Apply to Become an Associate Fellow or
Emerging League Member
Apply to iLCP
Our Applications are now closed. Thank you to all who applied!
Check back in February 2024 for when we announce the next round of applications. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social to stay up to date.
If you are thinking of applying, we suggest reading through the requirements outlined below so you can get a jumpstart on preparing your application well before the applications open again next year.
Thank you!
Have a question?
Email meg@ilcp.com
WHO SHOULD APPLY TO iLCP?
As a professional conservation photographer or filmmaker, there are two levels at which you may join the organization. Members are selected through an application process; applications are reviewed by a committee of photo editors, directors of photography, and visual storytelling experts around the world.
Emerging League Member
The iLCP Emerging League Program (ELP) is designed to support early-career photographers or filmmakers who display the inherent natural talent and significant promise in conservation photography but are still establishing themselves in their careers.
The key program features are:
Mentorship: One iLCP Fellow will be assigned to mentor each ELP member either virtually or in-person.
Portfolio Reviews: Emerging Leaguers are offered annual portfolio reviews with qualified Affiliates or Fellows in addition to their mentor. Reviews may be virtual or in-person.
The ideal ELP candidate:
Shows inherent natural talent and significant promise in photography and would clearly benefit from access to the iLCP network.
Is working on one or more conservation projects that could benefit from his/her/their photography.
Has demonstrated interest in iLCP, understands our mission and purpose and is familiar with the organization's activities and the work of our Fellows.
Has been published for conservation photography or filmmaking work and/or, has earned some young/emerging photographer/filmmaker recognition from established photography or filmmaking entities.
ELP Application Requirements:
Must be a professional photographer or filmmaker. We expect Emerging League Photographers or Filmmakers to be pursuing careers in photography or filmmaking. iLCP considers a professional Conservation Photographer or Filmmaker to be one who derives his/her main source of income from visual storytelling and devotes significant energies and efforts to positive conservation gains.
Have actively participated in conservation projects. iLCP's definition of a conservation project is one that includes engagement, active participation/collaboration, and follow-up with conservation organizations, scientists, and/or foundations – your Conservation Partners.
Be published. Applicants are asked to list and describe up to five recent publications of your photography/filmmaking in magazines, books, online, etc
Motivation. Applicants are asked to think carefully about the following questions: Why do you want to be part of iLCP? Please describe your motivation for joining the iLCP community as well as the value you would bring to iLCP and the value you would hope to receive as a member of iLCP.
References: 2 required references
1. Must be an iLCP Associate or Senior Fellow who you have a personal relationship with
2. Must be an organization you have worked with
Portfolio Submission:
Photography Applicant
- 'Best Of' Images: Submit a 30 image portfolio of your best individual images
- Conservation Story: 1 Conservation Photography Essay of up to 12 images, covering a natural history, environmental or cultural conservation topic, accompanied by written introduction that speaks to the issue at hand.
Film Applicant
- "Best Of" Video Clips: In the space below please a provide web link for a demo reel of your best video work. Please do not submit a demo reel exceeding 2 minutes.
- Conservation Story: Link to one short conservation film or a 10 minute clip of a longer film covering natural history, cultural, or environmental conservation. The applicant MUST be the videographer of the submitted videos.
Current Resume/CV
Associate Fellows
Fellowship in iLCP is reserved for professional conservation photographers and filmmakers who devote their efforts to the promotion of positive conservation impacts around the globe. iLCP Fellows exemplify talent, expertise, and passion, all centered around a high standard of professionalism and ethics.
The ideal Associate Fellow candidate:
Is recognized by their peers as both an accomplished photographer and/or videographer in the quality and relevance of their visual media.
Is able to deliver compelling visual stories on-demand
Shows a marked engagement with conservation campaigns
Is professionally engaged on an ongoing basis with conservation organizations and media outlets working towards conservation goals
Associate Fellow Application Requirements:
Must be a full-time professional photographer or filmmaker. We expect Associate Fellows to be well established as Photographers or Filmmakers in the industry. iLCP considers a professional Conservation Photographer or Filmmaker to be one who derives his/her main source of income from visual storytelling and devotes significant energies and efforts to positive conservation gains.
Have actively participated in minimum 4 Conservation Projects. iLCP’s definition of a conservation project is one that includes engagement, active participation/collaboration, and follow-up with conservation organizations, scientists, and/or foundations – your Conservation Partners.
Ethics: Applicants are asked to describe their ethical philosophy with regard to their work in light of iLCP’s Ethical Principles which can be found on our website.
Conservation Messaging: Applicants are asked to list and describe personal steps they have taken to ensure conservation messages reach their target audience.
Motivation: Applicants are asked to think carefully about the following questions: Why do you want to be part of iLCP? Please describe your motivation for joining the iLCP community as well as the value you would bring to iLCP and the value you would hope to receive as a member of iLCP.
References: 2 required references
1. Must be an iLCP Associate or Senior Fellow who you have a personal relationship with
2. Must be an organization you have worked with
Portfolio Submission
Photo Applicant:
"Best Of" Images: A sub-folder with a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 60 images representing your best work. These images are distinct from the images submitted for the photographic stories noted next.
Conservation Story: 3 sub-folders, each with a distinct conservation photography story of up to 12 images covering a natural history, environmental or cultural conservation topic, accompanied by a written introduction that speaks to the issue at hand. The images and text should demonstrate the threats and challenges faced by this conservation project.
Film Applicant:
"Best Of" Video Clips: In the space below please a provide web link for a demo reel of your best video work. Please do not submit a demo reel exceeding 2 minutes.
Conservation Story: Link to one short conservation film or a 10 minute clip of a longer film covering natural history, cultural, or environmental conservation. The applicant MUST be the videographer of the submitted videos.
Current Resume/CV
Benefits of Membership
Access to the iLCP network of Fellows, Board, Staff, and Affiliates; a supportive group that offers camaraderie in an inherently isolated field.
Professional Development Webinars and resources
Invitation to iLCP hosted and partnered events
Gear discounts and prodeals
The opportunity to participate in annual portfolio reviews
The opportunity to have your visuals represented in iLCP's Visual Library
The opportunity to have a iLCP serve as the fiscal sponsor for a project
Invitations to participate in virtual forums to pitch work for publication or funding
Photo Credits from top of page: Jürgen Freund. Artwork by Karis Gallant