ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Digital Photography Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Smithsonian Institution

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Varsity Tutors

Photography Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... digital editing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, color theory, photographic genres, and visual ... storytelling. Ability to explain exposure triangle, depth of field control, and post-processing ...

Varsity Tutors

Photography Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... digital editing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, color theory, photographic genres, and visual ... storytelling. Ability to explain exposure triangle, depth of field control, and post-processing ...

Varsity Tutors

Photography Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... digital editing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, color theory, photographic genres, and visual ... storytelling. Ability to explain exposure triangle, depth of field control, and post-processing ...

Varsity Tutors

Photography Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... digital editing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, color theory, photographic genres, and visual ... storytelling. Ability to explain exposure triangle, depth of field control, and post-processing ...

Varsity Tutors

Photography Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... digital editing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, color theory, photographic genres, and visual ... storytelling. Ability to explain exposure triangle, depth of field control, and post-processing ...

Varsity Tutors

Photography Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... digital editing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, color theory, photographic genres, and visual ... storytelling. Ability to explain exposure triangle, depth of field control, and post-processing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDigital Photography JobsDigital Photography Jobs in Reston, VA

Digital Photography information

See Reston, VA salary details

$17

$49

$91

How much do digital photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for digital photography in Reston, VA is $49.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.49 and $63.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital photographer?

To thrive as a Digital Photographer, you need a strong understanding of photographic techniques, composition, and lighting, typically supported by a portfolio and formal training or a relevant degree. Proficiency with digital cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and familiarity with digital asset management systems are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective client communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality images, client satisfaction, and the ability to adapt to various shooting environments and project requirements.

What are some common challenges digital photographers face when working on location shoots?

Digital photographers working on location often encounter challenges such as unpredictable lighting conditions, limited control over the environment, and the need to quickly adapt to changing weather or client requests. Managing equipment, such as ensuring batteries are charged and memory cards have sufficient space, is also crucial. Collaboration with clients, models, or other creative professionals on-site requires strong communication and problem-solving skills to achieve the desired results efficiently and creatively.

What is digital photography?

Digital photography is the process of capturing images using digital cameras or devices that record photos electronically rather than on traditional film. This technology allows photographers to instantly view, edit, and share their images using computers or mobile devices. Digital photography offers greater flexibility, efficiency, and creative control compared to film photography, making it popular among both professionals and hobbyists. It encompasses various genres, including portrait, landscape, commercial, and artistic photography.

What is the difference between Digital Photography vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDigital PhotographyGraphic Designer
Required SkillsCamera operation, composition, lightingDesign software, creativity, layout skills
Work EnvironmentPhoto shoots, studios, outdoor locationsDesign studios, offices, digital platforms
Common EmployersPhotographers, media companies, advertising agenciesAdvertising firms, media companies, corporate clients
CertificationsPhotography courses, portfolioDesign certifications, portfolio

Digital Photography focuses on capturing images using cameras, emphasizing technical skills like lighting and composition. Graphic Design involves creating visual content using software, emphasizing creativity and layout skills. While both roles often work in media and advertising industries, their core skills and tools differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Digital Photography jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Digital Photography jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Digital Photography jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Digital Photography job openings:

Digital Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digital Photography job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,237 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Photographer

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 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.
More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
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, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable 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.
Important Notes:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
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 Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.
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