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Federal Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aptive

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Job Summary Aptive is seeking a full-time Photographer to support a high-visibility federal client. The Photographer provides professional photography services to capture high-quality visual content ...

Aptive

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Job Summary Aptive is seeking a full-time Photographer to support a high-visibility federal client. The Photographer provides professional photography services to capture high-quality visual content ...

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Washington DC Director of Photography Apprenticeship

Washington, DC · On-site

$35K/yr

This position is designed for video/digital format shooters (not still photographers... no offense ... Federal Apprenticeship guidelines require at least a college degree or two years of work related ...

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Federal Photography information

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How much do federal photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal 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 is federal photography?

Federal photography refers to photography work conducted for the United States federal government. This can include documenting government events, creating official portraits, capturing images for public records, or supporting law enforcement and scientific research. Federal photographers may work for agencies such as the National Park Service, Department of Defense, or NASA, and their images are often used for historical documentation, public information, or internal reports. These positions usually require strong technical skills, the ability to follow strict guidelines, and sometimes security clearances.

What are some unique challenges of working as a photographer in a federal government setting?

Federal photographers often face unique challenges such as adhering to strict security and privacy protocols, especially when photographing sensitive locations or government personnel. They may also need to navigate complex approval processes before images can be released for public use. Additionally, working within a federal agency typically involves collaborating with diverse teams, such as communications, legal, and public affairs, to ensure that visual content aligns with agency guidelines and objectives.

What is the difference between Federal Photography vs Federal Videography?

AspectFederal PhotographyFederal Videography
Required CredentialsPhotography certifications, security clearancesVideography certifications, security clearances
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, studios, field locationsGovernment agencies, studios, field locations
Industry UsageCapturing still images for official documentationRecording videos for training, documentation, or promotional content

Federal Photography and Federal Videography both serve government agencies but differ mainly in their focus: one captures still images, while the other records videos. Both roles often require security clearances and work in similar environments, but their skill sets and equipment differ accordingly.

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

To thrive as a Federal Photographer, you need strong expertise in photography techniques, image editing, and a solid understanding of visual storytelling, typically supported by a degree in photography or related experience. Proficiency with professional camera equipment, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and familiarity with federal regulations regarding image usage are essential. Attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for capturing high-quality images in diverse and sometimes sensitive government environments. These skills ensure that visual documentation meets federal standards, accurately represents subjects, and supports the agency’s communication objectives.
More about Federal Photography jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Photography jobs? Cities with the most Federal Photography job openings:
What states have the most Federal Photography jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Photography jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Photography jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Photography jobs are:
Federal Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Photography job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Photographer

Photographer

Aptive

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Aptive Environmental rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 33 rated pest control companies

Job description

Job Summary
Aptive is seeking a full-time Photographer to support a high-visibility federal client. The Photographer provides professional photography services to capture high-quality visual content that supports agency communications, outreach, events, and public engagement activities.
The Photographer role requires a creative, detail-oriented professional with demonstrated expertise in capturing portraits, events, editorial imagery, and environmental photography. This position requires an individual who can effectively translate agency activities, programs, and milestones into compelling visual storytelling that supports internal and external communications.
In this role, the Photographer will plan, coordinate, and execute photography sessions for conferences, meetings, executive engagements, and other official events. The Photographer will also manage post-production editing, prepare images for distribution across digital and print platforms, and maintain organized archives of visual assets to support ongoing communications and media needs.
This is a contingent hire position.
This position is located in the Washington, DC metro area. Some onsite work or travel to the client site for meetings is expected.
The expected compensation at the time of requisition creation, is between $80,000 and $90,000.00. The position offers with medical, dental and vision coverage. Additional benefits such as 401K, disability insurance and PTO are provided as well
Primary Responsibilities
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute professional photography sessions at headquarters and on location for agency events, meetings, conferences, and official engagements.
  • Capture high-quality images of conferences, panels, keynote speakers, and public outreach events.
  • Produce professional portraits and headshots for executives, leadership, and staff.
  • Capture group photography for teams, award recipients, delegations, and other official gatherings.
  • Apply strong visual storytelling techniques to document agency programs, research activities, and public engagement efforts.
  • Perform post-production editing and color correction using professional photography software.
  • Prepare images for publication across digital platforms, websites, social media, reports, and press materials.
  • Maintain organized digital archives of images and multimedia assets, including tagging and maintaining accurate metadata.
  • Utilize digital asset management systems to store, organize, and retrieve photography assets.
  • Coordinate with communications staff, leadership, and stakeholders to understand photography needs and capture key moments.
  • Ensure images meet agency branding, quality, and accessibility requirements.
  • Provide photography support for special projects and communications initiatives as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a four-year college.
  • 5 years of experience providing comprehensive photography services.
  • Portfolio of samples required; portfolio must include examples that demonstrate professional photography skills across a range of subjects, environments, and communication needs (2-3 conferences and events, 2-3 portraits and headshots, 2-3 group photographs).
  • Demonstrated expert level of experience with Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) equipment.
  • Demonstrated expert level of experience in portrait, event, editorial, and/or environmental photography.
  • Strong understanding of composition, lighting, color theory, and visual storytelling.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop and Lightroom.
  • Ability to plan and execute photography sessions in a variety of environments including meetings, events, and studio settings.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Ability to collaborate with communications teams and stakeholders to capture imagery aligned with messaging objectives.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Desired Qualifications
  • Expert level experience with studio and on-location lighting setups.
  • Experience supporting federal agencies, research institutions, or public sector communications teams.
  • Experience managing photo archiving, metadata, and digital asset management systems.
  • Experience photographing conferences, exhibits, and public engagement events.
  • Ability to receive feedback from clients and implement changes quickly and effectively.
  • Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
  • Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

Client Information
The National Science Foundation (NSF) communicates and shares information about the activities, programs, research results, and policies of the Foundation with internal and external audiences and stakeholders including Congress, the news media, state and local governments, other federal agencies, and research and education communities. NSF's efforts to build awareness and promote the benefits of federally funded science and engineering translate into multimedia, web, and other outreach activities that inform policy makers, the media, and the American taxpayers about the value and impact of NSF-supported research and activities. These activities make NSF's investments in science, technology, engineering, education, and mathematics readily available and easily understandable to stakeholders.
About Aptive
Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation.
We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day.
Founded: 2012
Employees: 300+ nationwide
EEO Statement
Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.
Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.

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