iLCP Associate Fellow Application

Fellowship in iLCP is reserved for professional Still and Motion Conservation Photographers, individuals who derive a significant source of income from their photography or photography related activities and who devote their most of their photographic efforts to positive conservation gains around the globe. iLCP Fellows demonstrate refined talent, expertise, and an understanding of editorial/communications/educational considerations and priorities through their work, and exhibit a high standard of professionalism and ethics.

  • Associate Fellow candidates must be recognized (or be recognizable) by their peers as accomplished in terms of the quality and relevance of their photography, their ability to deliver compelling visual stories on-demand, and in their engagement with conservation campaigns.
  • They must be professionally engaged on a regular and ongoing basis with conservation organizations and media outlets in creating awareness of conservation priorities for policy-makers and the public at large.
  • Please review our Tier Expectations for complete list of what we anticipate from our Emerging League Photographers, Associate and Senior Fellows.

THE NEXT APPLICATION CYCLE WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2020

To become an iLCP Associate Fellow one must participate in a rigorous, highly selective two-round application process. A committee of Senior Fellows judges the Round One. Meanwhile, our Fellows Selection Committee, comprised of iLCP Affiliates, judges the second and final round. Key elements of the application, some of which may not be required until Round Two, include:

  • For all Applicants – Portfolio of 20-30 “Best of” still images in Round One and up to 50-60 images in Round Two
  • For Still Photography Applicants – 3 Conservation Photography photo essays of 12 images each, each accompanied by a brief descriptive narrative and option to submit at least one conservation topic video. 1 Photo Essay is due in Round One, 3 are due in Round Two. NOTE: While the written narrative should help explain context and background, the photo essay should stand on its own. A successful conservation photography essay will clearly reveal the conservation threats and opportunities at hand, telling a complete and compelling story through a cohesive and unified body of images. A good test is to see if someone who is not familiar with your work can look at the photo essay without the narrative and identify the key conservation issue you are addressing, the problems, and the solution.
  • For Motion Photography Applicants – 3 Conservation themed short videos. 1 is due in Round One, 3 are due in Round Two.
  • Letter of Recommendation from at least one Senior Fellow will be due in Round Two. If you do not know any iLCP Senior Fellows, please read Meeting Fellows and Affiliates of iLCP for recommendations on how you might start networking in this community and postpone your application until at least next year to give yourself time to network. Under no circumstances should you plan or expect to contact Fellows who are not already familiar with your work and ask for their recommendation. We verify with all Senior Fellows named as intended referrals in Round One and applications from individuals who have contacted Fellows out of the blue are generally immediately disqualified.
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation from Conservation Organizations with whom you have worked will also be due in Round Two.
  • Extensive essays on career and conservation outcomes resulting from your photography.
  • Promise to adhere to the iLCP’s Ethical Standards & Principles.

There is a $125 required application fee for each of the two rounds, for a total fee of $250, the equivalent of the annual dues expected of Associate Fellows once they are admitted. A 50% discount is available to applicants from countries listed as the 60 poorest by the IMF.

Get Ready for Next Year

Below are questions that are likely to appear in Round One of next year’s application. We do not extend deadlines, so if you think you might not make the deadline in early March next year, start preparing them now.

  • Give a short summary of who you are, what you do, and why you are applying to iLCP. (500 words maximum)
  • Is photography your main professional activity? Yes / No
  • How long have you been a professional photographer?
  • What is your photography education/training/background? (100 words max)
  • 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. Donation of images alone is not considered sufficient engagement. Please list and describe up to 3 of your conservation photography projects (250 words max).
  • For one of the above projects, please provide further details regarding the ways in which your photography was applied and its contribution to the project. (500 words maximum)
  • Please list and describe up to 10 recent publications of your photography in magazines, books, online, etc. or releases of motion photography pieces.
  • Please list your most important awards. (up to 10)
  • Please list your most recent exhibits or screenings. Include venue, location, dates, and exhibit subject. (up to 10)