Hugh Russell Internship

About Us:

The Irish News was established over 130 years ago covering news and current affairs that reflect and impact on the communities it serves. As the business looks to a more digital future it is committed to investment and innovation and to continue to be the most relevant and premium media organisation and news provider in the region.

About the Internship

We’ve created this role to honour the life and legacy of Hugh Russell — a man whose impact at The Irish News went far beyond his incredible photographs. Hugh was an Olympian boxer who brought the same courage, focus, and determination from the ring into his work behind the camera. For over 40 years, he captured moments that told the story of our community with warmth, creativity, and humanity.

This 12 month internship is designed for individuals passionate about visual storytelling and news photography. You will work alongside experienced journalists, photographers and digital team, 3 days per week, contributing to our print publication, website, and social channels. The role will provide exposure to a range of assignments—from political coverage to community events—and teach you how to capture images that inform, engage, and inspire.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with capturing high-quality, newsworthy images and videos for print and digital publication.
• Support photo/video shoots for features, interviews, and special projects.
• Edit and prepare images and video for publication using appropriate software (e.g., Photoshop, and video editing software).
• Upload images to our digital content management systems (CMS).

• Ensure all photography meets editorial guidelines, copyright, and data protection standards.
• Maintain accurate metadata, captions, and credits for all images.
• Work collaboratively with reporters, editors, and designers.
• Assist with video or multimedia assignments.

• The job description is a guide to the duties expected of the intern.

• Because the nature of the job requires flexibility and adaptability to change, the duties will vary from time to time.

• The company maintains the right to require the intern to undertake duties within their capabilities that are not necessarily recorded in the initial job description.

• The company maintains the right to require the intern to carry out their duties in such departments / at such locations as are necessary.

Support and Development

• You will be assigned a dedicated mentor from the photography or editorial team.
• Structured induction and training in image editing, copyright, and ethical journalism.
• Regular performance check-ins and opportunities to shadow staff.
• End-of-internship portfolio review and career development guidance.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this internship, you will have:

• Built a professional portfolio across news, features, and event photography.
• Gained hands-on experience with editorial workflows in a newsroom.
• Improved your visual storytelling, editing, and caption-writing skills.
• Understood the ethical and legal responsibilities of photojournalism.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrable passion for Visual Arts (portfolio required).
• An understanding of news and storytelling through imagery.
• Familiarity with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, smartphone photography and editing software.
• Strong attention to detail and visual composition.
• Good communication skills and ability to work to deadlines.
• Flexible and willing to travel for assignments (expenses reimbursed).

Desirable Criteria

• Studying or recently completed a qualification in photography, media, or journalism.
• Interest in multimedia content creation (e.g. video or audio).
• A full driving licence.
• Awareness of diversity and representation in visual media.