Raleigh International seeks photographers with an eye for a challenge

28 September, 2007

Raleigh International, the education charity, is looking for talented and enthusiastic photographers to take part in an experience of a lifetime.

The charity - which offers young people from all backgrounds overseas expeditions to exciting and remote locations - relies on a network of volunteer managers over the age of 25 to ensure that each expedition runs smoothly and safely. Raleigh International expeditions focus on developing young people's skills and confidence, as well as putting something back into the communities in which the expedition participants live and work.

Currently, Raleigh International is looking for photographers to join support teams in Borneo, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and to join Raleigh on its first expedition to India in February 2008. The expedition photographer is one of a team of ten volunteers based at Raleigh's field base headquarters in each country, but the role offers a unique opportunity to travel widely around the expedition country and to visit all project sites.

Capturing the feel of a Raleigh International expedition through photography is crucial; as a resource to help with attracting more volunteers and volunteer managers, to help publicise the charities work and attract support, and to enhance the memories of expedition participants. As with all volunteer managers the photographer must also be willing to turn their hand to any practical task, pay for their flight and basic living expenses, and have a general interest in youth development and supporting young people. In return, Raleigh International offers some truly unique experiences in some of the world's most challenging and remote locations.

Darren Craig from Edinburgh was an expedition photographer in Borneo, Malaysia in 2006.
"I was working as a software developer and felt like I was stuck in a rut," recalls Darren. "I'd always been interested in photography and in experiencing new cultures, so the opportunity to volunteer with Raleigh International seemed like an ideal way to combine the two."

"As expedition photographer, a particular highlight for me was having access to places and people that I just wouldn't have as a regular tourist. The expedition also opened my eyes to doing a different kind of work in the future, although I always knew there was more to life than sitting behind a desk!"

Now back in the UK, Darren is running his own website and pursuing opportunities as a freelance photographer and travel writer.  
 

For more information about Raleigh International visit www.raleighinternational.org or email volunteermanagers@raleigh.org.uk

For hi-res pics, including photography taken by Darren on his expedition contact press officer Anne Consedine - anne.consedine@btinternet.com or call 0781 804 8438. Sample photography can be viewed at http://www.darrencraig.com/raleighpressrelease.html

NOTES FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS

• Tasks will include working with the communications officer to provide photography for PR purposes, creating a record of expedition achievements, camp life and team working, producing photo-merchandise for purchase by expedition participants and sharing knowledge and photography expertise with young participants
• Photographers must own their own digital equipment be able to upload digital photography as well as experience of working in a variety of lighting conditions and with both people and landscapes
• A Raleigh International expedition commonly lasts for five or ten weeks; although all support volunteers are asked to arrive two weeks prior to the start of the expedition to take part in support volunteer training