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Lead Studio Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

... lead role overseeing photo and/or video production - ideally within a consumer brand, in-house studio, or content-forward agency. * Strong portfolio demonstrating range across product photography ...

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Lead Studio Photographer information

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How much do lead studio photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 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.

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 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.

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 much do lead studio photographers make?

Lead studio photographers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the studio. They often have advanced photography skills, knowledge of studio lighting, and may oversee a team of photographers or assistants.
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What job categories do people searching Lead Studio Photographer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Studio Photographer jobs are:

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.

Lead Photographer

Cady Studios, LLC

Horsham, PA • On-site

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


CADY Studios rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 12 rated photography companies


Job description

Who is CADY?
CADY is the premier school photography company. We exist to inspire and unleash human potential. We are innovative and aim to elevate excellence, year after year while consistently striving to surpass our own achievements. We inspire students, schools, and our team members so they feel accepted and empowered. Your story starts with CADY!
Who are you?
You are an ambitious, detail oriented team member who finds joy in making meaningful connections with people. You have a true passion for creating memorable experiences for people. You see beyond the surface of interactions and recognize that every person has a story and the idea of being a part of that is exciting! You enjoy working hard and celebrating hard. You love the opportunity to exceed expectations- and be rewarded for your contribution to the company!
Job Summary
CADY Lead Photographer will act as the team lead of the Photography Operations team at various school events and at our studios to ensure all photography procedures and guidelines achieve our premier standard. Primarily responsible for leading the photography team in achieving our premier photography quality standard and amazing customer service to all Cady clients in various photography environments.
Essential Job Functions
  • 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 administrators and event contacts to ensure smooth session execution.
  • Provide real-time coaching, feedback, and support to photographers to drive performance, quality standards, and team engagement.
  • Capture high-quality, brand-consistent images by applying CADY photography standards, training, and creative direction.
  • Deliver an engaging, welcoming, and memorable client experience that reflects CADY's service standards.
  • Travel regularly to schools, studios, and event venues within the assigned territory, which may include early mornings, evenings, and peak seasonal schedules.
  • Ensure operational readiness by setting up, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining photography equipment prior to each session.
  • Execute and monitor company workflows to ensure accurate image capture, data integrity, and timely session completion.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with photographers, studio teams, and operations partners to ensure efficient event execution.
  • Actively participate in ongoing training, skill development, and performance improvement initiatives.
  • Support additional operational initiatives and responsibilities as business needs evolve.

Essential Driving Requirements
*This position requires regular and frequent travel to schools, studios and other assigned locations during the workday. Photographers are expected to drive personal vehicles as part of this role.
  • Use of a personal vehicle during your entire working shift
  • Timely travel to multiple job sites throughout the workday, sometimes on short notice
  • Willing to drive to off-site locations for photography events and sessions as assigned
  • Safely transport photography equipment using personal vehicles or company vans in accordance with safety and asset-protection guidelines
  • Drive lawfully and safely using personal vehicle and CADY vans
  • Valid state driver's license
  • Valid automobile insurance

Scheduling Expectations
  • Availability for early mornings, evenings, and weekends during peak seasons
  • Weekly hours will vary based on event schedule and business needs

Job Requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and out of high school
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Must pass a satisfactory background check
  • Able to work well within a team setting and independently
  • Amazing customer service and communication skills
  • Coachable with an ability to learn quickly and produce a quality output

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors
  • This role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting equipment up to 40 lbs.
  • Able to bend or stoop
  • Work indoors or outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Able to ascend or descend a ladder
  • Able to read, write and speak in English
  • Able to verbally communicate with customers and team members
  • Significant noise and other potential sensory stimulants (i.e., busy retail environment with camera flashes, music, and sometimes crowded areas)
  • Team members must be comfortable working in fast-paced, high-energy environments with music, crowds, and lighting equipment.

What CADY Studios employees say

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