We are looking for photojournalism interns to further their craft by telling visual stories for Mirror Indy and Free Press Indiana’s soon-to-be named statewide newsroom. We are hiring for two internships happening at different times this year. The spring/summer intern will start between April and mid-May, with a flexible August end date and the fall/winter intern will start mid-August and work with us through the end of the year.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom that launched in 2023, provides free, community-centered journalism in Indianapolis. Free Press Indiana is launching a statewide news team in early 2026, to cover issues that matter to Hoosiers in rural communities, cities and small towns. You’ll collaborate with reporters from both news teams but most assignments will be Indy-based.

In this role, you will be part of the innovation team and work closely with our art director and community photojournalist. Get a feel for the work we do through our 2024 and 2025 photos of the year galleries. 

Since Mirror Indy is a member of the CatchLight Local visual desk, the intern will also have access to support and mentorship from world-class photo editors. 

If you are passionate about community-centered, forward-thinking photojournalism, then we encourage you to apply.

‍We are looking for someone who

• Takes an empathetic, people-first approach to photojournalism
• Recognizes trust and relationships as integral to storytelling
• Is proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere basics
• Will follow the NPPA code of ethics
• Craves variety and is excited to work across a range of beats
• Takes a creative approach to preparing visual stories for digital platforms such as social media, newsletters and SMS
• Shows flexibility and in-the-moment problem-solving skills
• Knows what they want to gain from the internship

• Capture still photos and video to accompany stories written by reporters and for standalone visual reporting
• Excel in portraiture, news coverage and documentary-style features 
• Write stylized captions to accompany still photos
• Solo stories and projects encouraged, with mentorship from the visuals team
• Opportunity to learn or apply lighting and studio skills
• Comfortable writing basic copy to accompany photo packages
• Days and hours will vary, depending on coverage needs. Evenings and weekends will be required.

• Compensation: $20/hour, 32 hours per week
• Benefits: The intern is not eligible for benefits
• Hybrid role: All our staff work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. The intern would be expected to have presence in the Indy office Tuesdays-Thursdays as schedules allow and are mutually agreed upon with the supervisor. Some statewide travel will be required.
• Camera equipment: Intern may use their own camera equipment or use a newsroom-provided Sony mirrorless kit.
• ‍Travel: You’ll use your own vehicle and cell phone, but mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS rate, as will other travel expenses.

Free Press Indiana is dedicated to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We encourage people of all races, colors, national origins, ancestries, creeds, religions, genders, ages, disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientations, and marital statuses to apply.

‍What to expect in the hiring process‍

We hope to fill these roles by early spring. Finalists can expect at least two interviews, including with newsroom leadership and members of the team.

We aim to truly get to know you and your career path, and help you fully understand the role, our workplace culture and our mission.