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Photo Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SANDOW

Photo Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

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 ...

SANDOW

Photo Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

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 ...

Travelzoo

Photo Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Degree educated with 3+ years of photo research, editing, and production experience, ideally in online media * Skilled in Photoshop as well as Adobe Creative Suite software * Experienced with video ...

TravelZoo

Photo Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Degree educated with 3+ years of photo research, editing, and production experience, ideally in online media * Skilled in Photoshop as well as Adobe Creative Suite software * Experienced with video ...

Fortune

Photo Editor, News & Enterprise

New York, NY · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Assign original photography and research for digital and enterprise stories * Create unique images for daily and weekly newsletters and special columns imagery as needed. * Manage photo needs for ...

Surya Inc

Photo Stylist

Dallas, TX · On-site

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 ...

Surya Inc

Photo Stylist

Dallas, TX · On-site

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 ...

Fortune

Photo Editor, News & Enterprise

New York, NY · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Fortune is seeking a talentedphotoeditorforour news and enterprise photo desks. Thephotoeditorin ... Excellent research and investigative news skills/experience. * Proficient in AdobePhotoshop ...

The Washington Post

Photo Assignment Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

The photo assignment editor will assign, shape and deliver high-impact photography and visual ... Assign photography, conduct visual research and generate visual stories across daily and enterprise ...

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 ...

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Photo Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do photo researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for photo researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Photo Researcher job?

A Photo Researcher is responsible for finding, licensing, and acquiring images for publications, media projects, or marketing materials. They work with stock agencies, archives, and photographers to source high-quality visuals that match project needs. They must verify copyright details, negotiate usage rights, and ensure compliance with licensing agreements. Strong research skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of visual composition are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Photo Researcher, you need expertise in sourcing, licensing, and cataloging images, often supported by a degree in art, history, media, or a related field. Familiarity with image databases, rights management platforms, and tools like Adobe Photoshop is commonly required. Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication set top candidates apart. These abilities ensure accurate, legal, and timely acquisition of images that meet project needs and client expectations.

What are the typical challenges faced by Photo Researchers on the job?

Photo Researchers often face challenges such as locating high-quality, rights-cleared images that meet specific project criteria and tight deadlines. Navigating complex copyright laws and negotiating usage rights with agencies or photographers is a common aspect of the job. Collaboration with editors, designers, and legal teams is frequent, requiring adaptability and clear communication. Overcoming these challenges helps ensure projects use compelling visuals while staying compliant with legal and budgetary requirements.
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Photo Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 44% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 77% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Photo Editor (National Geographic)

Photo Editor (National Geographic)

The Walt Disney Company

Washington, DC

$79K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 47 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Photo Editor (National Geographic)

Req ID:

10147358

Job Description:

National Geographic is seeking a Photo Editor to research, curate, and edit visual content for our most visible platforms, with a focus on digital stories and short form print & digital features. This role requires a strong eye for photography, a digital-first mindset, and the ability to think creatively about visual storytelling.

The ideal candidate will have broad knowledge of working photographers, strong industry relationships, and a passion for authentic photography. An understanding of production and art direction, as well as an eye for global photojournalism, is essential. This position involves administrative tasks common to production roles, daily digital responsibilities, and a collaborative team approach. Resourcefulness, time management, reliability, and the ability to be a team player are vital.

In addition to editing, the Photo Editor will pitch compelling visual story ideas and contribute content concepts that align with National Geographic's mission. Responsibilities include commissioning photographers, photo research, asset retrieval, managing releases, captions, metadata, while ensuring accuracy and efficiency across all platforms.

If you care deeply about topics like wildlife, history, nature, science, and travel-and want to help uphold the excellence that defines National Geographic-this role offers an opportunity to work on meaningful projects with a team dedicated to world-class storytelling.

Responsibilities:

  • Photographic Research: Research, curate, and license photography for all platforms, with a focus on our digital platforms; and to provide support on workflow, billing, contracts, and other photo logistics. Ensure that budgets and deadlines are met; caption information is gathered and disseminated; verify credit line; check image veracity when in question; and make images available for broader use across platforms.

  • Digital Production: Design and build stories in CMS with eye to strong visual pacing.

  • Research and pitch visually innovative and original uses of existing images and packages, demonstrating an understanding of the different platforms and audiences.

  • Photo Production: Collaborate with staff photographers on portraiture, reportage, conceptual, or still life; work with ideas and photographers in the studio or on location.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 3 to 5 years of experience with photo research or photo editing

  • Excellent visual taste and a wide-range of knowledge about and appreciation for visual storytelling and photojournalism

  • Enthusiasm to collaborate on new ideas, ability to think in fresh ways about how to best represent our stories visually

  • Drive to reach new audiences, an understanding of and appreciation for audience data and SEO-friendly presentation

  • Proven deep, expedient research skills (with agencies, individual contributors, archives, libraries, social media)

  • Strong communication and collaborative abilities

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines

  • Ability to multitask and to balance short and long lead deadlines

  • Self-motivated and resourceful

  • Ability to negotiate rates with relevant contractors and third parties

  • Proficiency with content management systems, Adobe products, Photo Mechanic, and all social media platforms

  • College Degree

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Some experience with / knowledge of National Geographic's core subject areas (wildlife, history and/or archaeology, nature, science, and travel) strongly preferred.

  • Photojournalism degree a plus, but not required

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $79,400 to $106,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

Disney Networks

Job Posting Primary Business:

Disney Networks All

Primary Job Posting Category:

Editorial - Photo Editing

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-04-03

What Walt Disney Company employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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