ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Band Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

... band system related to the work of this position. For this position, specialized experience is ... Cataloguing and formatting photographic collections in digital asset management systems

Smithsonian Institution

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

... band system related to the work of this position. For this position, specialized experience is ... Cataloguing and formatting photographic collections in digital asset management systems

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsArts JobsPhotographer JobsBand Photographer Jobs

Band Photographer information

See salary details

$9

$20

$37

How much do band photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for band photographer 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 does a band photographer do?

A Band Photographer captures live performances, promotional images, and behind-the-scenes moments for musicians and bands. They work at concerts, in studios, and on tour to create visuals that help artists build their brand and engage with fans. Their work is often used for album covers, social media, press kits, and merchandise.

What does a typical workday look like for a band photographer?

A typical day for a Band Photographer often involves preparing and maintaining camera gear, traveling to venues or locations, and photographing live performances, backstage moments, and promotional shoots. You'll work closely with band members, managers, and other creative professionals to capture specific shots or document various aspects of band life. After shoots, you'll spend time editing and selecting the best images to meet deadlines or fulfill client requirements. The work environment is dynamic—ranging from concert venues to studios or outdoor locations—and may require irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. This variety offers creative challenges but also requires flexibility and strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a band photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Band Photographer, you need a strong command of digital photography, an eye for dynamic composition, and prior experience capturing live music performances or similar events. Familiarity with professional camera equipment, photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, and knowledge of stage lighting are highly beneficial. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to work discreetly in fast-paced, unpredictable environments set standout candidates apart. These skills are critical to consistently producing engaging images that authentically capture the energy of live music and the personalities of band members, while meeting the logistical demands of touring or event-based work.

How much money do band photographers make?

Band photographers typically earn between $25,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scope of assignments. Many work freelance, charging per event or session, with income varying based on reputation and client demand.

How to get into band photography?

To become a band photographer, build a portfolio of concert and band photos, often starting with local or amateur groups. Develop skills in low-light photography, use appropriate camera equipment, and network with musicians and event organizers to find opportunities.
More about Band Photographer jobs

What cities are hiring for Band Photographer jobs?

Cities with the most Band Photographer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Band Photographer jobs?

The most popular types of Band Photographer jobs are:

What states have the most Band Photographer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Band Photographer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Band Photographer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Band Photographer jobs are:

Band Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Band Photographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Photographer

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), Archives Division. NASM collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits objects and materials related to the history, culture and science of aviation, spaceflight and the study of the universe.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Photographer is responsible for the planning, logistics, photographing, and processing of visual images used by the institution to enhance displays, graphics, and exhibits.
In this position, you will:
  • Perform the full range of supervisory responsibilities, including planning and assigning work to staff based on priorities and schedules, balancing workload and adjusting schedules and duty assignments as necessary among, photographers and any contract personnel that require instructions on functions and activities that need to be carried out.
  • Engage with customers to evaluate their photographic needs, technical requirements, schedules, and subject matter, in order to plan and execute assignments that best accomplish customer specifications and project objectives.
  • Apply established and unique photographic techniques to images, graphics, and photos; oversees the production of publication- and archive-quality digital images that support the photographic documentation of Museum collections, research, exhibitions, public events, educational programming, facilities, and personnel.
  • Capture photographs that promote and preserve the visual history of the people, artifacts, exhibits and events of the NASM and the SI by creating and providing professional-quality digital photography for the Museum of its collections, exhibitions, public events, educational programming, projects, facilities, and personnel as requested by customers within and external to NASM and other Smithsonian Institution units for a variety of outputs.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Must spend long periods seated and looking at a computer screen
  • Ability to work in cramped quarters, squat, bend, kneel, lie on the floor

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.
Qualifications
GS-12 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system related to the work of this position. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:
  • Digitizing and maintaining photographic collections
  • Cataloguing and formatting photographic collections in digital asset management systems
  • Conducting archival photographic research to validate, update, and correct existing collections data

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
This announcement may close once 150 applications are received, which may be sooner than the closing date.
A portfolio/work sample may be requested if the candidate is referred to the hiring manager.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

What Smithsonian Institution employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply