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Aurora Portrait Photographer Job at Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks

Borealis Basecamp · Fairbanks, AK, USA ·

Pay:
$1.50 per hour
Job type:
Seasonal

Benefits

Employee discounts

Health insurance

About Borealis Basecamp
Borealis Basecamp is a northern lights-focused adventure resort in Fairbanks, AK. We provide a unique experience with sky-view igloos for viewing the aurora from the comfort of your bed.

Borealis Basecamp is part of Stellar Collection, a group of leading travel and tourism companies in Alaska. All brands under Stellar Collection share a purpose of creating lifelong memories. We are driven by a passion for sharing the wonder of Alaska with our guests and delivering outstanding customer experiences. We look for opportunities to exceed expectations and provide our guests with memories that they will tell their friends and family about and remember for the rest of their lives.

Position Details
Job Title: Aurora Portrait Photographer

Location: Borealis Basecamp – Fairbanks, AK

Department: Adventures

Reports To: Adventures Manager

Employment Type: Full-time Seasonal

Season End Date: August 24

Season End Date: April 12

Job Summary
The Aurora Portrait Photographer is responsible for leading nightly aurora portrait experiences for guests. You will also periodically give a nightly Aurora Borealis presentation throughout the week. This role focuses on capturing high-quality guest photos under the northern lights while delivering an engaging and memorable experience.

Photographers are expected to confidently interact with guests, provide direction for posing, monitor and have a strong understanding of aurora activity, and deliver professionally edited photos following each session. This role requires a strong balance of photography expertise and guest service skills. All team members at Borealis Basecamp are expected to maintain a team-first mindset, assist across departments when needed, and engage comfortably with guests from around the world.

Key Responsibilities

Professional delivery of an established Aurora Borealis presentation, grounded in science, on a nightly basis

Lead nightly aurora photography sessions for small groups

Monitor aurora activity and adjust timing and locations to optimize photo opportunities

Stage guests on igloo decks and provide direction for posing and positioning

Capture high‑quality aurora portraits using professional camera equipment

Edit photos promptly and deliver completed images to guests using designated software systems

Communicate clearly and professionally with guests throughout the experience

Ensure a positive, engaging, and memorable guest experience

Maintain photography equipment and ensure proper care and storage

Support additional operations and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Prior photography experience required; professional experience preferred

Proficiency operating DSLR cameras, tripods, flashes, and multiple lenses

Experience with photo editing software and basic computer systems

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work evening and overnight shifts (typically 5–6 days per week)

Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods (up to 8 hours)

Preferred Skills

Experience in portrait or low‑light
ight photography

Knowledge of astrotourism, the Aurora Borealis, night sky

Strong guest service and interpersonal skills

Creative eye for composition, lighting, and guest presentation

Experience working in tourism, hospitality, or remote environments

Ability to multitask and adapt in dynamic outdoor conditions

Physical Demands

Ability to navigate uneven terrain in low‑light conditions

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, including Arctic cold

Ability to stand and work outdoors for extended periods

Ability to safely handle and transport photography equipment

Compensation & Benefits
End‑of‑Season Bonus
A $1.50 per hour bonus is paid for every hour worked throughout the season to employees who complete the full season. Employees who leave prior to April 12 are not eligible for this bonus.

Employee Housing
On‑site housing is available for $10.50 per day. Rooms are double or triple occupancy. Amenities include shared common areas with TV, Wi‑Fi, dining space, and an exercise area. Housing also includes private bathrooms, laundry facilities, staff‑prepared lunch and dinner, and a self‑serve continental breakfast (oatmeal, cereal, fruit, etc.).

Pre‑Employment Requirements
Borealis Basecamp is committed to maintaining a safe and professional work environment. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check conducted by a third‑party provider.

Employees may be subject to drug testing conducted by a third‑party provider, including pre‑employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post‑incident testing, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

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