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Photo Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Overview Road Runner Sports is looking for a Production Assistant to join our Creative team ... In this role, you will be the operational engine behind every photo and video shoot; scouting ...

Production Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Overview Road Runner Sports is looking for a Production Assistant to join our Creative team ... In this role, you will be the operational engine behind every photo and video shoot; scouting ...

Showing results 41-60

Photo Assistant information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$29

How much do photo assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo assistant in California is $18.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photo assistant?

Photo assistants are professionals who help photographers during photo shoots by setting up equipment, managing lighting, organizing props, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on set. Their responsibilities can also include handling digital files, maintaining gear, and assisting with post-shoot breakdown. Photo assistants play a crucial role in supporting photographers so that they can focus on capturing the best possible images. This role is often an entry point for those looking to gain experience and build a career in photography.

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

To thrive as a Photo Assistant, you need a solid understanding of photography principles, lighting techniques, and basic camera operations, often supported by coursework or hands-on experience. Familiarity with studio equipment, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and digital asset management systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly and take direction are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure smooth photo shoots, efficient workflow, and effective support for photographers in achieving creative objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by a photo assistant during on-location shoots?

As a Photo Assistant on location, you may encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable lighting conditions, handling heavy or delicate equipment, and adapting quickly to changing environments. You’ll often need to anticipate the photographer’s needs, problem-solve on the spot, and ensure that all gear is transported and set up safely. Being proactive, communicative, and organized is key to overcoming these challenges and supporting a smooth, successful shoot.

What is the difference between Photo Assistant vs Photo Assistant?

AspectPhoto Assistant

Since the comparison is with itself, the main differences often lie in experience level or specialization. Typically, a Photo Assistant supports photographers by handling equipment, setting up shoots, and assisting during photo sessions. They usually require basic photography knowledge, technical skills, and familiarity with studio or on-location environments. The role is common in commercial, fashion, and portrait photography industries. Both entry-level and experienced assistants are called Photo Assistants, but experience and specific skills can vary.

What are the most commonly searched types of Photo jobs in California?

The most popular types of Photo jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Photo Assistant jobs in California?

For Photo Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photo Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Photo Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Photo Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Photo Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Photo Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,225 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Digital Retoucher - Pottery Barn

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Richmond, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Williams-Sonoma rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About the Team

At Pottery Barn, we are dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and impeccable quality. Our visual storytelling is a key element of our brand. We are seeking a Retoucher to help refine and perfect our imagery while supporting the team in maintaining a high level of visual excellence. We are a passionate and collaborative group of creatives dedicated to producing inspiring images and improving the customer experience.

About the Role 

As a Retoucher, you will support the creation of compelling brand imagery across marketing channels including e-commerce, print, and digital campaigns. You will execute color corrections, compositing, and detailed retouching to produce polished, accurate images that reflect the quality and craftsmanship of our products.

Working closely with the Senior Retouchers and the broader creative team, you will help maintain visual consistency and ensure imagery meets brand standards and technical specifications.

We are looking for someone that can flex in to support the Digital Studio photo team as a digital tech when needed. 

Responsibilities 

 Perform high-quality retouching and color corrections on product and lifestyle imagery to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Assist with compositing tasks including background cleanup, image blending, and environment enhancements.

Support maintaining color consistency across product collections and storytelling chapters across multiple shoots and locations.

Remove imperfections and refine product details while maintaining a natural, elevated aesthetic (e.g., removing scratches or dents, correcting fabric colors, adjusting hardware, and cleaning up surfaces).

Implement creative direction markups and feedback, executing revisions through multiple rounds until final approval.

Collaborate with senior retouchers, creative directors, digital techs, and the asset production team to ensure assets meet brand and production standards.

Maintain organized files and adhere to established workflows including naming conventions, color space requirements, cropping standards, and file specifications.

Manage assigned retouching tasks efficiently and maintain strong attention to detail in a fast-paced, deadline driven production environment.

Stay informed about evolving retouching techniques, tools, and best practices to continually improve craft and efficiency.

Criteria

 Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and familiarity with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign. 

Working knowledge of AI image manipulations using Firefly, Chat GPT, Gemini and other emerging technologies. 

Experience with Capture One or other industry-standard photography and post-production tools.

Digital Tech experience. 

Strong understanding of color correction, lighting, and image quality for premium product presentation.

Excellent attention to detail with a strong eye for color, texture, and realism.

Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments while maintaining consistency and quality.

Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate within a cross-functional creative team.

Reliable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.

5+ years of retouching experience, preferably in home furnishings, interiors, fashion, or e-commerce photography.

Experience working in a studio, in-house creative team, or agency environment is a plus.

Bachelor's degree in photography, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred. 

This role requires being onsite in the Richmond, CA office 

#LI-LG1

Our Culture & Values 

We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. 

People First 

Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:

Benefits

  • A generous discount on all WSI brands

  • A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities

  • Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer

  • Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits

  • Tax-free commuter benefits

  • A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health

Continued Learning

  • In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University

  • Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities 

  • Resources for self-development

  • Advisor (Mentor) program

  • Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series   

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.

The expected starting pay range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.

Our Company
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.

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