Major European airline offering $50K for ‘really bad’ freelance photographer

Good photographers need not apply—a new contest from a major airline seeks someone with no skills behind the camera.

Icelandair says it is offering a $50,000 freelance role to “the worst photographer they can find.”

The airline is recruiting someone with no skills, no portfolio, and ideally no idea what they’re doing, to travel to Iceland and shoot their upcoming global campaign.

“The worse the photos, the better the application,” a promotion for the contest reads. “Iceland is so beautiful, even someone really bad at taking photography can’t take a bad photo – and Icelandair wants to prove it.”

The winner will get a 10-day trip to Iceland, with travel expenses covered, plus $50,000 (USD) for photographs, content and participation.

The winner’s photos may appear in a global campaign, and they must be able and willing to participate in filming, photography, and other marketing‑related activities during and after the trip.

Applicants must be able to take part in physical outdoor activities and adventures, and be comfortable hiking and navigating uneven terrain in spectacular landscapes. They must be an amateur photographer, 21 or older, legally able to travel and physically capable of the planned activities.

Participants can upload a 60-second audition tape, explaining why their lack of skill makes them ideal for the task.

Those interested in this opportunity should hurry; Icelandair has received thousands of applications from around the world, and the contest closes on April 30.

For more information and to apply, see the website here.

Lead photo: Israyosoy S.