Photography & Studio Operations Intern

Billy Black Photographer for Sail — Newport/Portsmouth, RI Area (In-Person)

About the Role

Billy Black is a world-renowned photographer specializing in sailing and boat photography. Throughout his 50 year career, he has worked with high-profile clients across the marine and yachting industry throughout the world. Billy is looking for a motivated intern to join the team, learn the business from the ground up, and grow into a full-time photography assistant role over time.

This is a hands-on, in-person position based in the Newport/Portsmouth, RI area. You will work directly alongside Billy Black on shoots, in post-production, and in the day-to-day operations that keep the studio running — with the opportunity to grow your responsibilities and skill set significantly over time.

What You'll Do

On-Set (as you grow into it)

• Assist during half-day, full-day, and multi-day photo and video shoots

• Support equipment setup, handling, and shoot logistics

• Learn boat and marine photography techniques directly from an established professional in the field

Post-Production

• Lead the uploading and organization process of all photography and videography post-shoot 

• Apply Skills / Learn photo culling, selection, and editing workflows 

• Assist with video editing, color grading, and export processes

• Help deliver, organize, back up, and manage project files

Studio Operations

• Support scheduling, project tracking, and client communication

• Learn the business side of running a professional photography studio

• Take on increasing ownership of administrative and organizational tasks over time

Who We're Looking For

• A genuine passion for photography and/or videography, with a strong desire to learn the craft and the business behind it

• Familiarity with or passion for boats, sailing, or marine lifestyle — boat photography experience is a strong plus, but enthusiasm to learn is what matters most

• Based in or able to reliably commute to the Newport/Portsmouth, RI area (local candidates strongly preferred)

• Comfortable with a primarily in-person role, including being onsite for outdoor and on-water shoot days

• Detail-oriented, organized, and reliable — this role involves handling real client deliverables and a strong organizational mindset

• Eager to grow within the organization; this internship is designed as a pathway toward a full-time Photography Assistant role for the right candidate

What You'll Gain

• Direct mentorship from a world-renowned photographer in a specialized, competitive niche

• Real, hands-on experience across photography, videography, post-production, and studio operations

• A clear growth path — this internship is structured to develop into a full-time assistant position

• A portfolio-building opportunity working on high-caliber marine and yachting projects

Compensation

This role begins as an internship, compensated commensurate with experience. Compensation and responsibilities are expected to grow as the intern demonstrates skill and takes on more ownership, with the opportunity to transition into a paid, full-time Photography Assistant role.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter with a brief introduction regarding your interest in photography (and connection to boats or sailing if applicable), your resume, 1-2 references, and any relevant photography/video work (a portfolio, Instagram, or sample shots are all welcome) to mail@billyblack.com with epphipps3@gmail.com in copy. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.