Expression of Interest for 2026 closes on December 28!
REQUIREMENTS FOR 2026 ARE UPDATED!
You must be at least 21 by the start of SXSW (Thursday, March 12, 2026).
Have a DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, along with an external flash unit that swivels and tilts.
Minimum camera standards:
APS-C, APS-H or full frame sensor
6400 ISO, 13.2 megapixel
RAW + JPG capability
Minimum lens standards:
35mm and 18-200mm (or equivalents for mirrorless)
Preferred lenses: 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 + your choice of fast primes and wides (or equivalents for mirrorless)
Be able to commit to six (6) days of shooting during SXSW
THIS INCLUDES TWO MANDATORY DAYS: Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14
You will not be eligible for the Photo Crew if you are unable to work on these two mandatory days
You will be able to choose the remaining four days of your schedule
Be available ANY TIME, day or night (9am-2am), during those six days
You will be assigned to a Day, Mid or Night shift on each of your six days, but specific shifts cannot be requested
Shifts are assigned two weeks before SXSW
Attend any mandatory pre-event meetings and training sessions (out of town photographers attend meetings online)
Account for post-processing time after SXSW. You must select, edit, organize and turn in your photos to SXSW no later than Friday, April 3, 2026 - 16 days after the close of SXSW
See TIME & AVAILABILITY COMMITMENT and SCHEDULES, SHIFTS & ASSIGNMENTS for important details
Sign a work-for-hire photography agreement which allows for the use of photos for self promotion (on your website and socials).
Email and Slack are the Photo Crew's main communication tools
Be able to access and use email and Slack before, during and after SXSW.
Must have the ability to access and use both on your mobile device during SXSW
Have fully read and be willing to follow the Photo Crew Code of Conduct.