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Animal Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LTD Global

Animal Protection Investigator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

About the organization A nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to promoting compassion ... Photograph and thoroughly document potential crime scenes. * Photograph and assist with veterinary ...

LTD Global

Animal Protection Investigator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

About the organization A nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to promoting compassion ... Photograph and thoroughly document potential crime scenes. * Photograph and assist with veterinary ...

Jungle Island

PHOTOGRAPHER

Miami, FL · On-site

Maintain clean and organized photography zones, ensuring equipment readiness and guest-facing presentation standards. * Collaborate closely with the animal care and guest services teams to maintain ...

Jungle Island

Seasonal Photographer

Miami, FL

Maintain clean and organized photography zones, ensuring equipment readiness and guest-facing presentation standards. Collaborate closely with the animal care and guest services teams to maintain ...

Smith County

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX

Conduct field investigations and document incidents through written reports, photographs, and evidence collection when appropriate. * Educate the public regarding responsible animal ownership, local ...

Smith County, TX

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX

$40K - $43K/yr

Conduct field investigations and document incidents through written reports, photographs, and evidence collection when appropriate. * Educate the public regarding responsible animal ownership, local ...

coctx

Animal Care Specialist

Carrollton, TX

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Photographs animals for inclusion on the animal adoption website. Responds to inquiries from the general public regarding animals included on the website. * Performs other duties as assigned.

Smith County

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX · On-site

$40K - $43K/yr

Conduct field investigations and document incidents through written reports, photographs, and evidence collection when appropriate. Educate the public regarding responsible animal ownership, local ...

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Animal Photography information

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$9

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$37

How much do animal photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal photography in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges animal photographers face during a typical shoot, and how can they be managed?

Animal photographers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable animal behavior, varying lighting conditions, and securing the animal's attention. To manage these, photographers typically use patience, quick reflexes, and a variety of props or treats to engage the animal. Working closely with animal handlers or owners is essential for both safety and capturing natural expressions. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as shoots may require frequent adjustments to settings and positioning based on the animal's movement and mood.

How much does an animal photographer make?

Animal photographers typically earn between $25,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and whether they work freelance or for an organization. Successful photographers often build portfolios, use professional equipment, and may charge per project or session rates.

What is the difference between Animal Photography vs Wildlife Photography?

AspectAnimal PhotographyWildlife Photography
CredentialsPhotography skills, possibly wildlife or animal-specific coursesAdvanced photography skills, often wildlife or nature-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet studios, outdoor settings with animalsNatural habitats, national parks, remote outdoor locations
Employer & IndustryPet stores, animal shelters, media companies, zoosNature magazines, conservation organizations, media outlets

Animal Photography focuses on capturing images of animals in controlled or accessible environments like zoos or farms, emphasizing portrait and behavior shots. Wildlife Photography involves photographing animals in their natural habitats, often requiring specialized equipment and patience. While both share foundational photography skills, Wildlife Photography demands a deeper understanding of animal behavior and outdoor survival skills.

How to get into pet photography?

To get into pet photography, build a portfolio showcasing your best animal photos, learn about animal behavior and handling, and develop skills in camera settings and lighting. Gaining experience through practice, volunteering, or assisting established photographers can also help establish your reputation in the field.

What is animal photography?

Animal photography is a specialized field of photography focused on capturing images of animals in their natural habitats, zoos, or domestic environments. This genre requires patience, understanding of animal behavior, and technical skills to produce compelling and ethical images. Animal photographers may work with wildlife, pets, or livestock, and often need to adapt to various lighting and movement conditions. The goal is to document, celebrate, or raise awareness about the animals being photographed.

Can you make a living off of wildlife photography?

Animal photography, including wildlife photography, can be a viable career, but it often requires building a strong portfolio, establishing clients, and diversifying income sources such as selling prints, licensing images, or working on assignments. Many wildlife photographers supplement their income through workshops, publications, or conservation projects, as consistent income can be challenging without significant experience and reputation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Photographer, you need strong photography skills, a keen understanding of animal behavior, and experience with camera equipment, often supported by a portfolio or relevant coursework. Mastery of DSLR or mirrorless cameras, photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and sometimes animal handling certifications are typically required. Patience, creativity, and effective communication help you capture expressive images and work collaboratively with animal handlers or clients. These skills ensure the ability to produce high-quality, compelling photos while maintaining the safety and comfort of animal subjects.

What are the career opportunities in animal photography?

Animal photography offers career opportunities as freelance photographers, wildlife photographers, or working for magazines, zoos, or conservation organizations. Success often requires strong photography skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and access to specialized equipment or permits. Many professionals build portfolios and networks to secure assignments or clients.
More about Animal Photography jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Photography jobs? Cities with the most Animal Photography job openings:
What states have the most Animal Photography jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Photography jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Photography jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Photography jobs are:
Animal Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Photography job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 42% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Photography Assistant

Wandering Seaman Photography

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Wandering Seaman Photography started out much like any other studio; after spending a number of years as a hobbyist, I merged my love for the art with my passion for working with and helping people. With a keen eye and unique style, I began taking portraits of friends, family and my pug puppy, Franklin.

Job Description

The lowdown
Assisting a photographer in all aspects of their work
Doing whatever is necessary to ensure that a photographic shoot runs smoothly
Assisting in everything from administration, to the shoot, to scouting locations
Is this role right for me?
To do this role, you will need to:
be willing to learn
be organised and practical
understand how to operate digital and traditional cameras, and scanning equipment
anticipate the needs of the photographer
have excellent communication skills
be able to foresee and evaluate potential problems, and deal with them calmly
be skilled in image-manipulation and image-management software
possess good office skills
pay close attention to detail
What does an Assistant Photographer do?
Getting a job as an Assistant Photographer is one of the best routes into a career in professional photography.
Assistant Photographers can learn on the job from a professional, without the responsibility of running a business or producing professional quality images before they are ready.
They must do whatever is necessary to ensure that a photographic shoot runs smoothly. Usually, this involves preparing sets, checking that all equipment is functioning properly, setting up lighting and accessories, taking meter readings, uploading files and transporting film or prints to and from laboratories.
When working from a studio, an Assistant Photographer will help out with general administration, keeping the sets clean and tidy and printing photographs as required. They will be expected to catalogue and optimise digital files, to scan film and to assist with image manipulation and enhancement.
They will also keep records of the film stock, exposures, lighting set-ups, as well as the names and details of art directors, models, stylists, animal handlers and other contributors. When clients are present during a shoot, it is the Assistant Photographer's job to play host and shield the photographer from unnecessary interruptions.
On location, the Assistant Photographer's duties may involve making a technical assessment of the site in advance, checking for vehicle access, power and communications facilities. They will often organise transport, catering and accommodation, set up equipment, and source a local laboratory or reliable courier.
High-profile photographers sometimes employ several Assistant Photographers who are then known as First Assistant, Second Assistant, and so on. Duties will be divided between the various assistants at the discretion of the photographer. In most cases, the First Assistant provides direct support to the Photographer on set, while the Second Assistant assists with production and general administration.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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