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National Geographic Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photo Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$79 - $106/hr

Photo Analyst Job ID 10157435 Location Washington, DC, United States Business National Geographic ... photographers, videographers, editors, and cross-functional partners to work effectively by ...

Provide on-the-ground logistics support and event production during selected National Geographic ... Experience designing presentations, working with photographic and video assets, and coordinating ...

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National Geographic Photography information

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How much do national geographic photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for national geographic 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 a National Geographic photography?

A National Geographic Photography job involves capturing compelling images that tell powerful stories about nature, wildlife, cultures, and global issues. Photographers working with National Geographic may be freelancers or staff members, traveling to remote locations to document unique moments. Their work requires technical expertise, storytelling skills, and often a deep knowledge of environmental and cultural subjects. Assignments can be challenging and competitive, requiring dedication and persistence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in National Geographic photography?

To thrive in National Geographic Photography, you need advanced skills in visual storytelling, field photography, editing, and often a relevant degree or extensive portfolio. Mastery of professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, and sometimes drone or underwater equipment is essential. Creativity, adaptability in challenging environments, and strong communication skills set exceptional photographers apart. These competencies allow you to produce striking, impactful images that meet editorial standards and convey powerful narratives from diverse and often remote locations.

What kinds of projects and assignments can a National Geographic photographer expect to work on?

National Geographic Photographers often undertake assignments that range from documenting wildlife and natural landscapes to covering cultural stories and scientific expeditions around the globe. These projects may require extended periods in remote or challenging environments, close collaboration with writers, scientists, or local guides, and adapting to unpredictable conditions. Photographers are typically responsible for planning shoots, capturing high-quality images, and editing their work to meet strict editorial standards. This role offers unique opportunities for storytelling, frequent travel, and making a tangible impact through visual journalism. Teamwork, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently are crucial to succeeding on these dynamic assignments.

Does National Geographic still hire photographers?

National Geographic continues to hire professional photographers for its magazine, documentaries, and digital content. Applicants typically need strong photography skills, experience with wildlife, nature, or cultural subjects, and proficiency with professional camera equipment. The hiring process is competitive and often involves submitting a portfolio and demonstrating storytelling ability.

How do you become a National Geographic Photography?

To become a National Geographic photographer, candidates typically need extensive photography experience, a strong portfolio of compelling nature and cultural images, and often a background in journalism or environmental science. Developing skills in storytelling, mastering camera equipment, and gaining experience through freelance work or photo assignments are essential steps toward this competitive role.
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What cities are hiring for National Geographic Photography jobs?

Cities with the most National Geographic Photography job openings:

What states have the most National Geographic Photography jobs?

States with the most job openings for National Geographic Photography jobs include:

Infographic showing various National Geographic Photography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Manager, Photo - Special Projects (National Geographic)

The Walt Disney Company

New York, NY • On-site

$121K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Manager, Photo - Special Projects (National Geographic)

Req ID:

10156262

Job Description:

National Geographic is seeking a creative, collaborative, and visually driven Photo Manager, Special Projects to help shape world-class storytelling across editorial platforms. Based in New York City, this role will partner closely with editors, photographers, writers, and creative teams to develop and execute visual content for special projects, editorial packages, and enterprise stories.

The ideal candidate is an experienced photo editor with strong visual judgment, excellent editorial instincts, and a passion for discovering new talent and innovative approaches to storytelling. This role will commission and manage photographers and other visual contributors, oversee projects from concept to publication, and serve as a key visual partner to multiple editorial teams across the organization.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute visual storytelling for special projects, editorial packages, and enterprise content.
  • Commission and manage photographers, illustrators, and other visual contributors.
  • Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, and production teams to create compelling multi-platform stories.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with emerging and established photographers, artists, agencies, and creative partners.
  • Manage assignments from conception through publication, including research, production, and image selection.
  • Explore innovative storytelling formats and visual approaches that engage audiences across print, digital, and social platforms.
  • Represent National Geographic within the broader creative community through industry events, portfolio reviews, and talent outreach.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of professional experience in photo editing, commissioning, visual storytelling, or creative production.
  • Exceptional visual judgment and a strong understanding of photography and photojournalism.
  • Experience managing photographers and visual contributors throughout the editorial process.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and digital publishing workflows.
  • Passion for National Geographic's mission and visual storytelling heritage.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience editing and commissioning photography for a major editorial, media, or publishing organization.
  • Strong network of photographers, agencies, visual artists, and creative talent, particularly within the New York creative community.
  • Experience developing visual storytelling across print, digital, and social platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify emerging talent and innovative storytelling approaches.
  • Familiarity with rights management, licensing, production workflows, and photo budgets.
  • Knowledge of audience engagement trends and multimedia storytelling formats. Passion for National Geographic's mission and commitment to visual excellence.

Required Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Photography, Journalism, Visual Communications, Art, Media Studies, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
The hiring range for this position in New York is $121,000 to $162,200 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:

National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Editorial - Photo Editing

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

New York, NY, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-21

What Walt Disney Company employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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