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Photo Researcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Shinola

Senior Photo Retoucher

Detroit, MI · On-site

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 ...

Shinola

Senior Photo Retoucher

Detroit, MI · On-site

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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All JobsPhoto Researcher JobsPhoto Researcher Jobs in Michigan

Photo Researcher information

See Michigan salary details

$26.1K

$98.6K

$143.4K

How much do photo researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for photo researcher in Michigan is $98,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $134,200.00 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 is the highest paying job in photography?

The highest paying roles in photography include commercial photographers, especially those working in advertising, fashion, or with high-profile clients, often earning six-figure incomes. Specialized skills, a strong portfolio, and experience with advanced equipment or digital editing tools can contribute to higher earnings in these positions.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

By 2030, roles that rely heavily on manual data entry, routine manufacturing tasks, and basic administrative functions are expected to decline due to automation and AI advancements. Jobs such as data clerks, assembly line workers, and certain telemarketers may diminish as technology replaces repetitive tasks, while roles requiring complex decision-making and creativity are likely to persist. For a Photo Researcher, this trend emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and adaptability to evolving tools and platforms.

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, requiring strong research skills and knowledge of copyright laws. The role may involve using photo editing tools and maintaining organized image collections.

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.

How to become a picture researcher?

To become a picture researcher, develop strong research skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with image databases and editing tools. Typically, a background in photography, journalism, or media studies is helpful, and experience with copyright laws and licensing is valuable for sourcing images legally.

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 popular job titles related to Photo Researcher jobs in Michigan? For Photo Researcher jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Photo Researcher jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Photo Researcher jobs in Michigan are:
Photo Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Researcher job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,579 per year, or $47.4 per hour.
Senior Photo Retoucher

Senior Photo Retoucher

Shinola

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

ABOUT SHINOLA
At Shinola, we make beautiful, enduring, handcrafted goods that are built to be lived in, worn out, and well-loved. Our thoughtful craftsmanship, timeless design, and spirited stories inspire our customers to live well, with confidence & joy-in a style that is uniquely their own! Because we are a growing and evolving company, each employee is a key stakeholder, making decisions every day that directly impact our overall vision and direction. At Shinola, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant contribution at the start of what we believe will become an iconic American brand.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly collaborative Senior Photo Retoucher to help bring the Shinola brand to life through compelling visual storytelling. This role is responsible for ensuring all product and lifestyle imagery meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and brand integrity across digital, print, and marketing channels.
The ideal candidate combines exceptional retouching skills with strong project management capabilities, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for process improvement and emerging creative technologies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Retouch photography assets while ensuring accurate and compelling representation of products through image cleanup, clipping paths, color correction, compositing, sizing, and final output.
  • Maintain consistent image quality and brand standards across e-commerce, marketing, social, retail, and print channels.
  • Collaborate with creative, marketing, and production teams to support campaign launches and seasonal initiatives.
  • Participate in the ideation and research phase of creative projects, helping bring solutions to briefs through competitive analysis, design best practices, emerging trends, printing techniques, and digital innovations.
  • Aggregate research and creative concepts into presentations with a clear ability to articulate rationale and connect recommendations to brand objectives.
  • Coordinate image assets and approvals across stakeholders to ensure timely project execution.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing workloads within the retouching queue to meet deadlines.
  • Create workflow efficiencies and process improvements, leveraging automation tools and technology to increase productivity and consistency.
  • Explore and apply emerging AI-powered creative tools and image-production technologies to enhance workflows, improve efficiency, and support content creation while maintaining Shinola's brand standards and authenticity.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 3-5 years of professional photo retouching, digital imaging, or related creative experience.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating advanced retouching and color correction capabilities.
  • Basic camera, photography, and studio lighting knowledge required.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, Capture One Pro, Asana, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience utilizing AI-powered creative tools, automation platforms, or image-generation technologies to improve creative workflows and operational efficiency.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a strong attention to detail.

Note: This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive. Employee may be required to perform other duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Filson and Shinola are equal opportunity employers. We believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings which are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. It is our policy that all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, veteran and military status, genetic information, political ideology or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated.
With regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, the company offers what the law refers to as "reasonable accommodation" to enable a person to perform his or her job.

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