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Concert Photographer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Concert Photographer information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$36

How much do concert photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for concert photographer in Virginia is $20.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a concert photographer?

Concert photographers are professionals who specialize in capturing live music performances through photography. They work at concerts, festivals, and music events to document artists, bands, and the atmosphere of the show. Their photos are often used for promotional materials, media coverage, and artist portfolios. Concert photographers need skills in low-light photography, quick reflexes, and often work closely with event organizers and media outlets.

What does a concert photographer do?

The primary responsibilities of a concert photographer are to provide quality photographs from concert events. In this career, your images are licensed and used for advertising of the venue, band albums, to promote tours, t-shirt designs, articles, interviews, and more. Your duties require photo passes so you can get up close shots of the band and crowd with an individual focus on the lead singer and other musicians. You may sell individual photographs to publications or get paid to cover the event. Concert photographers also spend a lot of time networking and ensuring they have updated camera technology.

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

To thrive as a Concert Photographer, you need a solid understanding of photography principles, experience with low-light shooting, and proficiency with professional camera equipment, often demonstrated through a strong portfolio. Mastery of editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, as well as knowledge of stage lighting and fast lenses, is typically required. Adaptability, quick decision-making, and effective communication with artists and venue staff are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure the capture of dynamic, high-quality images in unpredictable concert environments while maintaining professional relationships.

What are some common challenges concert photographers face during live events, and how can they be managed?

Concert photographers often contend with low or unpredictable lighting, fast-moving performers, and restricted access to certain areas of the venue. To manage these challenges, it's important to use fast lenses with wide apertures, be familiar with your camera's high ISO capabilities, and plan your shots in advance by studying the artist's setlist and stage movements. Building good relationships with venue staff and artists' management can also help you secure better access and anticipate potential obstacles during the show.

What is the difference between Concert Photographer vs Event Photographer?

AspectConcert PhotographerEvent Photographer
CredentialsPortfolio, photography skills, sometimes specific equipment knowledgePortfolio, photography skills, sometimes event-specific experience
Work EnvironmentConcert venues, music festivals, indoor/outdoor stagesWeddings, corporate events, parties, conferences
Employer & IndustryMusic industry, event organizers, venuesEvent planning companies, private clients, corporations

Concert photographers focus on capturing live music performances, often working in concert venues and festivals. Event photographers cover a wide range of events like weddings and corporate functions. While both roles require strong photography skills and experience with different lighting conditions, concert photographers specialize in music settings, whereas event photographers handle diverse social and corporate events.

Is concert photography a good career?

Concert photography is a competitive field that requires strong technical skills, knowledge of lighting and camera equipment, and the ability to work in dynamic environments. Success often depends on building a portfolio, networking with industry contacts, and understanding copyright and licensing issues. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about music and photography, but income stability varies widely.

What are the most commonly searched types of Concert Photographer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Concert Photographer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Concert Photographer jobs in Virginia?

For Concert Photographer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Concert Photographer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Concert Photographer job openings:

Infographic showing various Concert Photographer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,982 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Marketing & Sales Assistant

Career Search

Richmond, VA

$32K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create and update concert pages on the website, write social media copy, design graphics, and assist with capturing and editing video at events.

  • Help keep the social content calendar moving, monitor engagement opportunities, and ensure accurate concert information across digital channels.

  • Support the coordination of marketing assets, prepare promotional materials, organize marketing files and projects, and assist with campaigns to grow audiences and ticket sales.


Job description

Marketing & Sales Assistant

The Richmond Symphony

Are you passionate about the arts? Do you enjoy a vibrant, fast-paced environment? Join a highly accomplished team in a city dedicated to growing arts and culture in the role of the Marketing & Sales Assistant with the Richmond Symphony. Noted by CNN as the number one place to visit, Richmond is also a great place to live! According to CNN, "Richmond is No. 1 on the list thanks to rich arts, culture and history, plus a great food and beverage scene."

Are you a creative, organized marketer who loves great storytelling and the arts?

Join The Richmond Symphony as our Marketing & Sales Assistant and gain hands-on experience across digital marketing, social media, content creation, email, website management, and live events. This is an opportunity for an early-career marketing professional to develop a broad range of skills while helping connect audiences throughout Richmond and Central Virginia with extraordinary musical experiences.

What exactly would I do?

No two weeks at Richmond Symphony look exactly alike. You might create and update concert pages on our website, write social media copy, design graphics in Canva or Figma, help capture and edit video at the Carpenter Theatre, or assist with an email promoting an upcoming concert. You'll help keep our social content calendar moving, monitor opportunities to engage with artists and community partners, and make sure audiences can find accurate concert information across our digital channels.

You'll also help coordinate marketing assets with our venues and partners, prepare promotional materials, organize marketing files and projects, and support other campaigns designed to grow audiences and ticket sales.

And because experiencing the Symphony is at the center of what we do, you'll regularly join us at concerts and community events. You'll help with marketing activations, welcome patrons, capture content, and see firsthand how the campaigns you've worked on come to life.

What qualifications and skills do I need?

We're looking for someone who is organized, curious, creative, and ready to learn.

Strong writing skills and attention to detail are important. You should be comfortable with social media and digital content and able to manage multiple assignments and deadlines. Experience with Canva, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, website content management, email marketing, photography, or video is a plus, but we don't expect one person to arrive as an expert in everything.

Experience with Microsoft 365 is expected, and experience with CRM, ticketing, or email marketing platforms is helpful.

Most importantly, you should be comfortable collaborating with others, taking ownership of recurring responsibilities, learning new systems, and working in the fast-moving environment of a performing arts organization.

This position requires regular in-person work in downtown Richmond as well as participation in evening and weekend concerts and events throughout the season.

What's the compensation and benefits?

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with an annual salary at $32,000. Benefits include health, dental, telemedicine, vision, disability and instrument insurances, flexible spending or health savings accounts, paid time off, sick leave, parking, and a 403(b) plan. A combination of in-person and remote work is possible based on departmental needs.

How do I apply?

All applications and communication are completed online. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Richmond Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.