Contract Photo Editor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Contract Content Creator at 321, you will serve as an on-demand visual storyteller, capturing and creating authentic social media content for our diverse portfolio of client accounts. You'll work remotely with flexibility to travel to client locations throughout Illinois and occasionally neighboring regions for on-site content capture sessions. Your role combines hands-on production skills with platform expertise—shooting compelling photos and videos, then editing and optimizing content for social media platforms using accessible, AI-enhanced tools.

This role sits at the intersection of content production, brand storytelling, technical execution, and AI-powered creation workflows. You'll bring expertise in mobile and professional content capture alongside proven ability to quickly understand brand voices and translate business objectives into scroll-stopping visual content. Your production efficiency combined with platform-specific editing skills will enable you to deliver high-volume, high-quality content that drives engagement across multiple client accounts. As part of an AI-first organization, you'll leverage intelligent tools to accelerate editing, enhance creative output, and scale content production while maintaining authentic, brand-aligned storytelling.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

On-Site Content Capture

• Travel to client locations throughout Illinois and Midwest for scheduled content capture sessions (typically full day shoots).
• Capture high-quality photo and video content using professional and mobile equipment based on project requirements and creative briefs.
• Direct on-camera talent including business owners, employees, customers, and team members to create authentic, engaging content.
• Scout and utilize diverse locations, lighting conditions, and environments to create visually dynamic content that tells compelling stories.
• Capture B-roll footage, process documentation, before/after transformations, team culture moments, and customer testimonials.
• Work efficiently to maximize content output during limited on-site windows, capturing multiple content concepts per session.
• Adapt shooting approach based on industry context—from roofing job sites and medical facilities to real estate properties and legal offices.
• Ensure all captured content meets technical specifications for social media platforms including resolution, aspect ratios, and lighting quality.

Content Editing & Post-Production

• Edit captured content into platform-optimized social media posts using tools like CapCut, Canva, and other accessible editing applications.
• Create content in multiple formats and aspect ratios (9:16 for Stories/Reels, 1:1 for feed posts, 16:9 for YouTube) from single capture sessions.
• Leverage AI-powered editing tools for automated captioning, scene detection, color correction, and audio enhancement to accelerate production.
• Add text overlays, graphics, transitions, music, and effects that align with platform trends and client brand guidelines.
• Edit content to optimal lengths for each platform (15-30 seconds for Reels/TikTok, 60-90 seconds for longer-form content).
• Ensure brand consistency across all edited content including color grading, typography, logo placement, and visual style.
• Use AI tools for creative enhancement including background removal, object replacement, visual effects, and content optimization.
• Organize and deliver edited content with clear file naming conventions and platform-specific specifications.

Platform-Specific Optimization

• Stay current on social media platform trends, audio trends, editing styles, and content formats across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Adapt editing approach based on platform best practices—from fast-paced TikTok content to polished LinkedIn business videos.
• Incorporate trending audio, effects, and formats while maintaining brand authenticity and professional standards.
• Optimize content for maximum organic reach including strategic use of hooks, captions, hashtags, and engagement drivers.
• Utilize AI-powered trend analysis tools to identify viral formats and incorporate them into client content strategies.
• Create native platform content that feels authentic to each channel rather than repurposed across all platforms.
• Test and iterate on content styles based on performance data and platform algorithm changes.

Creative Collaboration & Brand Alignment

• Review creative briefs and content strategies from Social Media Manager to understand client objectives, brand voice, and content requirements.
• Participate in pre-production planning calls to align on shoot concepts, deliverables, and creative direction.
• Provide creative input and recommendations based on on-site observations and platform expertise.
• Deliver content that authentically represents client brand while incorporating engaging, scroll-stopping creative elements.
• Accept feedback and make revisions efficiently to ensure final content meets client expectations and strategic objectives.
• Communicate proactively about production timelines, technical challenges, and creative opportunities.
• Maintain organized asset libraries with raw footage and edited content for future use and adaptation.

Industry Adaptability & Professionalism

• Quickly understand diverse business models and industries including roofing, legal services, real estate, healthcare, home services, and professional services.
• Navigate various work environments professionally—from construction sites and medical facilities to corporate offices and residential properties.
• Respect client confidentiality, privacy requirements, and industry-specific compliance considerations (HIPAA for healthcare, attorney-client privilege, etc.).
• Represent 321 professionally during on-site shoots, building positive relationships with client teams and on-camera talent.
• Adapt shooting and directing style to make diverse subjects comfortable on camera, from executives to field technicians.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, managing your own production workflow and meeting deadlines consistently.

WHAT YOU HAVE

• 3+ years of experience in content creation, social media production, or video production, preferably creating content for business or brand accounts.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating social media content across multiple platforms, industries, and content formats.
• Expertise in mobile and professional content capture using smartphones, DSLRs, or mirrorless cameras with understanding of lighting, composition, and audio.
• Advanced proficiency with CapCut, Canva, and other accessible editing tools for creating social media content efficiently.
• Experience using AI-powered editing and creation tools (ChatGPT for scripting, AI video editors, automated captioning, background removal, etc.) to accelerate production.
• Comfort with emerging AI tools for content enhancement including generative fill, object removal, audio cleanup, and visual effects.
• Deep understanding of social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube with knowledge of platform-specific best practices.
• Ability to direct on-camera talent and create comfortable, authentic performances from business owners, employees, and customers.
• Strong technical understanding of video formats, aspect ratios, frame rates, resolution, and export settings for social media optimization.
• Experience creating content for business services industries such as home services, professional services, real estate, or healthcare is highly valued.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple client projects, tight deadlines, and revision requests simultaneously.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to client locations throughout Los Angeles and the Southern California regions.
• Professional demeanor with ability to represent client brands and agency professionally during on-site shoots.
• Flexibility to accommodate varied scheduling including occasional weekend or evening shoots based on client needs and availability.
• Self-motivated and independent with ability to problem-solve on location and deliver consistent quality without hands-on supervision.
• Strong communication skills with ability to understand creative direction, ask clarifying questions, and provide status updates proactively.
• Attention to detail ensuring technical quality, brand consistency, and error-free deliverables.
• Bonus: Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, or professional editing software for complex projects.
• Bonus: Drone operation experience and FAA Part 107 certification for aerial content capture.
• Bonus: Photography skills for capturing still images alongside video content.
• Continuous learner who stays current on social media trends, content formats, editing techniques, and AI tools.

COMPENSATION & LOGISTICS

This is a contract position with project-based compensation. Remote work with required travel to client locations throughout Southern California, and contractor must be based in Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, or within Illinois area. Flexible scheduling with shoots coordinated based on client needs and content creator availability.