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Media Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$250/hr

This role will provide hands‑on experience in digital media, social media, photography, graphic design, physical printing, and church communications. The Communications Intern will work closely ...

This role will provide hands‑on experience in digital media, social media, photography, graphic design, physical printing, and church communications. The Communications Intern will work closely ...

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Media Photography information

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$9

$20

$37

How much do media photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for media photography 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 media photography?

Media photography is a specialized field of photography focused on capturing images for news outlets, magazines, websites, and other media organizations. Media photographers document current events, human interest stories, and public happenings to visually support journalistic content. Their work often involves fast-paced environments, tight deadlines, and the need to tell a story through impactful imagery. They may cover a range of subjects, from political events and sports to cultural festivals and breaking news. Media photographers play a crucial role in informing and engaging the public through compelling visual storytelling.

How does a media photographer typically collaborate with journalists and editors during a news assignment?

Media photographers often work closely with journalists and editors to ensure their images accurately complement and enhance the story being covered. This collaboration usually involves discussing the assignment’s objectives beforehand, aligning on key shots or moments to capture, and ensuring that the photographs fit the publication’s style and ethical guidelines. During fast-paced news events, photographers may also need to quickly share images for real-time publication, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Building strong working relationships with editorial teams is essential for producing impactful visual content and meeting tight deadlines.

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

To thrive as a Media Photographer, you need a solid understanding of photographic techniques, composition, and storytelling, often supported by a degree in photography or relevant experience. Proficiency with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and knowledge of digital asset management systems are typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you capture compelling images under tight deadlines and collaborate effectively with editors and clients. These skills ensure high-quality, impactful visuals that meet the fast-paced demands of media organizations.

What is the difference between Media Photography vs Photojournalism?

AspectMedia PhotographyPhotojournalism
CredentialsPhotography degree or portfolioPhotography degree, journalism background
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, studios, eventsNews sites, magazines, on-location
Industry UsageAdvertising, broadcasting, online mediaNews reporting, documentary storytelling

Media Photography focuses on capturing images for various media platforms, including advertising and broadcasting, often emphasizing creative and commercial aspects. Photojournalism specifically involves documenting news stories and events, aiming to inform the public through compelling images. While both roles require strong photography skills, photojournalists often work under tight deadlines and in dynamic environments to tell news stories visually.

What does a media photographer do?

A media photographer captures images for news outlets, magazines, or online platforms, often working under tight deadlines to document events, interviews, or stories. They use professional cameras and editing software, and may need to work in various environments, including outdoor and fast-paced settings.

What media photography jobs make the most money?

In media photography, commercial and advertising photographers tend to earn the highest salaries due to their work with clients and brands. Freelance photographers with specialized skills in high-demand areas like fashion, product, or corporate photography can also command higher rates, especially with a strong portfolio and industry reputation. Advanced skills, professional equipment, and experience often contribute to higher earning potential in this field.
More about Media Photography jobs

What cities are hiring for Media Photography jobs?

Cities with the most Media Photography job openings:

What states have the most Media Photography jobs?

States with the most job openings for Media Photography jobs include:

Infographic showing various Media Photography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Social Media Associate

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

University of Southern California
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$30 - $35.15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create, manage, and execute social media content, including visual and written materials.

  • Manage social media presence to grow audiences, increase engagement, and promote university messaging.

  • Attend university events and conduct reputation management activities, including monitoring social media conversations and acting as a point person for crisis communications.


University Of Southern California rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Why Join USC?
At USC, you'll have the opportunity to shape the digital presence of one of the world's leading research universities. You'll work alongside talented colleagues, tell stories that inspire and inform, and help advance a mission centered on academic excellence, innovation, and impact.
Shape the Digital Voice of USC
The University of Southern California Office of Communications is seeking to hire a Social Media Associate who will develop and execute a dynamic social media strategy. This highly motivated individual creates, manages and executes social content. You should enjoy photography, be on the cutting edge of social media strategy, and actively seek new trends in the digital and social space.
Key Responsibilities
Content
  • Create visual and written social media and other content
  • Comfortable with photography and rudimentary image editing
  • Able to attend and create content for events outside of traditional work hours

Promotion
  • Manage presence on social channels aimed at growing audiences, increasing engagement and driving university messaging to its target audiences.
  • Proactively implement new ideas to promote the university's priorities

Reputation Management
  • Attend university events; depending on the situation, the incumbent must be available in the evenings and weekends.
  • Conduct timely reputation management functions: monitoring social media conversations as needed, regularly analyzing chatter on social, blogs, private groups, and news outlets/forums.
  • Act as on-call, point person for emergency and crisis communications for social media

Preferred Qualifications
  • Best in class experience (1+ years) in digital marketing or social media with proven proficiency managing campaigns and initiatives for a college/university or other high-profile organization or principal in the non-profit, government, or public-traded company spaces.
  • Experience with coordinating social media presence of prominent individuals
  • Exceptional written skills with demonstrated knowledge of content management and delivery of creative content (copy, image, and video).
  • Experience with social media photography.
  • Well-organized, detail oriented with exceptional multitasking capabilities with demonstrated capability to communicate effectively with senior administration, faculty, staff, and student audiences.
  • Marked ability to work independently with minimal supervision or collaboratively within a dynamic team environment with other content creators.
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, journalism or related industry preferred.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae

The hourly rate range for this position is $30.00 - $35.15. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
#LI-Hybrid
Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
3 years
Minimum Field of Expertise:
Extensive applicable experience in employee and/or internal corporate communications. Three years' experience in communications, content development and writing/editing in employee/internal corporate communications. Demonstrated design/typography experience. Proven knowledge of writing and editing fundamentals and Associated Press style. Ability to tailor content to fit targeted audiences with a clear, demonstrated understanding of multichannel communication platforms. Experience with design software/tools (e.g., HTML, CSS, Adobe Creative Suite) creating assets for digital environments (e.g., WordPress, social media, search and display advertising). Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to provide detailed information and summaries to peers and supervisors, exercising discretion with confidential information. Ability to build and deliver solutions that consistently meet customer expectations. Demonstrated organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to proactively, independently, strategically and creatively make decisions. Demonstrated interpersonal skills to provide support and guidance as needed. Experience with Microsoft Office and content management systems.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$151294.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880