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Photo Researcher 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 ...

Photo Editor

Cupertino, CA · On-site +1

$73.80 - $82/hr

CUL: $78 CUP: $82 NYC: $82 SEA: $81 Our client is seeking a top-tier Photo Editor with a deep photo research background to join their creative team and support photography and video needs. The Media ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Perform photo research to meet design and project objectives * Prepare images for use in products * Organize digital assets using department file management conventions * Assist with simple ...

Staff Photo Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$113K - $115K/yr

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 ...

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Photo Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do photo researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 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 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.

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.

More about Photo Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Photo Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Photo Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photo Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Photo Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Photo Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Photo Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photo Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Photo Editor

Full-time

Posted 14 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.