Our World Underwater Scholarship Society Paul L. Schutt Photography Internship
Our History
Backscatter and its sister company, Under Exposures, have strong ties to the Paul L. Schutt Underwater Photography Internship and the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society. Paul Schutt founded Helix Camera in 1964, which became the world's largest underwater photography store. Berkley White, the founder of Backscatter, greatly benefitted from the OWUSS and bought his first Nikonos V from Helix in 1988. Dan Baldocchi, co-founder of UnderExposures, later became the manager of the underwater department at Helix.Paul's wife Linda established the Paul L. Schutt Underwater Photography Internship in honor of Paul's 50 years at Helix and his passion for photography, especially underwater photography. It's our honor here at Backscatter and UnderExposures to make this the greatest underwater photography opportunity for an inspiring new photographer and carry on the passion Paul shared with us.
Internship Description
The Paul L. Schutt Underwater Photography Internship gives the selected intern the opportunity to develop their underwater photography skills while working alongside industry professionals. The intern will receive underwater photography instruction and experience primarily through participation in the Backscatter Digital Shootout, a two-week workshop full of seminars and diving. The Shootout is designed to help participants take their underwater photography or videography to the next level, whether they are beginning or experienced underwater shooters. Additional internship experiences beyond the Shootout may be available and will be determined based on current Backscatter opportunities and recipient interests.If you or somebody you know is interested in applying for the Paul L. Schutt OWUSS Internship, read on for more details on the internship and where to apply.
Location and Duration
The 2025 Digital Shootout will be held in Bonaire on June 14–28, 2025. The intern must be available to attend the entire Shootout. The location and duration of other possible experiences may vary and will be coordinated between the intern, Backscatter, and OWUSS. The internship will likely last a total of 4–6 weeks during the summer.Eligibility
Applicants must:- Be scuba certified and have some diving experience
- Be at least 20 years of age at the time of the application deadline
- Have a current passport
- Have a strong interest in photography (though underwater photography experience is not required)
- Submit a sample of 10-20 of their own images that represent their photography interest and style.
