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Animal Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Elko

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Elko, NV · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

... photos and videos, for distributing to the public; Clean and disinfect dog kennels and cat cages; Clean exercise yards; Housekeeping chores, such as washing and drying laundry, cleaning dishes and ...

Chimp Haven

Animal Caregiver

Keithville, LA

... photos and physical and behavioral descriptors of each chimpanzee. May train veterinary and ... May train new animal care staff and interns. Perform related duties as required. Supervision and ...

City of Elko, NV

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Elko, NV · On-site

... photos and videos, for distributing to the public; * Clean and disinfect dog kennels and cat cages; * Clean exercise yards; * Housekeeping chores, such as washing and drying laundry, cleaning dishes ...

Midmark

Photography Co-op - Fall 2026

Versailles, OH · On-site

The Photography Co-Op supports expanding Amazon and eCommerce photography initiatives. This role ... animal health environments. With more than 2,200 teammates worldwide, Midmark focuses on ...

Maricopa

Animal Care Associate

Phoenix, AZ

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Updates animal records and performs data entry at the shelter, including animal identification information, photographs, kennel cards, animal bios, and medical and behavior information. Ensures ...

Chimp Haven

Animal Caregiver

LA · On-site

... animal areas. • Shift training of chimpanzees • Perform group moves of chimpanzees. • ... including photos and physical and behavioral descriptors of each chimpanzee. • May train ...

Maricopa County, AZ

Animal Care Associate

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.50 - $30.50/hr

Updates animal records and performs data entry at the shelter, including animal identification information, photographs, kennel cards, animal bios, and medical and behavior information. Ensures ...

Maricopa County

Animal Care Associate

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.50 - $30.50/hr

Updates animal records and performs data entry at the shelter, including animal identification information, photographs, kennel cards, animal bios, and medical and behavior information. Ensures ...

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Animal Photography information

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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.

Animal Shelter Volunteer

City of Elko

Elko, NV • On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description Under direct supervision, volunteer performs various duties to assist Animal Shelter staff with care of animals and the Animal Shelter facility. This position is distinguished from the animal shelter worker positions in that it is an unpaid, volunteer position. Essential Functions (Performance of these functions is the reason the volunteer position exists.

Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions). Provide care for animals in the shelter, including walking dogs, playing with dogs in exercise yards, playing with cats, brushing and bathing dogs and cats; Assist staff with daily update of new intakes, which includes creating animal descriptions, photos and videos, for distributing to the public; Clean and disinfect dog kennels and cat cages; Clean exercise yards; Housekeeping chores, such as washing and drying laundry, cleaning dishes and toys, sweeping and mopping floors; Participate in Animal Shelter adoption and fundraising events; Transport animals to rescue groups; Deliver recyclables to the recycling center; Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (KSAs are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training.) Knowledge and understanding of various breeds of dogs and cats; Knowledge of safe handling practices of dogs and cats; Knowledge of safe driving principles and practices, and skill to operate a motor vehicle safely; Ability to follow instructions and protocols, ask questions if uncertain of instructions, and work independently

Minimum Qualifications Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Must possess valid State of Nevada Driver License. Must be at least 16 years of age.

Supplemental Information Physical and Mental Requirements, and Working Conditions The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs; exposure to heat, cold, noise, outdoors. Exposure to extreme weather conditions, hot and cold, and inclement weather.

Ability to travel to different sites and locations. In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations. Incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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