Zajac Ranch Volunteer Photographer/Videographer

Organization: Zajac Ranch
Location: Mission, British Columbia
Position Type: Volunteer
Schedule: Weekdays and/or weekends, based on program and rental schedules
Reports To: Sales & Marketing Manager, Camp Director, or Designated Staff Lead

About Zajac Ranch

Zajac Ranch is an inclusive, accessible camp and retreat facility located on 41 acres in Mission, British Columbia. Through our summer medical camps, family programs, community partnerships, rental groups, events, and retreats, we create welcoming experiences where children, youth, adults, families, and community groups can connect, participate, and build lasting memories.

Position Overview

Zajac Ranch is seeking enthusiastic and creative Volunteer Photographers/Videographers to help capture the energy, impact, and spirit of the Ranch.

Volunteers may support our weekday summer camp programs and/or weekend rental group bookings by capturing high-quality photographs and short video clips of activities, facilities, special events, group experiences, and the natural beauty of the Ranch.

The content collected may be used for organizational communications, social media, newsletters, fundraising materials, grant reporting, donor stewardship, promotional campaigns, and the Zajac Ranch website.

This is an excellent opportunity for emerging or experienced photographers and videographers who would like to build their portfolio, gain experience in event and lifestyle photography, and contribute their talents to a meaningful charitable organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Capture candid and staged photographs and video footage during assigned programs, activities, events, and rental group bookings.
• Photograph a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, facilities, scenery, group experiences, and special moments.
• Capture short, usable video clips for social media, promotional videos, and organizational storytelling.
• Follow shot lists, schedules, creative direction, and priorities provided by the designated Zajac Ranch staff member.
• Work respectfully around campers, guests, families, staff, volunteers, and rental group participants.
• Confirm with staff which individuals or activities may be photographed or recorded.
• Ensure that only individuals with appropriate photography and media consent are identifiable in photographs or video.
• Respect requests from individuals who do not wish to be photographed or recorded.
• Avoid photographing confidential, sensitive, medical, behavioural, or personal situations.
• Upload and organize photographs and video files within the requested timeframe.
• Label and organize files clearly by date, event, group, activity, or session.
• Protect all images, video footage, participant information, and organizational materials.
• Follow Zajac Ranch policies relating to confidentiality, privacy, media consent, safeguarding, and appropriate conduct.
• Represent Zajac Ranch professionally and positively while onsite.

Summer Camp Photography and Videography

During summer camp sessions, volunteers may capture:

• Campers participating in recreational and adapted activities
• Arts and crafts, sports, games, campfires, performances, and special events
• Outdoor experiences and the natural environment
• Staff and volunteers supporting camp programming
• Group photos and celebration moments
• General footage that demonstrates inclusion, friendship, belonging, independence, and fun

Summer camp photography must always be camper-centred, respectful, and consistent with media permissions and privacy requirements. The safety, dignity, comfort, and participation of campers will always take priority over capturing content.

Rental Group Photography and Videography

During weekend rental bookings, volunteers may capture:

• Weddings, retreats, conferences, celebrations, and community events
• Group activities and facilitated programming
• Dining, meeting, accommodation, and recreation spaces
• Facility features, outdoor areas, and scenic footage
• General promotional content showcasing the Ranch as a rental destination

The volunteer must follow the direction of the designated Zajac Ranch staff member and any specific photography arrangements established with the rental group.

Qualifications and Skills

• Genuine interest in photography, videography, visual storytelling, communications, or content creation.
• Experience using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, video camera, smartphone, or similar equipment.
• Ability to capture clear, engaging, and well-composed photographs and video.
• Comfortable photographing people in active, fast-paced environments.
• Able to take direction while also identifying natural and meaningful moments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliable, punctual, organized, and professional.
• Respectful of privacy, confidentiality, boundaries, and media consent.
• Comfortable working with children, youth, adults, families, staff, volunteers, and diverse community groups.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with basic photo or video editing is considered an asset.
• Experience photographing camps, events, recreation, children, families, weddings, or nonprofit programs is considered an asset.

Applicants may be asked to provide a small portfolio or examples of previous photography or video work. Formal professional experience is not required.

Equipment

Volunteers are encouraged to use their own photography or videography equipment, where available. This may include:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Suitable lenses
• Video camera
• Smartphone with a high-quality camera
• Tripod or stabilizer
• Additional batteries and memory cards

Any equipment requirements or available Zajac Ranch equipment will be discussed before the volunteer assignment.

Volunteers are responsible for the care and security of their personal equipment while onsite.

Time Commitment

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the summer and may include:

• Weekday summer camp sessions
• Weekend rental group bookings
• Special events or scheduled promotional shoots
• Full-day, half-day, or activity-specific assignments

Volunteers may participate regularly throughout the summer or support selected dates based on their availability. Scheduling will be coordinated in advance.

Because programming and rental bookings may take place outdoors, volunteers should be prepared for varying weather conditions and changing schedules.

Privacy, Consent, and Use of Content

All photographs and video footage must be captured in accordance with Zajac Ranch’s privacy, consent, and safeguarding requirements.

Volunteers must:

• Follow all photography and media permission instructions provided by staff.
• Never photograph or record an individual when consent has not been confirmed.
• Immediately stop photographing or recording when requested.
• Never post, publish, share, distribute, or use Zajac Ranch images or footage for personal, commercial, social media, portfolio, or promotional purposes without prior written authorization.
• Transfer all assigned photographs and video footage to Zajac Ranch.
• Delete organizational content from personal devices or storage when directed.
• Maintain the confidentiality of campers, guests, families, rental groups, staff, and volunteers.

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, photographs and video footage created as part of the volunteer assignment will be provided to Zajac Ranch for its organizational use.

Volunteer Requirements

Successful applicants may be required to:

• Complete a volunteer application and interview.
• Provide references.
• Complete a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check when supporting programs involving children or vulnerable individuals.
• Complete an orientation before their first assignment.
• Review and sign confidentiality, privacy, media, and volunteer agreements.
• Follow all Zajac Ranch health and safety policies.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for an active camp and outdoor environment.
• Maintain professional boundaries with campers, participants, guests, and staff.

Working Conditions

This position may involve:

• Walking throughout a large rural property
• Standing for extended periods
• Working indoors and outdoors
• Working around water, animals, recreational activities, and uneven terrain
• Exposure to changing weather conditions
• Moving between activities and locations throughout the day
• Working in active, energetic, and occasionally noisy environments

Reasonable accommodations can be discussed as part of the volunteer placement process.

What Volunteers Will Gain

Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

• Build experience in event, lifestyle, camp, and nonprofit photography and videography.
• Develop portfolio-quality skills, subject to Zajac Ranch’s written approval regarding the use of specific content.
• Gain experience working from creative briefs and shot lists.
• Support the communications and storytelling of a charitable organization.
• Learn about inclusive recreation and accessible camp programming.
• Connect with a welcoming and mission-driven team.
• Make a meaningful contribution to the experiences of campers, families, guests, and community groups.

Our Ideal Volunteer

Our ideal Volunteer Photographer/Videographer is creative, dependable, observant, and respectful. They understand that the most meaningful images are not simply visually appealing—they tell stories of connection, joy, courage, belonging, and community.

Above all, they recognize that the comfort, privacy, dignity, and safety of every person at Zajac Ranch are more important than capturing a photograph or video.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A brief introduction outlining your interest in volunteering with Zajac Ranch
• Your general weekday and weekend availability
• A summary of your photography or videography experience and/or portfolio, website, social media page, or a small selection of work, where available
• Details about the equipment you would be comfortable using
• All applicants will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check with the Vulnerable Sector (we will provide all the info/details to complete)

Applications can be submitted to hr@zajac.com with the subject line Volunteer Photographer/Videographer Application.