Jazz Fest Volunteer Photographer Program
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Archive is now accepting applications for the Jazz Fest Volunteer Photographer Program
The Jazz Fest Volunteer Photographer Program is a community-driven initiative of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Archive. Photographers of all experience levels work side by side with the Archive to capture and document the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, for inclusion in the Foundation Archive’s historic collection. This documentation goes beyond the stages and music to include everything that makes Jazz Fest so special – from food and art vendors to the cultural pavilion to our fest-goers and more!
The program brings together photographers from varying backgrounds with the Festival and Foundation Archive to share in the unique experience of photographing the world-renowned Jazz Fest, while contributing to its historic collection that will be used, enjoyed, and preserved in perpetuity.
The program joins photographers from varying backgrounds with the Archive to participate in this unique program and share in the unique experience of photographing the iconic Jazz Fest.
Festival Dates are April 23 – April 26 and April 30 – May 3, 2026.
Program Overview and Requirements
OVERVIEW
- Photographers maintain full ownership and rights of their images while granting the Foundation permission to use them.
- Complimentary entry into the festival on assignment days.
- Entry to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation hospitality lounge (indoor restrooms, catering, beverages, and A/C) on assignment days.
- Free parking in designated lots.
- Opportunity to enjoy and photograph the Festival at leisure once the assignment is complete.
REQUIREMENTS
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
- Selected photographers will be scheduled for one of the two weekends (not both).
- At least 18-24 photos per act on assigned stages (photo selection at the discretion of the photographer).
- Must be able to be on their feet for extended periods of time, including walking long distances.
- Selected volunteer photographers are responsible for providing the Archive with images taken during their festival assignments. Missing submissions may impact your standing with the Foundation.
Blind Juried Process
A three-person blind jury of photographers will select participants based on the following criteria:
- Artistic Merit (60%)
- Experience photographing live cultural events and/or professional reliability (40%)
How To Apply
Set up a profile at http://www.callforentry.org.
Once your profile has been set up, log in and use this direct link to the application: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=16128
In the search bar, the application can be found in the Call For Entry listings under “New Orleans Jazz Fest Volunteer Photographers” beginning September 15, 2025.
The deadline to apply is Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST.
No more than 150 applications will be accepted.
Terms
The photographic images are owned by the photographer and may be used by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation for non-commercial and educational purposes. All rights, responsibilities, and obligations on the part of the Foundation and the photographers will be outlined in a separate Terms of Agreement for those invited to participate.
Questions?
Please contact the Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive:
CONTACT INFORMATION
901 Toulouse St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
United States of America
Tel: (504) 558-6138
E-mail: archive@jazzandheritage.org
The Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive is part of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.
Top Photo Credit: Mardi Gras Indian Rhythm Section at Jazz Fest 2019, photographed by Michael Mastrogiovanni.