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Freelance Photo Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Solomon Page

Photo Editing Coordinator

Burbank, CA · On-site

$28.88 - $33.33/hr

The Photo Editing Coordinator will work closely with the Photography Director editing and ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ... Coordinate with other WIRED teams on all aspects of the story process, partnering with photo/art on ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ... Coordinate with other WIRED teams on all aspects of the story process, partnering with photo/art on ...

Outerknown

Brand Editor & Videographer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Capture photo and video content for product launches, campaigns, athlete shoots, events, retail ... Manage freelance/ contract resources to create content, obtain footage and support production of ...

Beach House Group

Jr. Art Director

Los Angeles, CA

$80K - $90K/yr

... freelance graphic designers to ensure work is on-brand, on-time, and held to a high standard of ... Make photo selects and provide clear, detail-oriented retouching notes * Support packaging ...

Ride Aventon

Creative Producer

Brea, CA · On-site

Produce photo and video shoots including campaign content, product launches, lifestyle campaigns ... editors, photographers, DPs, creators, motion designers, and freelance talent. * Identify ...

Ride Aventon

Creative Producer

Brea, CA

Produce photo and video shoots including campaign content, product launches, lifestyle campaigns ... editors, photographers, DPs, creators, motion designers, and freelance talent. * Identify ...

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All JobsPhoto Editor JobsFreelance Photo Editor JobsFreelance Photo Editor Jobs in California

Freelance Photo Editor information

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How much do freelance photo editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance photo editor in California is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance photo editor do?

A freelance photo editor is a professional who edits and enhances photographs for clients, often on a project or contract basis. Their tasks can include retouching images, adjusting color balance, cropping, removing imperfections, and preparing photos for print or digital publication. Freelance photo editors work with photographers, businesses, or media outlets to ensure that images meet the desired aesthetic and technical standards. They use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom and may specialize in specific types of photography such as fashion, weddings, or commercial products.

What does a freelance photo editor do?

As a freelance photo editor, you work as an independent contractor for photographers, advertising agencies, or other organizations in the photography industry. Your duties and responsibilities are to enhance, adjust, edit, or retouch digital or print images, using software, such as Photoshop or Gimp, or traditional darkroom tools. You typically work closely with your client to ensure that your work meets their standards or needs. Some photo editors may specialize in a specific area, such as fashion photography or web design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance photo editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Photo Editor, you need a solid grasp of photographic composition, color correction, retouching techniques, and a portfolio demonstrating your editing abilities. Proficiency with editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and familiarity with digital asset management tools is essential, and relevant certifications can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective communication with clients are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality, client-focused results and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some common challenges freelance photo editors face when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Freelance photo editors often juggle projects from various clients, each with distinct styles, deadlines, and expectations. Managing clear communication and maintaining consistency across different editing requests can be challenging, especially when balancing urgent revisions or feedback. Effective organization, time management, and setting clear expectations with clients from the outset are crucial for delivering high-quality work while avoiding burnout. Additionally, freelancers must stay updated on editing software and industry trends to remain competitive and meet client needs.
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For Freelance Photo Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Freelance Photo Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Photo Editor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,376 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Deputy Photo Editor, California Post

NYP Holdings, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Description :
The California Post is seeking a sharp, creative, and highly motivatedDeputy Photo Editorto join our Photo Department. This role is ideal for a visual storyteller with a passion for breaking news, showbiz, politics, and sports who thrives in a fast-paced newsroom and understands how to create compelling visual experiences across digital and print platforms.
The Deputy Photo Editor will play a key role in shaping the California Post's visual coverage, bringing strong editorial judgment, a keen eye for impactful imagery, and a deep knowledge of current events to the newsroom. The ideal candidate is an experienced visual journalist and collaborative leader who can work quickly and decisively in a deadline-driven environment.
Reporting directly to the Photo Director, the Deputy Photo Editor will help lead the day-to-day visual operation and contribute to the department's overall editorial strategy.
Responsibilities:
  • Play a lead role in the daily operation of the photo department ensuring bold, compelling visual coverage in both our print edition and digital news coverage.
  • Conduct investigative photo research covering news, showbiz, sports, and political events.
  • Assigning photographers to cover breaking news and special features.
  • Collaborate closely with editors and designers to select the most eye-catching, high-impact images.
  • Pitch exclusive and engaging photo-driven stories that capture audience attention.
  • Negotiate rates and secure rights with photo agencies and freelance photographers.
  • Continuously monitor California Post news site to ensure the most striking images are being showcased.
  • Create visually compelling composites for the homepage and other key sections.

Requirements:
  • At least 7 years of experience working with a multi-platform national media brand, in digital & print.
  • Extensive experience assigning photographers and working with photo agencies.
  • Excellent news judgment and deep knowledge of entertainment, features, and sports.
  • A keen eye for engaging, high-impact imagery and a strong grasp of the global photo marketplace.
  • Proven research skills, including newsgathering and social media tools.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and related photo editing tools, and deep familiarity with newsroom publishing systems.
  • The ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced newsroom.
  • A proactive, collaborative approach-team player with top-notch communication skills.
  • A positive attitude and a passion for visual storytelling and the California Post.

Note: This role will be expected to report into our Los Angeles office 5 days per week (subject to change depending on business needs).The shift schedule for this position will be Sunday-Thursday, 12pm-8pm PST.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic. EEO/Disabled/Vets
Reasonable Accommodation
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application or participating in an interview due to a disability, email us at humanresources@newscorp.com. Please put "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.
Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access, deletion, or other data subject rights requests, where permitted under your local laws and regulations.
Base Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000
We're committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate's experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.
For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.
For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

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