ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Studio Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meyer

Creative Manager-Studio Art Direction

Vallejo, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

Blank Street

Shift Lead | Studio City

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

... to photograph, and a high-volume format that never cuts corners on quality or hospitality. What began as a handful of carts in NYC is now 100+ locations with a cult following across New York, DC ...

Tailored Brands

On Call Photographer

Dublin, CA · On-site

$112/hr

Photograph high quality on-figure photography/video in the studio. * Demonstrate strong ... Lead the on-set team through the accurate completion of daily shot goals as established by the ...

shutterfly

Studio Manager

Dover, DE · On-site

$21/hr

Execute established procedures for scheduling, hiring, training, selling, and photography * Lead, coach, and develop Studio Team Members * Drive results in sales performance and customer satisfaction ...

Shutterfly

Studio Manager

Dover, DE

$21/hr

Execute established procedures for scheduling, hiring, training, selling, and photography * Lead, coach, and develop Studio Team Members * Drive results in sales performance and customer satisfaction ...

Shutterfly

Studio Manager

Dover, DE · On-site

$21/hr

Execute established procedures for scheduling, hiring, training, selling, and photography * Lead, coach, and develop Studio Team Members * Drive results in sales performance and customer satisfaction ...

Geskus

Photographer

Stratham, NH · On-site

$150 - $200/day

DESCRIPTION Join the Geskus Studios & Yearbook Publishing Team! Do you enjoy photography, working ... Lead Photographer: $150-$200 per day based on experience Start Date • August 2026 What We're ...

Geskus

Photographer

Stratham, NH

$150 - $200/day

Join the Geskus Studios & Yearbook Publishing Team! Do you enjoy photography, working with children ... Experienced Lead Photographer: $150-$200 per day based on experience Start Date * August 2026 What ...

Gymreapers

Photographer

Nampa, ID · On-site

Lead and execute product, lifestyle, and campaign photography for Shopify (PDPs, landing pages ... Studio & On-Location Shoots: Run in-house studio shoots (product and controlled lifestyle) and ...

Gymreapers

Photographer

Nampa, ID · On-site

Lead and execute product, lifestyle, and campaign photography for Shopify (PDPs, landing pages ... Studio & On-Location Shoots: Run in-house studio shoots (product and controlled lifestyle) and ...

Cady Studios, LLC

Studio Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Through photography, classroom solutions, school branding, and more, we deliver an experience ... Able to lead, supervise, and/or manage team members * Able to use mathematical concepts (e.g ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Studio Photographer Jobs

Lead Studio Photographer information

See salary details

$9

$20

$37

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.
More about Lead Studio Photographer jobs

What cities are hiring for Lead Studio Photographer jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Studio Photographer job openings:

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

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

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.

Creative Manager-Studio Art Direction

Meyer

Vallejo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

ROLE OVERVIEW
The Creative Manager - Studio Art Direction is the creative lead for Meyer's in-house studio operation - responsible for the visual and strategic direction of all photo and video content produced across the studio and on location. This is a manager level role within the organization. Working closely with and taking direction from the Creative Director, this role translates brand creative vision into compelling, channel-ready content: product photography, lifestyle imagery, video, and social-first formats that serve Meyer's omnichannel portfolio.
This is both a creative and a managing role. The role leads a studio team - setting the creative direction for every production, overseeing execution, and ensuring the studio's output consistently reflects brand standards.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Creative Direction & Studio Vision
  • Working from the Creative Director's overarching brand vision, set and uphold the creative direction for all studio output - including product photography, lifestyle content, video, and social-first formats - across Meyer's brand portfolio.
  • Develop shot concepts, visual treatments, and content frameworks for each production, translating campaign briefs and brand direction into executable creative plans for the studio team.
  • Establish and maintain visual standards for studio photography and video: lighting approaches, styling direction, composition, color, and overall aesthetic - ensuring consistency across shoots, brands, and channels.
  • Collaborate with the cross-functional partners to ensure studio content channel output feel cohesive across touchpoints - shelf, screen, and social.

Photography & Video Production
  • Direct all studio and offsite photo and video shoots - providing active, specific creative direction to the photographer, videographer, and content creator to achieve the desired visual outcome.
  • Review and approve selects, rough cuts, and in-progress work at key stages, providing clear and actionable feedback that keeps production moving toward the intended result.
  • Work closely with the Senior Content Producer on pre-production planning - reviewing shot lists, approving call sheets, and ensuring each production is set up to execute the creative direction efficiently.
  • Direct prop and product styling on set, ensuring every frame reflects the brand aesthetic and is appropriately calibrated for its channel and use case.
  • Oversee post-production quality in partnership with the Post Production Manager, reviewing retouched and composited assets to confirm they meet creative and brand standards before DAM delivery.

Content & Campaign Execution
  • In alignment with the Creative Director's campaign direction, develop content that performs across DTC, social, marketplace, and retail channels - understanding the distinct requirements of each.
  • Partner with the Creative Ops Manager to maintain a clear view of the studio production calendar, flagging creative dependencies and ensuring content is ready to support campaign and launch timelines.
  • Collaborate with channel and brand teams to understand content needs, translating downstream requirements into production briefs without losing creative focus.

Team Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a studio team and any external contractors to execute creative photo & video shoots.
  • Translate the Creative Director's expectations into clear creative standards for the team - giving direct, specific feedback that raises the quality of output across every role.
  • Foster a studio environment where the team executes with craft, speed, and ownership - and where creative problems are solved proactively rather than escalated.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
  • 6+ years of creative experience with at least 2 years in an art direction or creative 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, lifestyle content, and video - with clear evidence of art direction, not just execution.
  • Deep understanding of how content functions across channels: DTC, social, marketplace, and retail each have distinct visual and format requirements, and this role needs to direct for all of them.
  • Proven ability to translate a brand's creative vision into specific, actionable direction on set - comfortable giving clear notes to photographers, videographers, and stylists in real time.
  • Experience leading a studio or content team; comfortable managing a mix of creative and production roles.
  • Strong collaborator who works well alongside a Creative Director - able to receive direction, interpret it precisely, and carry it through to execution without departing from established vision.
  • Familiarity with post-production workflows and what well-directed studio content looks like through the full pipeline.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
  • The Creative Director's brand vision is expressed clearly and consistently across all studio photography, video, and content output.
  • Studio productions run with creative clarity - the team knows what they're making and why, and shoots don't require significant rework after the fact.
  • Content arrives at channel teams ready to deploy, calibrated for the platform, and on-brand without exception.
  • The studio team is developing creatively, producing stronger work with more independence over time.

Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) with a 6% match (4% vested immediately, remaining 2% vested over a four-year period)
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • 8 Sick Days per year, with rollover (40 hours for the remainder of 2026)
  • 12 Holidays, plus two Floating Holidays per year (one Floating Holiday for the remainder of 2026)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Hybrid Work Schedule
  • Dog Friendly Workplace
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Adoption/Infertility Benefits
  • Wellness Programs, including a Gym Subsidy
  • Generous Product Discounts

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position splits time between office and creative work, in-studio productions, and offsite shoot locations. The role involves regular use of standard office equipment as well as active on-set environments.
Physical demands include:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use during planning, review, and administrative work
  • Extended periods of standing and walking during shoot days
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and assist with light production tasks as needed
  • Occasional travel required for offsite productions

Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with shoot days that may begin early or run late as production requires.
$100,000 to $145,000, DOE
#LI-TP1
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply