Where can I find opportunities as a volunteer photographer abroad?

Rather than look for someone to give you the opportunity to go out and practice your art, why not create your own opportunities?  You're guaranteed a much better fit for your own preferences and values, and that will bring out your passion for what you do. Who knows?  You might even inspire somebody and end up creating your own movement (: As an example from my own experience, I've been traveling for about 2 years now through South America and Southeast Asia, and I've left a strong impact on many people across my travels. - I worked with a woman in Paraguay who had to rely on her friends financially when I first met her, and now she has her own business and is planning a move to Europe. - I befriended several people in different countries who were working in jobs that they were not passionate about, and now they are freelancing and defining their own destinies. - Countless people have contacted me to ask me questions and share their concerns about traveling, and many of them later confided to me that talking with me was what tipped them off the fence and made them confident to follow their dreams. None of this was organized by an external organization, yet I've made a huge difference in many people's lives. It sounds like you already have an idea of the kinds of projects you'd like to raise awareness for.  I bet you also have a pretty good idea of the places you can visit where you could find opportunities to do the work that you are really passionate about. Perhaps a next step is to find out how to get to and live in those places and establish a network on the ground in your destination. Even if it's not done through a professional organization, spending a month or two living in a foreign culture and capturing the essence of that experience through your art would make for a stunning portfolio — and who knows what kind of opportunities that will open for you in the future?

I run a company called The Giving Lens. We do travel photography workshops overseas where we partner with an NGO during the trip, doing documentary style work and also teaching photography to the community. While we love our participants who return for 2nd and 3rd trips with us, we do want to equip people to do this kind of work on their own. It's kind of a bootcamp!  When it's over, we donate back 30-50% of our profits, as well as images for the NGO to use. http://www.thegivinglens.com But to not be biased, there's also photo philanthropy, they have ongoing listings (not sure how updated).  You could also just reach out to an NGO you admire (though, the big ones likely have their own photogs).

Then Armenia is the perfect place for you :))) Representing the Armenian Volunteer Corps, I could send you offers for volunteers in photography if you don't mind giving me your email. Meanwhile you could check the website and social media. http://www.armenianvolunteer.org/

I collaborate with a medical NGO and we are looking for photographers keen to volunteer in Congo to help us make our stories more impactful.Some of the things we saw there last April is goitre, due to the lack of iodized salt: If you are interested, shoot me an email at I guarantee you this is a once in a lifetime experience.