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Lead Studio Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Studio Manager

San Jose, 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 ...

Studio Manager

San Carlos, 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 ...

Studio Manager

Elk Grove, 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 ...

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 ...

Photographer Nashua NH

Nashua, 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 ...

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 ...

Serves as photography lead for assigned projects/programs and acts as an escalation point for issue ... Oversees the procurement, maintenance, and organization of photography equipment and studio space.

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Studio Photographer information

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$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.
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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:

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.

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


CADY Studios rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 12 rated photography companies


Job description

Who is CADY?
CADY exists to inspire and unleash human potential. Started in 1999, we have become the fastest growing photography company in the U.S., with an average 40% growth each year. Through photography, classroom solutions, school branding, and more, we deliver an experience unlike anything in our industry. We are an innovative company competing to outdo ourselves, year after year. As the nation's premier school photography company, we engage with students, schools, and our team members to make them feel accepted and empowered. CADY's mission is to go beyond a portrait and to provide a premier experience for the extraordinary- because each of our guests, school partners, and team members are utterly extraordinary.
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
The CADY Studio Manager oversees a team of hourly associates across four studio locations that help create an unforgettable experience for CADY's Seniors during a once-in-a-lifetime experience-Senior portraits! A successful Studio Manager is both engaged with their teams and empowered to drive experience and sales across multiple studios. A Studio Manager's attention and influence is evenly divided between client experience, sales activities (presentations, buy ratio, revenue), and facility management. Their expertise in customer experience and sales management allows them to strategically develop four studio locations and their teams that deliver a premier experience for customers-from check-in to product purchase.
Top 5 Responsibilities
  1. Achieve financial objectives - exceeding sales goals, maintaining an annual budget, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances and optimizing profitability
  2. Hire, train, coach, and mentor an amazing team of sales and service minded individuals. This includes documented coaching and annual performance reviews
  3. Maintain staff levels and labor hours in accordance with internal staffing budget
  4. Ensure high levels of customers satisfaction as evidenced by customer reviews and surveys
  5. Maintain outstanding studio conditions and visual merchandising standards that are consistent with the company's policies, standards, and applicable compliance

Additional Responsibilities
  1. Regularly report on KPI's included but not limited to: buy ratios and trends, customer reviews, average order revenue, expense management, profits, etc.
  2. Propose innovative ideas to increase market share and customer engagement
  3. Problem solving issues that arise from staff or customers (complaints, grievances etc) and taking action for prevention
  4. Partner with other CADY teams to continuously improve customers' experience at each touch point with the company
  5. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Job Requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must pass a satisfactory background check
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Available to work weekend hours during busy season
  • Powerful leadership skills and business orientation
  • Flexible, with a team player mentality; Willingness to collaborate with colleagues on ideas and initiatives
  • Professional demeanor at all times with both customers and team members
  • Knowledge of business systems and ability to learn new platforms
  • Able to read and write in English
  • Able to communicate verbally and in writing with customers and team members
  • Able to prioritize tasks
  • Able to lead, supervise, and/or manage team members
  • Able to use mathematical concepts (e.g., subtract)

Experience
  • Previous management of sales/retail/hospitality operations in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrated ability to think critically and focus on changing needs in a retail environment
  • Proven effective communicator with ability to multitask, prioritize, and delegate while maintaining precision in detail
  • Previous management a multi faceted team of 10 or more

Education
  • College preferred
  • High School diploma or equivalent required

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors
  • Extended periods of viewing computer screens
  • Able to walk/move inside or outside for more than 6 consecutive hours
  • Significant noise and other potential sensory stimulants (i.e., busy retail environment with camera flashes, music, and sometimes crowded areas)
  • Able to lead, supervise, and/or manage team members
  • Able to move up to 20 lbs
  • Able to bend/stoop

What CADY Studios employees say

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