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Lead Studio Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cady Studios, LLC

Lead Photographer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$20.50/hr

Lead and direct photography teams during studio sessions and on-location events to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction. * Serve as the primary on-site liaison with school ...

Cady Studios, LLC

Lead Photographer

Exton, PA · On-site

$20.50/hr

Lead and direct photography teams during studio sessions and on-location events to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction. * Serve as the primary on-site liaison with school ...

Cady Studios, LLC

Lead Photographer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$18/hr

Lead and direct photography teams during studio sessions and on-location events to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction. * Serve as the primary on-site liaison with school ...

Jaizai Investment Inc

Lead Photographer

Matthews, NC · On-site

Additionally, the Lead Photographer will manage studio operations, including lighting setups and image editing workflows, to maintain efficiency and quality in all photographic endeavors. Minimum ...

CADY

Lead Photographer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$20.50/hr

Lead and direct photography teams during studio sessions and on-location events to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction. * Serve as the primary on-site liaison with school ...

CADY

Lead Photographer

Charlotte, NC

$18/hr

Lead and direct photography teams during studio sessions and on-location events to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction. * Serve as the primary on-site liaison with school ...

CADY

Lead Photographer

Exton, PA · On-site

Lead and direct photography teams during studio sessions and on-location events to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction. * Serve as the primary on-site liaison with school ...

evo

Studio Manager

Sumner, WA

$89K - $95K/yr

The Job The Studio Manager manages and elevates our studio operations, including in-studio product ... Lead and manage a team of photographers and stylists, establishing and maintaining high standards ...

evo

Studio Manager

Sumner, WA · On-site

$89K - $95K/yr

The Job The Studio Manager manages and elevates our studio operations, including in-studio product ... Lead and manage a team of photographers and stylists, establishing and maintaining high standards ...

evo

Studio Manager

Sumner, WA · On-site

$89K - $95K/yr

The Job The Studio Manager manages and elevates our studio operations, including in-studio product ... Lead and manage a team of photographers and stylists, establishing and maintaining high standards ...

Williams-Sonoma

Photo Studio Supervisor

Portland, OR · On-site

... photography equipment, set readiness, scheduling, and creative goals. • Lead day-to-day studio floor operations by staying present and engaged on the floor, ensuring shoots are prepared, organized ...

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Lead Studio Photographer information

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How much do lead studio photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead studio photographer 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 the difference between Lead Studio Photographer vs Studio Photographer?

AspectLead Studio PhotographerStudio Photographer
CredentialsTypically requires a portfolio, photography experience, and sometimes leadership skillsPortfolio and technical photography skills
Work EnvironmentLeads photo shoots, manages team, oversees creative directionPerforms photography tasks, assists in shoots
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in commercial, fashion, and advertising studiosCommon in various photography studios including portrait and commercial
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for leadership and project management rolesCompared for entry to mid-level photography roles

The Lead Studio Photographer typically has leadership responsibilities, overseeing photo shoots and managing teams, while the Studio Photographer focuses on executing photography tasks. Both roles require strong photography skills, but the lead position involves additional management and creative direction duties.

How does a lead studio photographer typically collaborate with creative teams during a photoshoot?

As a Lead Studio Photographer, you’ll work closely with art directors, stylists, makeup artists, and sometimes clients to ensure the creative vision is effectively executed. Collaboration often starts in the planning phase, where you'll discuss concepts, lighting setups, and shot lists. During the shoot, clear communication is key to making real-time adjustments and addressing any creative challenges. Post-shoot, you may also coordinate with retouchers and editors to ensure the final images meet the project’s standards. This teamwork-driven environment enables the best possible outcome for each project.

What is a lead studio photographer?

A Lead Studio Photographer is a professional responsible for overseeing photographic shoots in a studio environment, managing both the creative and technical aspects of the process. They typically lead a team of photographers and assistants, set up lighting and equipment, direct models or subjects, and ensure high-quality images that meet client or brand standards. Additionally, they may be involved in editing photos, maintaining studio gear, and coordinating with other departments such as stylists or creative directors. Their leadership ensures that projects are completed efficiently and to a professional standard.

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

To thrive as a Lead Studio Photographer, you need expert knowledge of photography principles, lighting techniques, and post-production, usually backed by formal training or a strong portfolio. Proficiency with advanced camera systems, studio lighting equipment, and editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom is essential. Strong leadership, creative direction, and clear communication skills help manage teams and collaborate with clients. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering high-quality images, leading successful shoots, and maintaining client satisfaction in a competitive creative environment.
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What cities are hiring for Lead Studio Photographer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Lead Studio Photographer jobs look for?

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Lead Studio Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Studio Photographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

melin Studio Content Creator

OluKai-Kaenon-melin-Roark

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Who are we:
At melin we set out to create the most premium, highest quality headwear in the world. We believe that with more thought, time and care invested into how we make our products that we can extend the life of our hats and the adventures we take them on. We are looking to expand our internal family and are seeking one incredible human capable of excellence in a fast-paced work environment and eager to join an elite, yet small team of "A Players".
The Opportunity:
As the Studio Photographer & Videographer, you will be at the forefront of melin's in house content production, owning the creation of both photo and video assets at our in house studio. You'll collaborate closely with the creative and marketing team to bring product stories to life through elevated visual storytelling. From ECOM photography to short form video content, you'll help execute best in class assets that support brand campaigns across digital and wholesale channels. Your attention to detail, technical knowledge, and creative eye will help push melin's studio output to new heights, while maintaining brand consistency and excellence across all touchpoints.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Lead photo and video creative campaign execution from production execution to final asset delivery. Inclusive but not limited to:
    • In-house studio content shoots
    • Social media photo and video reels
    • Performance content ads
    • Website product explainers
  • Own ECOM photography production for digital and wholesale channels
  • Partner with the creative and marketing teams to translate marketing briefs into actionable creative briefs
  • Drive the elevation of in-house studio content quality and production capabilities
  • Own post-production retouching across all shoot output
    • Compositing
    • Product reshaping and retouching
    • Color treatment
  • Edit and color grade video content to brand standard
  • Own studio space and equipment readiness for all in-house productions
    • Organize and configure lighting setups for each shoot
    • Maintain, track, and store all studio hardware including cameras, lighting, and grip equipment
    • Manage hard drive inventory - supply, backup, and transfer assets per established workflows
  • Manage the image asset library end-to-end
    • Ensure all assets are approved, retouched, properly tagged, and organized within the correct folder structure.
  • Support creative team with digital asset design and layout execution as needed

Qualifications:
  • 5-7+ years of experience in photography and videography, preferably in an in house creative or brand marketing environment.
  • Ability to create and execute creative briefs and work collaboratively with leadership and other team members.
  • Proficiency in Capture One, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for photo editing and retouching.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Premiere and After Effects for video post production and editing.
  • Understanding of studio lighting techniques and camera operation for both photography and videography.
  • Familiarity with file preparation for digital, social, and print use
  • Basic knowledge of Figma is a plus for minor layout adjustments.
  • Ability to set up and maintain photography and video equipment and studio space to ensure readiness for shoots.
  • Strong organizational skills for managing and archiving visual assets within an internal asset library.
  • Strong attention to detail, ensuring all content aligns with brand aesthetic and creative direction.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for on location lifestyle photoshoots.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in product, and studio photography, as well as short form video content.

Location & Office Structure: This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in San Clemente, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. Subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.
Compensation: The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000 annually; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.
Benefits and Perks:
  • Complimentary meals provided 3x weekly
  • Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
  • Company bonus program
  • 5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
  • Company paid life insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
  • 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
  • 15 Days of PTO accrued annually, plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary, and 3 Floating Holidays per year
  • Paid beach and giveback days, bi-annual team building events and other in-person celebrations
  • Work with talented and great people who share a love of melin
  • Dog friendly office

Archipelago Companies values a diverse, inclusive, and entrepreneurial workforce and culture, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@arch-cos.com. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

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