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Photo Art Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quad

Photo Studio Art Director

Katy, TX · On-site

$104K - $109K/yr

We're looking for an experienced Photo Art Director to lead the creative vision for photography that elevates brands across print and digital marketing channels. In this role, you'll partner with ...

Quad

Photo Studio Art Director

Katy, TX

$104K - $109K/yr

We're looking for an experienced Photo Art Director to lead the creative vision for photography that elevates brands across print and digital marketing channels. In this role, you'll partner with ...

Quad/Graphics

Photo Studio Art Director

Katy, TX · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

We're looking for an experienced Photo Art Director to lead the creative vision for photography that elevates brands across print and digital marketing channels. In this role, you'll partner with ...

Bloomingdale's

Senior Art Director

Long Island City, NY · On-site

$108K - $180K/yr

This role combines strong design leadership with photo art direction, driving concept development and visual execution from initial brief through final delivery. The Senior Art Director partners ...

Lands' End

Art Director - New York Studio

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Art Director will guide the look and feel of photo and video productions, including styling direction, lighting, composition, talent direction, location storytelling, and overall visual tone.

Lands' End

Art Director - New York Studio

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

The Art Director will guide the look and feel of photo and video productions, including styling direction, lighting, composition, talent direction, location storytelling, and overall visual tone.

Lands' End

Studio Art Director

Dodgeville, WI · On-site

$125K - $131K/yr

As the Studio Art Director, you are responsible for leading the creative vision and on-set ... You will define and direct the look and feel of all photo and video productions including styling ...

Bloomingdale's

Senior Art Director

Long Island City, NY

$108K - $180K/yr

This role combines strong design leadership with photo art direction, driving concept development and visual execution from initial brief through final delivery. The Senior Art Director partners ...

Lands' End

Art Director - New York Studio

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Art Director will guide the look and feel of photo and video productions, including styling direction, lighting, composition, talent direction, location storytelling, and overall visual tone.

Lands' End

Studio Art Director

Dodgeville, WI · On-site

$125K - $131K/yr

As the Studio Art Director, you are responsible for leading the creative vision and on-set ... You will define and direct the look and feel of all photo and video productions including styling ...

IntelliPro Group Inc.

Art Director

New York, NY · On-site

Art direct photo and video shoots , including casting, styling, set design, shot lists, composition, and on-set decisions. * Partner with photographers, stylists, producers, editors, retouchers ...

IntelliPro Group Inc.

Art Director

New York, NY · On-site

$50 - $56.73/hr

Art direct photo and video shoots , including casting, styling, set design, shot lists, composition, and on-set decisions. * Partner with photographers, stylists, producers, editors, retouchers ...

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Photo Art Director information

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$44.5K

$121.8K

$146.5K

How much do photo art director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for photo art director in the United States is $121,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photo art director?

A Photo Art Director is a creative professional responsible for overseeing the visual style and imagery of photo shoots, campaigns, or publications. They collaborate with photographers, stylists, and other creative team members to develop concepts and ensure the final images align with a brand’s vision or project goals. Their duties often include planning shoots, selecting locations, guiding the artistic direction, and reviewing final photographs for consistency and quality. Photo Art Directors play a key role in shaping the visual storytelling of advertisements, magazines, and digital content.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photo art director?

To thrive as a Photo Art Director, you need a strong background in visual storytelling, photography, design principles, and typically a degree in art, design, or a related field. Mastery of tools like Adobe Creative Suite, digital asset management systems, and familiarity with current photography and lighting equipment is essential. Excellent leadership, creative vision, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with photographers, stylists, and clients. These abilities ensure cohesive visual campaigns that meet brand objectives and resonate with target audiences.

How does a photo art director typically collaborate with photographers and other creative team members during a photoshoot?

A Photo Art Director works closely with photographers, stylists, makeup artists, and other creative professionals to ensure the visual concept is executed as intended. Before the shoot, they communicate the creative vision, reference materials, and desired mood. During the photoshoot, they provide on-set direction, adjust compositions, and review shots in real time to achieve the best results. Effective collaboration and clear communication are essential, as the Art Director must balance creative input from various team members while maintaining the overall aesthetic and brand guidelines.

What is the difference between Photo Art Director vs Photo Editor?

AspectPhoto Art DirectorPhoto Editor
Primary RoleOversees the visual style and creative direction of photo shoots and campaignsSelects, edits, and manages photographs for publication or digital use
Required SkillsCreative vision, leadership, photography knowledge, design skillsPhoto editing, color correction, cropping, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentAdvertising agencies, magazines, fashion brandsMagazines, online media, publishing companies
CredentialsOften a degree in photography, art, or design; experience in photography or art directionProficiency in photo editing software; experience in photo management

The main difference is that a Photo Art Director focuses on the overall visual concept and creative direction of a project, while a Photo Editor handles the technical editing and selection of photographs. Both roles require a strong understanding of photography and visual aesthetics but serve different functions within the creative process.

More about Photo Art Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Photo Art Director jobs?

Cities with the most Photo Art Director job openings:

What states have the most Photo Art Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Photo Art Director jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Photo Art Director jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Photo Art Director jobs are:

Photo Art Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Art Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,757 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Photo Studio Art Director

Quad

Katy, TX • On-site

$104K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Quad rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

460th of 543 rated manufacturers

Job description


We're looking for an experienced Photo Art Director to lead the creative vision for photography that elevates brands across print and digital marketing channels. In this role, you'll partner with creative, design, merchandising, and production teams to develop compelling visual concepts and direct photography that connects with customers and delivers exceptional brand experiences.
If you have a strong creative eye, excel in collaborative environments, and thrive in fast-paced photo production, we'd love to see your work.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Photo Art Director, you will:
  • Develop photography strategies that align with brand objectives, marketing campaigns, and creative direction.
  • Partner with creative leadership, designers, merchandising teams, and clients to translate brand strategy into impactful imagery.
  • Art direct photo shoots in both studio and on-location environments, ensuring creative excellence from concept through execution.
  • Collaborate closely with Studio Operations, including Studio Managers, Production Managers, photographers, and external creative partners.
  • Work with styling teams to establish styling direction, set design concepts, and set construction requirements.
  • Review photography throughout production to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to brand standards.
  • Coordinate image retouching, color accuracy, reproduction specifications, and quality assurance processes.
  • Evaluate project outcomes and apply insights to continuously improve creative execution and production workflows.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Appropriate education and/or experience may be substituted on an equivalent basis
  • High school diploma or GED required. An associates degree or technical certificate in Photography, Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is preferred.
  • Four or more years of professional experience as a Photo Art Director or in a related industry role.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in art direction, photography, and visual storytelling across multiple brands or campaigns.
  • Experience directing studio and location photo shoots.
  • Strong understanding of creative production workflows, photography techniques, and image post-production.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and working knowledge of Excel.
  • Familiarity with creative software and digital asset management systems.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • A refined aesthetic sense with a passion for creating high-quality visual content.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships across cross-functional teams.
  • Valid driver's license.

Portfolio Required: A portfolio showcasing relevant photography art direction, visual campaigns, or creative work is required as part of the application.
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About Us
As a global marketing experience company, Quad's goal is to help our clients win every day. We use our data-driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness. We've built a rich legacy by believing in our people, allowing them to act like owners and to take charge of their own success. Whether an operator, sales rep, a graphic artist or a clinician, we're all driven to perform at our best- for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we're a company that believes we can always create a better way.
About the Team
We offer comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, holidays and additional benefits.
Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a place of belonging - a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.
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