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Photo Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbia University

Multimedia Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$72K - $75K/yr

Conduct archival photo research Other Responsibilities * Contributes to the evolution of Columbia College's creative direction by creating relevant, engaging visual content for current and ...

Vast

Senior Photo Editor (Fixed Term)

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$45 - $64/hr

... research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and ... Vast is seeking a Senior Photo Editor to join its Media Production team on a fixed-term basis ...

KOHLS

Photo Art Director

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

Research styling trends, photography inspiration, and industry benchmarks to inform and evolve Kohl's branded photo and video content * Stay ahead of industry trends by regularly conducting ...

The New York Times

Staff Photo Editor

New York, NY · Hybrid

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 ...

Adorama

Video and Photo Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

If you have a video, photo or general technical background, we'd like to hear from you! You would ... You'll also be researching product history, exploring current market used rates and writing copies ...

Adorama

Video and Photo Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$19.50/hr

If you have a video, photo or general technical background, we'd like to hear from you! You would ... You'll also be researching product history, exploring current market used rates and writing copies ...

Adorama

Video and Photo Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$19.50/hr

If you have a video, photo or general technical background, we'd like to hear from you! You would ... You'll also be researching product history, exploring current market used rates and writing copies ...

Adorama

Video and Photo Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$19.50/hr

If you have a video, photo or general technical background, we'd like to hear from you! You would ... You'll also be researching product history, exploring current market used rates and writing copies ...

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Photo Research information

See salary details

$45K

$83.1K

$157.5K

How much do photo research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

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

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 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.

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:

What job categories do people searching Photo Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Photo Research jobs are:

Photo Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Research job openings in the United States as of August 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.

Multimedia Designer

Columbia University

New York, NY • On-site

$72K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule:
  • Building:
  • Salary Range: $72,000 - $75,000 Annually

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Director of Website and Design, the Multimedia Designer supports and strengthens the Columbia College brand and institutional storytelling while helping maintain a cohesive visual identity across Columbia College channels. The role is responsible for creating graphic materials for print and digital communications; producing and managing photography and video content; supporting web and digital content updates; and maintaining organized and up-to-date media and asset libraries.
Responsibilities
Graphic Design
  • Designs print and digital communications materials for Columbia College, its units, students, staff, alumni, and supporters, including, presentations, brochures, posters, signage, invitations, web and email assets, templates, brand toolkits, logos, iconography, and infographics
  • Establishes creative direction and applying strong visual storytelling, typography, and layout principles while ensuring alignment with Columbia College brand standards across all materials
  • Partners with CMEE colleagues on multiple annual communication campaigns, contributing to campaign planning, ideation, creative development, and production coordination to ensure timely delivery of visual assets that engage and inform key audiences
  • Incorporates feedback and revisions throughout the design process
  • Manages all aspects of print production, including preparing files for press, reviewing proofs, coordinating with printers and vendors, and ensuring high-quality execution of printed materials
  • Contributes to the continued evolution and refinement of the Columbia College brand by maintaining and enhancing visual standards, developing templates, guidelines, and best practices, and identifying opportunities to strengthen brand consistency across communications channels and platforms

Content Management
  • Oversees and keeps the College's asset management platforms and tools up to date, including Lingo, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, YouTube and Google Drive
  • Maintains a master project tracker to monitor the status of digital and print media projects and requests

Photography/Video Support
  • Provides photography and video coverage firsthand, as needed, for events, headshots and campus life for use across Columbia College communications channels. Occasional evening and weekend event coverage may be required
  • Oversees photography and videography assignments, coordinating with campus and freelance photographers to ensure appropriate coverage
  • Manages asset distribution to partners and maintains organized media files for future use
  • Performs image retouching and video editing
  • Conduct archival photo research

Other Responsibilities
  • Contributes to the evolution of Columbia College's creative direction by creating relevant, engaging visual content for current and prospective students
  • Stays current with emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices
  • Serve as liaison with outside production vendors, including the Columbia Photo Office, Columbia Creative, and Columbia Print Services
  • Updates and manages website content through Drupal content management system (CMS)
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required in graphic design, communications, visual arts, or similar field
  • Minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience
  • Portfolio demonstrating strong graphic design, typography, illustration, and marketing communications skills
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
  • Knowledge of print production processes
  • Familiarity with e-mail marketing development
  • Experience with photography
  • Working knowledge of copyright laws related to design work and creative assets
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Creative thinker who can work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders and priorities, with familiarity navigating higher education audiences, organizational structures, and administrative environments
  • Experience in motion graphics, animation, and video editing
  • Familiarity with CMS platforms such as Drupal and WordPress
  • Familiarity with motion graphics and video editing software, such as Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere
  • Familiarity with design and prototyping tools such as Sketch and Figma

**Applications submitted without aresume, cover letter and portfolio will not be reviewed**
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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