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National Geographic Photo Editing Intern, Summer 2026
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10137857 Location Washington, DC, United States Business National Geographic Date posted Jan. 12, 2026Job Summary:
About the Role & Program
Join us for the opportunity to intern with the National Geographic’s Photo Department and see firsthand how compelling visual stories come to life. As part of the team that produces photography for National Geographic magazine, nationalgeographic.com, the special print editions, and our leading global social media presence, interns will learn how to curate and commission images and published for audiences around the world. Working alongside experienced photo editors, interns will gain hands-on experience in image research, selection, sequencing, caption development, and editorial processes that uphold National Geographic’s standards for accuracy, ethics, and narrative excellence.
The approximate date of this internship is a full-time, three-month commitment in Washington, DC, from May/June –August/September 2026. If selected for this opportunity, you will report directly to the Manager, Photography, Digital. A portfolio and cover letter are required in order to be considered for this opportunity. Be sure to include any links or examples of personal projects (social media or websites) to your application, if applicable.
What You Will Do
Research a wide range of stories and partner with editors to identify compelling visual solutions across our platforms.
Work with a Photo Editor mentor on assigned tasks with clear goals and deadlines.
Opportunities to work on short-term and more in-depth photo research/editing projects, to propose ideas, and to collaborate with both the mentor and other photo/video/design staff on projects they are involved in.
Opportunities to sit in on a photo edit or design session with colleagues working on a feature story or similar assignment.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Basic understanding of photo editing software programs (Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.)
Interest in photography and photojournalism, which can include coursework and examples of work showing excellent visual taste and an appreciation for visual storytelling
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong organizational skills and an ability to handle and prioritize simultaneous projects and meet deadlines
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
Curiosity about video/social media a plus
Passion for history, science, environment, and/or wildlife
Education
Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Photojournalism, Visual Arts or a related field
Eligibility Requirements & Program Information:
Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:
Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.
Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program.
Be at least 18 years of age
Possess unrestricted work authorization
Additional Required Documents
A portfolio and cover letter are required in order to be considered for this opportunity. Be sure to include any links or examples of personal projects (social media or websites) to your application, if applicable.
Additional Information
Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship
The approximate dates of this internship are May/June 2026 through August/September 2026.
Fully available from Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm EST for the duration of the internship
Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program in the Washington D.C. area
Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work
The pay rate for this role in Washington D.C. is $22.50 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.
About National Geographic:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.
National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.