Automotive Photographer & Digital Retoucher Internship (May 2024)

About Tesla

Tesla, an electric innovator, is revolutionizing transportation with their cutting-edge electric vehicles, blending style with sustainability. Beyond cars, Tesla's energy solutions and advancements in autonomous driving are reshaping the future of mobility. Their commitment to a cleaner, electric world is steering the world toward a greener tomorrow.

Your role

What to expect:

This position is expected to start around May 2024 and continue through the entire Summer term (i.e. through August 2024) or into Fall 2024 if available. They ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most internships.

About the team:

As an Automotive Photographer and Digital Retoucher intern at Tesla, you will be responsible for the photography of their vehicles and other Tesla products. In addition to photography, you will also be digitally retouching images. You will be part of the team that creates and executes world-class content including graphic design, branding, videos, photography, and more.

Using your considerable photography experience and innovative thinking, you will be tasked with working with the team in photographing and retouching their products and other photography needs, but you may also be called upon for other tasks (pre-production, scouting, on-set assistance) based on your skill set. Their creative team prides itself on being multitalented and flexible, and they look for the same in their potential candidates. This position is located in Los Angeles, California, and reports to the manager for visual design at the design studio.

What you’ll do:

• Photograph and retouch digital imagery of Tesla vehicles and a variety of Tesla products (Solar Roof, Solar Panels, Merchandise, Vehicle Accessories, Lifestyle).
• Collaborate with various departments to execute photography projects, such as factory teams and engineer testing teams, and ability to operate within the content team and independently.
• Identify and solve problems within digital imagery with the available tools.
• Some projects will require you to work with sales, engineers, digital modelers, architects, and other professionals within the company.
• Participate in cross-functional strategy, timing, and process discussion as it pertains to the brand and its visual design principle.
• Work cross-functionally with key stakeholders of other disciplines.
• Occasionally participate in design efforts outside of your area of expertise as necessary and as your skillset dictates.

Training & development

At Tesla, interns are offered the opportunity to engage in impactful projects and develop their skills from day one. They are expected to perform at the same level of excellence as full-time employees, often leading to future employment. Interns work closely with their Manager, Mentor, and Team, contributing to critical projects while immersing themselves in the dynamic environment. With a focus on impactful projects and a commitment to excellence, their interns gain valuable skills from day one, while experiencing life at Tesla.

Salary & benefits

The compensation for the role will range from $20.00 to $50.00 per hour.

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• LGBTQ+ care concierge services
• 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick time after 90 days of employment and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Career progression

Tesla's internship program offers a fast-paced environment where you'll contribute to meaningful projects from the outset. Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll hone your technical skills and consistently exceed expectations. Tesla prioritizes high performance, and successful interns often have the opportunity to seamlessly transition into full-time roles upon graduation.

Work-life balance

Tesla prioritizes work-life balance, recognizing the importance of employee well-being. They offer flexible work arrangements, encouraging a healthy integration of personal and professional lives. With a commitment to a sustainable future, Tesla fosters an environment where individuals can thrive both at work and in their endeavors.

Culture & vibe

Tesla's culture and vibe pulsate with innovation, driven by a fervent commitment to sustainability. In this dynamic and ever-evolving ecosystem, employees embrace audacious ideas, nurturing a spirit of perpetual learning and progress. Rooted in a mission for global energy transformation, Tesla radiates a purpose-driven, vibrant atmosphere where brilliant minds unite to forge a substantial difference.

About you

What you’ll bring:

• Currently pursuing a Degree in Photography or a related field.
• Must be able to show a portfolio of work that reflects creative thinking, broad range, and modern, minimalist taste.
• Proficient in Photo hardware and editing software (Adobe Creative Suite, VirtualRig, CaptureOne, CameraRAW, Lightroom, etc.).
• Excellent at creating and maintaining cross-functional working relationships and exceptional visual and oral communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated and able to manage multiple parallel-path projects and demonstrate an ability to deliver successful content under tight timing constraints.
• Excellent capabilities of automotive photography (interior and exterior), and full comprehension of photography, including lighting, camera hardware, studio, and on-site experience.
• Excellent capabilities of digital retouching, specifically for automotive imagery (interior and exterior).

International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• tesla.com/careers/internships
• youtube.com/@tesla