Some companies offer unpaid internships to photographers. Typically, the company requires the photographer to supply camera equipment, computer and car. In return, the photographer can work up to full-time hours and get nothing in return except a credit line.
These “internships” are illegal.
From the Ontario Ministry of Labour:
The fact that you are called “an intern” does not mean that you are not an employee for purposes of the [Employment Standards Act]. Generally speaking, if you perform work for another person or a company or other organization and you are not in business for yourself, you would be considered to be an employee, and therefore entitled to [Employment Standards Act] rights such as the minimum wage. There are some exceptions, but they are very limited, and the fact that you are called an intern is not relevant.
If your company uses unpaid “interns” then realize that you’re breaking the law. Your company is involved in slave labour. Your business is no better than a third-world company that pays pennies per day. How does this affect your company’s reputation?
If you’re an aspiring photographer, please don’t get involved with these labour scams. They have no respect for you or your work. You have little to gain and lots to lose.
There are real internships offered by some newspapers. These pay a salary (well above minimum wage), cover expenses and provide proper training and valuable experience. There are also a few entry-level photo jobs that train and pay you. Did you know that some high-end car dealerships hire photographers whom they train and pay? Some commercial studios also hire, train and pay new photographers.
Instead of working for free for someone else, why not take some photo and/or business courses, attend a few conferences, and work for yourself? These provide for a lifelong “internship” where you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
