Want to be considered for SXSW 2027?
Complete the SXSW Photo Crew Expression of Interest form by December 27, 2026!
Email sxswphotocrew@gmail.com with any questions.
Follow the instructions below to be sure you have everything ready and thoroughly understand the process.
The ability to follow these instructions is part of the Photo Crew evaluation.
You must be available to work six (6) days, anytime day or night (9am-2am), between Monday, March 15 - Sunday, March 21.
MANDATORY DAYS: You must be available to work Monday, March 15, Tuesday, March 16 and Wednesday, March 17. You will be able to choose the remaining three days of your schedule
Review the full Time Commitment & Availability requirements
We're looking for a curated group of images that showcase your skills and creativity as they relate to the type of events you will be tasked with covering as a member of the Photo Crew.
We want to see:
Your best SXSW images if you have previously photographed SXSW in any capacity
Images from events that are similar to SXSW
Examples: Live music, speakers addressing an audience, panel discussions, film premieres, theater productions, candids from live events, etc.
Images that show your ability to successfully shoot in low light without flash
Examples: People engaged in activities like meetings, meet-ups/mixers, parties, dinners, work events, etc.
Images that show your ability to successfully shoot with external flash
Examples: Group photos, portraits, candids, etc.
Images that tell a story, convey emotion, capture the vibe of an event, utilize subtle effects that enhance composition; we want to see your creativity!
We don't want to see:
Filtering or effects that overwhelm or take away from composition
Too many black and white images (a few are okay but your color photography skills are much more important for this evaluation)
Landscapes or studio portraits (one or two are okay if you feel they showcase your talent)
Your general website showcasing all of your photography
Any of your socials that showcase your photography
Listing your gear is part of the application
Include body(ies) make and model, lens specs, external flash
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 and 70-200 f/2.8 + your choice of primes and wides (or equivalents for mirrorless)
**You must include focal length and maximum aperture when listing lenses
You can include any gear you plan to rent
Do you meet the general requirements? Do you understand the scope of the time and availability commitment and how your time will be scheduled during SXSW? Can you abide by the communication protocols and the code of conduct? Do you have a good grasp of what to expect before, during and after SXSW as a member of the Photo Crew?
You should be able to answer "yes" to all of these questions before you submit your expression of interest
Every application is carefully reviewed by the Photography Crew Chiefs and the SXSW Photography Director and is scored based on criteria including:
Quality of the work submitted
Camera body and lenses meet or exceed minimum specs
Having an external flash and experience using it
Honest skills self-evaluation
Experience in a variety of environments
Returning SXSW photographer, in good standing *
The scores are averaged and then ranked. Applicants are invited to join the crew based upon the number of photographers that are needed for the festival.
Our goal is to send out acceptance invitations and invitations to join a waitlist on or before January 8, 2027, but this is subject to change based on volume of applicants.
* SXSW keeps records for all photographers from all previous years. If you have missed shifts or been habitually late or have violated the Photo Crew Code of Conduct, you may not be accepted to the photo crew even if you have a good portfolio.
While we would love to accept all valued alumni, only select crew members from the previous year's crew will receive an invitation to join the current year's Crew. The number of invitations varies by year based on an annual review by the Crew Chiefs and the SXSW Photography Director of the crew member's previous submissions.
Criteria for automatic selection:
Must have been a photographer on the previous year's crew.
If you are an alumni who was not on the previous year's crew, you will need to apply.
Accurate organization, metadata entry and file naming per instructions.
Photos from ALL assignments uploaded by the post-festival deadline.
Composition, quality, curation, and editing of photos are above average.
Number of images submitted per assignment have been within set guidelines.
Crew membership in good standing, including willingness to help or mentor others.
Invitations are sent via email in mid December. Those who do not receive an invitation are encouraged to apply.