Requirements for SXSW 2026 may alter the answers to some FAQs.
We will update this page with new information as soon as we have it.
BEFORE SXSW (January – March 7, 2025)
Two pre-SXSW meetings: a 45 minute one-on-one review of your portfolio and initial crew orientation in February and a 3-hour comprehensive orientation/training meeting in March.
DURING SXSW (Friday March 7 – Saturday March 15)
Seven (7) days over the course of SXSW. Go to Time & Availability Commitments and Schedules, Shifts & Assignments for details
AFTER SXSW (Sunday March 16 – Monday April 1, 2025)
You have 15 days after the event to choose, process, organize and upload your photos to SXSW.
We do not assign extra days, but you can pick up extra assignments by showing up to the Photo Crew room when you are not on duty and signing up to be "on call" for that day. Last minute coverage requests often surface during the day and are assigned to photographers who have chosen to be on call.
Yes! Study the Before SXSW page of this website and follow the advice. Check your email and follow along in Slack for announcements and lots of important information leading up to SXSW. Attend the training sessions, in person for locals and online for out-of-towners.
Not at this time. The crew needs to be your first priority, and we are unable to customize your schedule to fit what you might be required to shoot for a publication. If you wish to photograph for another entity, you must obtain media credentials and admission through press accreditation which is granted by the SXSW Press Team. The intention of this policy is to prevent circumventing the press accreditation process, eliminate conflicts of interest for Crew members and encourage them to do their best for the crew.
You are encouraged to turn in images from unassigned events, especially vibe/atmosphere shots. Photos you take and turn in that are not part of your assignments ARE NOT subject to the 3-month exclusivity clause.
Each day's assignments will be emailed to you the day before.
For example, if you are scheduled to shoot on Saturday, March 8, you will receive your Saturday assignments on Friday, March 7.
The unofficial tag line of SXSW is "everything is subject to change." Changes can happen up to the day of an event assigned for photo coverage. Changes can include a date, venue, room or time change along with updated film talent, session speaker or music showcase band list. It is because of this volatility and our goal of giving photographers the most accurate assignment information that assignments cannot be sent any earlier. Having been assigned a shift for each day of your schedule in advance, you will at least know the time of day during which your assignments will occur.
Generally, no. As part of the crew, you agree to cover all assigned events for the teams you are assigned to. We schedule everyone according to the strength of their portfolio and experience. On rare occasions during the festival, we may be able to accommodate your preferences due to cancellations or schedule changes. We will ask for your input when we can make use of it.
The short answer is no. Many factors go into you specifically being assigned to each event you cover. It may be due to your personal expertise or your specific gear. Also, trying to keep up with assignment switching adds an extra layer of complexity to an already very complex assignment system. That being said, if there is a mitigating circumstance that prohibits you from covering a particular assignment, get with the shift lead immediately and we will attempt to accommodate you.
Notify the Shift Lead on Duty immediately (via Slack or phone). If there's an issue that prevents your from completing your assignment, such as a no-show band, uncooperative pit crew, venue change, etc., the Shift Lead on Duty is the first person you should contact. They'll advise you, or work with the crew managers for assistance.
Notify the Shift Lead on Duty immediately (via Slack or phone). You should let the Shift Lead on Duty know as early as possible if you'll be late, or that you'll miss your assignment. We can be somewhat lenient, so long as you keep us informed.
Keep in mind that parking is not ever an excuse. Parking will be very difficult. Plan accordingly.
You should stay as long as you need to document the event completely. For instance, during Music you need to photograph every band that plays in that venue during that assignment. Don't miss the opening act, and don't miss the grand finale. If you're in doubt, arrive early and stick around around until the end. We don't require a set number of photos, but your integrity is on display. Give us your best.
There will be other photographers at most of your events. Many will be shooting for local, national and international media outlets. Your photographs are just as important as theirs. Be assertive and get the shots you need, but remember that other photographers' photos are important to them - cooperate and let everyone get their shots.
If you're sharing the event with other Photo Crew members, you're still expected to get your own shots. At times we book events with two photo crew members in order to get a variety of perspectives and ensure that there are no unexpected gaps in coverage. You will be notified when this is the case.
No. Please refer to the video recording policy on the Code of Conduct page.
No. Drones flights are regulated and authorized by multiple city, state and federal agencies during SXSW.