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Model Photographer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dolls Kill

Freelance Photographer - Fashion E-comm

Oakland, CA · On-site

$72 - $81.50/hr

Shoot on-model photography for e-commerce, ensuring consistency in lighting, color, and framing across large volumes of styles * Produce high quality and consistently beautiful images, ensuring they ...

Dolls Kill

Freelance Photographer - Fashion E-comm

Oakland, CA · On-site

$72 - $81.50/hr

Shoot on-model photography for e-commerce, ensuring consistency in lighting, color, and framing across large volumes of styles * Produce high quality and consistently beautiful images, ensuring they ...

Fashion Nova

Photographer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

Establish your lighting and set esthetic, and photograph assigned products and/or models * Partner ... with the Manager, Photography to maintain high quality studio photography lighting for elevated e ...

Fashion Nova

Photographer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

Establish your lighting and set esthetic, and photograph assigned products and/or models * Partner ... with the Manager, Photography to maintain high quality studio photography lighting for elevated e ...

Fashion Nova

Photographer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

Establish your lighting and set esthetic, and photograph assigned products and/or models * Partner ... with the Manager, Photography to maintain high quality studio photography lighting for elevated e ...

Fashion Nova

Photographer

Beverly Hills, CA

Establish your lighting and set esthetic, and photograph assigned products and/or models * Partner ... with the Manager, Photography to maintain high quality studio photography lighting for elevated e ...

REVOLVE

E-Commerce Photographer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$30 - $31.50/hr

... model (RTW) content featuring apparel and accessories on fit models, ensuring garments are properly styled, steamed, and presented to brand standards ● Photograph flat/lay-down apparel and ...

REVOLVE

E-Commerce Photographer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$30 - $31.50/hr

... model (RTW) content featuring apparel and accessories on fit models, ensuring garments are properly styled, steamed, and presented to brand standards ● Photograph flat/lay-down apparel and ...

Trend Notes

In-house Photographer

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

Phase 3: Renovate homepage visuals and keep searching for new models. - Work closely with in-house ... photoshoot. Phase 5: Analyze fashion trends in the US and perform competitive analysis ...

Trend Notes

In-house Photographer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

... models and build good relationships to get the best performance and quality Phase 2 After the ... photos - Advise new side items to present styles well Phase 4 Maintaining and upgrading studio ...

Trend Notes

In-house Photographer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

... models and build good relationships to get the best performance and quality Phase 2 After the ... photos - Advise new side items to present styles well Phase 4 Maintaining and upgrading studio ...

Trend Notes

In-house Photographer

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

Phase 3: Renovate homepage visuals and keep searching for new models. - Work closely with in-house ... photoshoot. Phase 5: Analyze fashion trends in the US and perform competitive analysis ...

Trend Notes

In-house Photographer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

... models and build good relationships to get the best performance and quality Phase 2 After the ... photos - Advise new side items to present styles well Phase 4 Maintaining and upgrading studio ...

Doorstead

Photographer - Real Estate Listing Photos

Tracy, CA · On-site

$61K - $76K/yr

Listing Photographer - Tracy Area Use your skills to help showcase our properties! Doorstead is ... We combine modern data science for efficient risk modeling with tech-powered operations to deliver ...

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All JobsModel Photographer JobsModel Photographer Jobs in California

Model Photographer information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$36

How much do model photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for model photographer in California is $20.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a model photographer?

Model photographers are professionals who specialize in taking photographs of models, often for fashion, advertising, or portfolio purposes. They work closely with models, stylists, and makeup artists to create visually appealing images that showcase clothing, accessories, or the models themselves. Model photographers may shoot in studios or on location and are skilled in directing poses, lighting, and composition. Their work is essential for magazines, brands, and modeling agencies to promote products or talent. A successful model photographer combines technical expertise with creativity and strong communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a model photographer?

To thrive as a Model Photographer, you need expertise in photography techniques, lighting, composition, and a solid portfolio showcasing your work, often supported by formal training or a degree in photography. Familiarity with professional cameras, studio lighting equipment, and photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to direct and communicate with models effectively help set you apart in this role. These skills ensure the production of high-quality, marketable images and smooth collaboration with clients and models in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges a model photographer faces during a photo shoot, and how can they be addressed?

A Model Photographer often encounters challenges such as managing unpredictable lighting conditions, ensuring effective communication with models, and capturing the client's desired vision. To overcome these, it's important to arrive early to assess the location, bring backup lighting equipment, and establish a comfortable rapport with the model to encourage natural poses. Staying adaptable and having a clear shot list can also help ensure the shoot runs smoothly and meets expectations.

What is the difference between Model Photographer vs Fashion Photographer?

AspectModel Photographer
Primary FocusCapturing images of models, emphasizing their poses and expressions
Work EnvironmentPhoto studios, outdoor locations, fashion shoots
Required SkillsLighting, posing, directing models, photography techniques
Common Industry UsageFashion campaigns, modeling portfolios, commercial shoots

While both Model Photographers and Fashion Photographers work within the fashion industry, Model Photographers specialize in photographing models, focusing on their poses and expressions. Fashion Photographers often have a broader scope, capturing clothing, accessories, and overall fashion concepts. Model Photographers tend to work closely with models and fashion agencies, whereas Fashion Photographers may work on larger campaigns involving multiple elements. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and client expectations in the fashion photography industry.

What are popular job titles related to Model Photographer jobs in California?

For Model Photographer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Model Photographer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Model Photographer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Model Photographer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Model Photographer job openings:

Model Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Model Photographer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,791 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Freelance Photographer - Fashion E-comm

Dolls Kill

Oakland, CA • On-site

$72 - $81.50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Dolls Kill is a global fashion brand that empowers everyone to celebrate their individuality. We currently have over 10 million social media followers including some of the most influential personalities in music, art, pop culture and fashion. We're also backed by strong consumer-focused investors who share in our vision of building one of the world's next great consumer brands.
Our team is growing quickly and we are hiring across many functions. We are looking for team members who are equally passionate about what we do and excited about joining the Dolls Kill crew.
Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice
About us
Named "The Fastest Growing Retailer in the US", Dolls Kill is a fashion brand that boldly empowers people to celebrate their individuality. With over two million followers on Instagram, we've become a cult favorite among DJs, celebrities and artists around the world.
Based in Oakland, we have an amazing team of retail leaders, scrappy hackers, creative marketers and fashion trendsetters who are fun to work with and serious about what they do. We're also backed strong consumer-focused investors who share in our vision of building one of the world's next great consumer brands. Look for our latest press mentions in Business Insider, Racked, TeenVogue, PopSugar, Elle, and more.
About the Role
We are looking for a forward-thinking photographer to join our fast-paced eCommerce and editorial studio in a contractor role.
Our team is passionate about our customers, products, and shopping experience so the ideal candidate will also have a personal connection to the Dolls Kill brand, an intuitive understanding of our customers, and an ability to highlight our aesthetic.
Responsibilities
  • Shoot on-model photography for e-commerce, ensuring consistency in lighting, color, and framing across large volumes of styles
  • Produce high quality and consistently beautiful images, ensuring they are correctly exposed and color accurate.
  • Work in partnership with the Associate Creative Director to create on-brand product and marketing images.
  • Manage lighting setups, camera equipment, and studio space for efficient, high-output shoot days
  • Perform quality assurance on all images.
  • Crop and process images within Capture One.
  • Ensure quality photo assets are delivered to meet post-production deadlines.
  • Image processing and editing.
  • Pre-Production and Shoot planning.
  • Create content for social channels.

Requirements
  • Knowledge of commercial studio & location lighting.
  • Proficiency with lighting - both strobe and constant lighting set ups.
  • 3-5 years experience shooting in a high-volume E-commerce studio.
  • Awareness of contemporary trends in photography and fashion.
  • Sense of urgency and strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and against deadline.
  • Ability to work well within a team.
  • Proficiency in Capture One and Adobe CC.
  • Strong photography portfolio that demonstrates knowledge and techniques of digital lighting and photography.

You *MUST* include a portfolio to be considered

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