Want to get on the list for SXSW 2026?
Complete the SXSW Photo Crew Expression of Interest form!
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 seven (7) days, anytime day or night (9am-2am), between Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 15, 2025. You will be able to choose which seven (7) days when you are accepted to the Photo Crew.
Review the full Time Commitment & Availability requirements
NOT just a link to your website and definitely not a link to your Instagram account
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.
The SXSW Photo Galleries are a great resource for understanding the subjects you'll be covering and the different environments in which you'll be shooting. Your portfolio should convey your skills and ability to shoot in similar settings and conditions.
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)
We want to click a link that takes us straight to your images with little to no other navigation required
The gallery/portfolio can be on your own site, a photo sharing site, a Google Drive folder or other cloud storage product
It should not be password protected, but it can be an unpublished, private link
IMPORTANT: We DO NOT accept Instagram or any other social media accounts as a gallery/portfolio.
You can include photos created for Instagram in your gallery/portfolio
There is a place in the application to share your social media presence, so don't put it in the portfolio link field.
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
3200 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
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 application
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 portfolio
Camera body and lenses meet or exceed minimum specs
Having an external flash
Having followed all of the application instructions
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.
The first round of acceptances will be sent out the week of January 20, 2025.
* 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 a select number of former crew members may get an invitation to join the Crew. The number of invitations varies by year based on multiple factors from the number of projected assignments, to the ratio of applicants versus invited photographers, to an annual review by the Crew Chiefs and the SXSW Photography Director of the crew member's previous submissions. These invitees are immediately accepted to the SXSW Photo Crew and do not need to submit a portfolio.
Criteria for automatic selection:
Must have been a photographer on the previous year's crew. If you were not on the crew, you will need to apply.
Accurate organization, metadata entry and file naming per instructions.
Timeliness of photo submission post festival.
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 early December. Those who do not receive an invitation are encouraged to apply.