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Photo Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The position works closely with various editorial and design teams to perform photo research, obtain cost estimates, manage photo budgets, and work with stock agencies and photographers to get hi-res ...

The position works closely with various editorial and design teams to perform photo research, obtain cost estimates, manage photo budgets, and work with stock agencies and photographers to get hi-res ...

Researching live news, sports & political events. * Create visually impactful composites for the ... Good photo agency knowledge of mainstream wire services and agents. * Proven photo research and ...

Part-Time Photo Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Researching live news, sports & political events. * Create visually impactful composites for the ... Good photo agency knowledge of mainstream wire services and agents. * Proven photo research and ...

You will assign and research photography covering a wide array of subject matter and photographic ... Work closely with photo editors, writers, editors, and designers * Research and license high ...

PHOTO STYLIST About Surya Inc. Surya Inc. is an innovative home furnishings company catering to a ... Prepare for shoots through research, prop sourcing, product coordination, and pre-production ...

PHOTO STYLIST About Surya Inc. Surya Inc. is an innovative home furnishings company catering to a ... Prepare for shoots through research, prop sourcing, product coordination, and pre-production ...

This person must be interested in editorial, copywriting, curation, pop culture, administration, photo research -- and can pick up on some tedious details. We are looking for someone who is excited ...

Aggregate research and creative concepts into presentations with a clear ability to articulate ... Bachelor's degree required. * 3-5 years of professional photo retouching, digital imaging, or ...

Aggregate research and creative concepts into presentations with a clear ability to articulate ... Bachelor's degree required. * 3-5 years of professional photo retouching, digital imaging, or ...

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Photo Research information

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$45K

$83.1K

$157.5K

How much do photo research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for photo research in the United States is $83,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in photography?

The highest paying jobs in photography typically include commercial photographers, such as those working in advertising, fashion, or corporate sectors, often earning six-figure salaries. Specialized roles like fine art photographers or those with advanced skills in digital editing and studio lighting tend to command higher pay, especially with extensive experience and a strong portfolio.

What does a photo researcher do?

A photo researcher locates, verifies, and licenses images for use in media, advertising, or publishing projects. They often work with image databases, archives, and online resources, and need strong research skills and knowledge of copyright laws.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Photo Research, and how can they be managed?

Photo researchers often encounter challenges such as sourcing high-quality, rights-cleared images within tight deadlines and budget constraints. They must navigate complex licensing agreements and ensure proper attribution, which requires attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Building relationships with image agencies and developing a keen eye for visual storytelling can help overcome these hurdles. Proactive communication with editors, designers, and legal teams is also crucial for ensuring that the selected images meet project requirements and compliance standards.

What is the difference between Photo Research vs Photo Editor?

AspectPhoto ResearchPhoto Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in photography, visual arts, or related fieldOften requires similar credentials, with additional experience in editing software
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, archives, or media companiesMedia outlets, publishing houses, or advertising agencies
Industry UsageUsed for sourcing images, verifying authenticity, and compiling visual contentResponsible for selecting, editing, and preparing images for publication

While both roles involve working with images, Photo Research focuses on sourcing and verifying images, whereas Photo Editors handle selecting and editing images for final use. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in visual media industries.

Can I get paid to edit photos?

Photo research roles often involve editing or selecting images, and some positions or freelance opportunities do pay for photo editing work. Payment depends on the employer or client, and skills in photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom are typically required. Freelance platforms or photography agencies are common places to find paid photo editing jobs.

How to become a picture researcher?

To become a picture researcher, you typically need a background in photography, art, or media studies, along with strong research and organizational skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in media, publishing, or stock photo agencies can be helpful, and proficiency with image databases and editing tools is often required.

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

To thrive as a Photo Researcher, you need a keen eye for visual detail, strong organizational skills, and a background in photography, art history, or media studies. Proficiency with digital asset management systems, image databases, and rights management platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation abilities, and creative problem-solving help you collaborate with stakeholders and secure the best visual content. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate, legal, and high-quality imagery that enhances publications or projects.

What is photo research?

Photo research is the process of finding, sourcing, and licensing photographs or images for use in publications, media, advertising, or other projects. Photo researchers work to locate high-quality, relevant images that meet the needs of a project while ensuring all legal and copyright requirements are met. They often negotiate usage rights, manage budgets, and maintain relationships with photographers, stock agencies, and archives. This role is crucial in industries like publishing, journalism, and marketing, where visual content plays a key role.
More about Photo Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Photo Research jobs? Cities with the most Photo Research job openings:
What states have the most Photo Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Photo Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photo Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Company Description

At SANDOW, we know the key to being the best is to hire the best. We are looking for passionate, driven, committed talent to deliver exceptional performance.

Working for innovative, groundbreaking brands in an entrepreneurial environment requires a what-it takes mentality to get the job done. At SANDOW, there is always opportunity to shine and, in return, we reward stellar employees with competitive compensation, attractive perks, and the ability to take on new challenges - even if it is outside your wheelhouse. If you have got the chops, we'll take notice and provide the pathway to grow your career faster than you ever imagined possible.

Want to join us? Keep reading.

Job Description

Job Overview:
SANDOW is seeking an enthusiastic, hardworking, and extremely well -organized Photo Editor to join our team. The ideal candidate is an energetic self-starter who shows a sophisticated eye towards image selection and a strong visual point-of-view to help steer, produce and maintain the imagery for our design-focused brands. As an experienced member of the creative team, they should demonstrate good decision-making ability and be able to handle multiple tasks with little direction while prioritizing and managing their time efficiently.
The position works closely with various editorial and design teams to perform photo research, obtain cost estimates, manage photo budgets, and work with stock agencies and photographers to get hi-res files.  There will be some management and negotiation of photo contracts; however, the most important attribute of the ideal candidate for this role is that they have a keen eye for beautiful design and luxury images.  This role requires an individual who is highly organized and has a strong attention to detail.  A candidate having practiced disciplines of DAM and experience in assisting, shooting or managing in a photography environment is a plus.Job Responsibilities:
Uses a keen eye for visual aesthetic and imagination to edit and narrow down images for selects and the creation of contact sheets and catalogs with impeccable judgment towards image quality and narrative.
    Advise on photography concepts and references, including budgets and rights consideration, usage and licensing.
    Manage communications, fee and expense negotiations, creating detailed cost estimates, usage reports and ensuring adherence to photo budgets by   individual shoots, as well as by issue.
    File organization and Asset Management of product photography and royalty free images. Compile all supporting attribute information, supplied or observed, such as credits, captions for file meta-tagging and archival purposes.
    Selection and management of photo interns and any freelance photo-research help.Developing and maintaining strong relationships with top photographers, stylists, models, agencies and stock houses and identifying other sources for high-quality imagery.
    Researching, sourcing, and assigning photographers for multiple magazines. This requires knowledge of all areas of photography including lifestyle, beauty, conceptual, still life, portrait, action, reportage.
    Producing photo shoots: casting and hiring talent, hiring and managing stylists and prop designers, securing locations and permits, orchestrating shoot logistics, selecting wardrobe, scouting, and all aspects of production. 

Qualifications

    Bachelors degree in Photography, Photojournalism, Visual Communication or related field of study.
    Minimum of 5-7 years photo editing experience in a publication or commercial setting.
    A keen eye for editing and selecting visual assets.
    Strong understanding of photo copyright and negotiating rights usage and clearance.
    Strong ability to negotiate fees with photographers, talent agencies and reps, stock houses, authors, models, etc.
    Must demonstrate expert knowledge photographic standards as well as a comprehensive understanding of digital file specs, size and formats.
    Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Lightroom and Bridge in a Mac OS X environment. A quick technology learner with demonstrated proficiency in photo editing or commercial camera software such as Photo Mechanic or Phase One Media Pro a plus.
    Must have solid writing, proofing, interpersonal and communication skills and be able to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. 
    Highly organized, strong attention to detail, keen problem solving and analytical skills and the ability to think logically and be resourceful when issues arise.
    Demonstrates teamwork and positive attitude while being self-motivated and comfortable working independently and juggling several projects on tight deadlines.
    Working knowledge of digital asset best practices including keyword, metadata and cataloging standards. Background and familiarity with DAM systems is a plus.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.