requires a commitment of 15 hours per week, for a total of 240 hours over the course of the program.
Program Highlights:
This 4 month intensive internship provides 2 young artists with the opportunity to digitize a project from an artist’s archive using Penumbra’s new Digitization System, equipped with a FUJIFILM GFX100S II.
The artists will give a lecture to the community about the work that is being digitized in the program.
Interns will attend 5 educational seminars with industry professionals going over each aspect of digitizing: using the cameras, Capture One, using the Fotocare copystand, archiving vs digitization, and conservation.
In addition to their primary digitization project, interns will dedicate 4 hours weekly to the development of personal project. The artists they are paired with will participate in 3 scheduled critique sessions to offer guidance on their in-progress bodies of work.
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Applications are accepted via Jotform. Please click here to apply.
The application consists of a resume, cover letter, 2 references, schedule, and a sample of photographic work.
The application is FREE.
Submissions are reviewed once a year by an outside juror.
Please carefully read the instructions in the application form. Applications that are incomplete or do not conform to the requirements will not be considered.
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Applicants must be full-time US residents. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas.
This position is fully in-person. Applicants must live in or near NYC.
The program requires a commitment of 15 hours per week for four months (240 hours total), Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 6 PM.
Applicants should be early in their careers: either in school studying photography or demonstrating an equivalent commitment to a career in photography.
2 references that can verify a history of reliability, communication skills, respect and engagement in a work and/ or learning environment are required in the application.
Applicants should have a clear passion for their practice and photography as a whole
Applicants must be extremely punctual and communicative
Archiving experience is helpful but not required
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$4,000 stipend for full participation (+ $500 for transportation and meals)
Valuable training and work experience as well as an opportunity to build their professional network
Free Penumbra student membership which provides access to PF facilities and events. Interns will be welcome to use facilities to print their own work outside of internship hours.
Free film processing at LTI-Lightside for the duration of their internship
Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience working with a range of equipment, building practical skills they can carry forward into their careers.
How to Apply:
Before applying, please read carefully the description, eligibility, benefits, application and selection process. It is highly recommended to email in advance of the deadline with any questions you may have. A preview of the application is as follows:
Name and Last name
Date of Birth
Pronouns (optional)
Phone number, e-mail and mailing address
Resume: Include relevant work and educational experience. (PDF)
Cover letter: Explain why you would be a good fit for the program, what impact the internship would have on your artistic development and career path, and how you would like to get involved with Penumbra. Include 2 references (name, email, and relationship). (PDF)
Schedule: Indicate your daily availability M-F between the hours of 10AM-6PM during the duration of the internship. Upload as a PDF.
Sample of Photographic Work: Include up to 10 images from a in-progress body of photographic work and a short (250 word max) statement about the project. (PDF, max 1 MB)
Application Fee: FREE
For questions about the program or the application, please email the program coordinator, Chloe Brover (chloe@penumbrafoundation.org)
Our Digitization System was made possible by a 2024 Capital Grant by New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
