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Photo Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description Williams Furnace Company is seeking a creative and motivated Photography Intern to ... Edit images using photo software (Photoshop/Lightroom preferred) * Collaborate with Marketing and ...

Description Williams Furnace Company is seeking a creative and motivated Photography Intern to ... Edit images using photo software (Photoshop/Lightroom preferred) * Collaborate with Marketing and ...

Photography Intern

Colton, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... and motivated Photography Intern to support our Marketing and Sales teams. This part time ... Edit images using photo software (Photoshop/Lightroom preferred) * Collaborate with Marketing and ...

Marketing Intern

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Company Description Marketing Intern VIDA & Co. Who we are: VIDA is a Google Ventures backed e ... Research and pitch ideas for blog content * Assist with photo and video shoots as needed Skills and ...

Marketing Intern

San Francisco, CA

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Company Description Marketing Intern VIDA & Co. Who we are: VIDA is a Google Ventures backed e ... Research and pitch ideas for blog content * Assist with photo and video shoots as needed Skills and ...

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Photo Intern information

See California salary details

$5

$14

$22

How much do photo intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo intern in California is $14.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.47 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Photo Intern vs Photography Assistant?

AspectPhoto InternPhotography Assistant
Required CredentialsBasic photography knowledge, possibly enrolled in a related programPractical experience, technical skills, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, often in studios or on locationSupportive role, assisting photographers during shoots or events
Employer & Industry UsagePhotographers, media companies, studiosProfessional photographers, production companies, event organizers

While both roles involve photography support, a Photo Intern typically focuses on learning and gaining experience, whereas a Photography Assistant provides hands-on support during shoots, often requiring more technical skills and experience.

What types of projects and assignments can a photo intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Photo Intern, you can expect to work on a diverse range of projects, including assisting with studio shoots, editing images, managing digital files, and supporting photographers during on-location assignments. Interns often help with equipment setup, lighting, and post-production tasks such as retouching and cataloging images. You'll also have opportunities to observe and learn from experienced professionals, which can help you build technical skills and industry knowledge. Collaboration with editors, designers, and other creative team members is common, offering valuable insight into the workflow of a professional photography team.

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

To thrive as a Photo Intern, you need a solid understanding of photography fundamentals, camera operation, and basic photo editing, often demonstrated through a portfolio or relevant coursework. Familiarity with digital SLR cameras, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and content management systems is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and attention to detail help you excel when collaborating with creative teams and meeting deadlines. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality imagery, supporting photographers, and contributing effectively to media or creative projects.

What is a photo intern?

Photo interns are entry-level professionals who assist photographers and photo departments in organizations such as media companies, magazines, or studios. Their duties typically include supporting photo shoots, editing images, organizing digital assets, and sometimes photographing events or assignments under supervision. This role is designed to help interns gain hands-on experience in photography, image editing, and the workflow of professional visual media. Photo interns often work closely with experienced photographers, learning industry standards and building a portfolio for future job opportunities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Photo jobs in California? The most popular types of Photo jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Photo Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Photo Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Photo Intern job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 1% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,116 per year, or $15 per hour.

Photography Intern

JOHN MORAN AUCTIONEERS INC

Monrovia, CA โ€ข On-site

$16.90/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview

This position aids in the production of content creation by the photo team. Main duties relate to assisting photographers on set, locating, preparing, and queuing up property for photographers to photograph and returning it to its proper location, assist in the production of editorial content, maintaining the photo sets and photo equipment, setting up and organizing photo equipment including keeping up-to-date equipment inventories, and creating shot lists.

Assists photographers on set taking note of lighting techniques, camera angles, and number of photographs in order to grow their overall knowledge of product and editorial photography. This includes but is not limited to: moving property and equipment on and off set, adjusting lighting, and other duties assigned by the photographer.

Educational Component

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

In your role as Photography Assistant, you will be required to carry out the following:

General Operations:

  • •Assist Photographers on set and help in the production of contentcreation.
  • •Sets up and takes downvarious typesof photo sets: fine art, tabletop,furniture, jewelry, and editorial sets, working with photographers to ensurethat all required equipment is on set.
  • •Prepare and safely move property to and from set. This includes but isnot limitedto:unpacking, properly assembling, unframing/reframing, andstoring artwork, furniture, decorative art, and jewelry whilemaintainingestablished handling, inventory, and storage procedures
  • Create shot lists using RFC (internal program) and Excel tolocateproperty,organizingit by type and set, and ensure that information onproperty without locations is gathered and updated.
  • Scan property as necessary to ensure locations are up to date.
  • Travel to various locations for photo shoots (Not Common)
  • Maintainsphoto equipment inventory and helps to arrange for repairs, delivering and picking up property from repair shops as needed.

Technical and Administrative:

  • Acquireandmaintainan in-depth working knowledge of software including but not limited to: RFC (internal program), Excel, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Photoshop,CaptureOne, and FTP file transfer applications
  • Acquireandmaintainan in-depth working knowledge of camera and strobe systems used by the company, studio gear, backgrounds, and light modifiers.
  • Establishand continuallymaintainup-to-date knowledge of industry standards in specialized Art handling including but not limited to: The ability to properlyidentifyvarious mediums & materialsin order totailor handling accordingly

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

  • Photographing property for specific sales as directed by supervisor
  • Additionalduties andresponsibilities asassigned by Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 1-year experience working with studio photo/video equipment desired
  • 1-year experience handling fine art or antique furniture desired
  • Possessesastrong desireto learn product photography
  • Intermediate knowledge of Excel and an understanding of database systems desired
  • Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite desired
  • Highly organized and able to complete tasks with minimal direction
  • Ability to perform physical tasksincluding:lifting, pushing, pulling items using proper lifting/moving techniques – minimumweight liftingcapability of 60lbs
  • The ability to safely lift and maneuver large furniture items with theappropriate furnituremoving equipment, and withassistancefrom other staff as needed
  • Ability to drive andoperatecommercial cargo vans
  • Ability toutilizeappropriateliftingand moving equipment (i.e., pallet jack, hand truck, etc.)
  • Basic PC and MAC computer skills including ability to use Microsoft Outlook
  • Ability to work overtime, as required, to meet auction schedule deadlines
  • Good communicationskills, and ability to work with a variety of personalities


John Moran Auctioneers is a fine art auction house who brings together buyers and sellers of decorative and fine art, jewelry and fine furnishings. We operate from core principles of approachability, transparency, and honesty in words and deeds. We strive to treat every consignment as our own, and offer a customizable, boutique approach towards consignment and valuation services. The photography department is responsible for creating high quality images for hundreds of items on a monthly basis. All images must pass a high bar of quality and consistency while portraying a fair and honest representation of each item.