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Photo Stylist Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Photo Art Director

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

Direct on-set photo, motion and video shoots, ensuring that lighting, styling, hair and makeup, set design and perspective aligns with established creative direction * Create detailed style guides ...

You'll partner closely with Creative, Merchandising, Design, and Photo Production teams, while leading on-set styling execution to ensure every image reflects the quality, fit, and integrity of the ...

You'll partner closely with Creative, Merchandising, Design, and Photo Production teams, while leading on-set styling execution to ensure every image reflects the quality, fit, and integrity of the ...

Studio Art Director

Dodgeville, WI · On-site

$125K - $131K/yr

You will define and direct the look and feel of all photo and video productions including styling direction, lighting, composition, talent direction, and set design ensuring cohesive, high-quality ...

Studio Art Director

Dodgeville, WI · On-site

$125K - $131K/yr

You will define and direct the look and feel of all photo and video productions including styling direction, lighting, composition, talent direction, and set design ensuring cohesive, high-quality ...

Help with designing and styling sets for photo shoots * Creating furniture typicals and mood boards * Research trends in contract interior design for core markets (corporate, education, healthcare) ...

Photo Stylist information

See Wisconsin salary details

$11.1K

$53K

$72.7K

How much do photo stylist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for photo stylist in Wisconsin is $52,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,300.00 and $65,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Photo Stylist, you need a strong sense of visual aesthetics, knowledge of design principles, and experience in selecting and arranging props, backgrounds, and wardrobe, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Familiarity with photo shoot planning software, digital editing tools like Adobe Photoshop, and inventory management systems is important. Creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, and strong communication skills help a photo stylist collaborate effectively with photographers, clients, and creative teams. These skills ensure visually compelling images that meet client objectives and stand out in competitive markets.

How does a photo stylist typically collaborate with photographers and creative teams during a shoot?

Photo stylists work closely with photographers, art directors, and sometimes clients to develop and execute a visual concept for a shoot. They are responsible for sourcing props, selecting backgrounds, and arranging items to create the desired aesthetic, often adapting on the spot to meet creative direction or overcome unexpected challenges. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as stylists must ensure that every element aligns with the overall vision while staying within budget and time constraints. This collaborative environment provides valuable opportunities to learn from other creative professionals and expand one’s portfolio.

What is the difference between Photo Stylist vs Wardrobe Stylist?

AspectPhoto StylistWardrobe Stylist
CredentialsPortfolio, styling experienceFashion knowledge, styling experience
Work EnvironmentPhoto shoots, studios, commercial settingsFashion shows, personal styling, retail
Industry UsageAdvertising, editorial, commercial photographyFashion retail, personal styling, wardrobe consulting

While both roles involve styling, a Photo Stylist focuses on selecting and arranging items for photoshoots, ensuring visual appeal in images. A Wardrobe Stylist works with clients or brands to select clothing for events, campaigns, or personal use. The roles overlap in fashion knowledge and styling skills but differ mainly in their work environment and end goals.

What does a photo stylist do?

As a photo stylist, you help a photographer determine the mise en scène for a photo shoot. This frequently involves helping select a wardrobe for anyone in the pictures, managing props, and otherwise ensuring each image comes out as cleanly as possible. This job is particularly common in the fashion, food, and commercial products industries, but distinctly less common in areas like wildlife photography. Photo stylists often collect props from suppliers, manage lighting, set up special effects, help process and sort images from photo shoots, and otherwise support the primary photographer. Many companies use this as a type of training role for people who want to become professional photographers, and in that sense, the photo stylist role is often similar to an apprenticeship.

What is a photo stylist?

Photo stylists are professionals who arrange products, props, clothing, or sets for photography shoots to achieve a desired look or theme. They work closely with photographers, art directors, and clients to create visually appealing compositions that effectively convey a story or brand message. Photo stylists are skilled in selecting props, coordinating colors, and setting up scenes to ensure products or models look their best in photos. Their work is essential in industries like fashion, advertising, food photography, and editorial spreads.

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Photo Stylist jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Photo Stylist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Photo Stylist jobs in WI?

For Photo Stylist jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Photo Stylist job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,991 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Photo Art Director

KOHLS

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Kohl's rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 1,464 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated department stores


Job description

This role is based at our Photo Studio in Milwaukee, WI. You’ll work onsite from Monday through Friday.
 

About the Role

As Photo Art Director, you will bring Kohl’s brand to life through high-impact photo and video content that connects with customers and drives results. You will balance creative vision with a strong understanding of the retail landscape, partnering cross-functionally to create cohesive, on-brand imagery that supports seasonal campaigns, promotions and omnichannel strategies.  

What You’ll Do

  • Direct on-set photo, motion and video shoots, ensuring that lighting, styling, hair and makeup, set design and perspective aligns with established creative direction

  • Create detailed style guides and inspirational mood boards for assigned shoots, providing clear reference for lighting, background, wardrobe and casting needs

  • Partner with producers, photographers, videographers, stylists, and editors to manage daily shoot flow and maintain shoot timelines

  • Oversee image and footage capture in real-time, making immediate decisions on adjustments needed for framing, composition or styling

  • Review, select and work with the retouching and editing teams to ensure all assets meet Kohl’s visual and quality standards with minimal rounds of feedback

  • 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 competitive and market research, keeping a pulse on emerging aesthetics, consumer behavior and creative technology to ensure Kohl’s visual content remains fresh, relevant and forward-thinking

  • Develop and present visual concepts for seasonal shoots and marketing initiatives, supporting creative leadership in achieving the brand vision

  • Utilize emerging AI technologies to enhance creative exploration, concept ideation, and execution

  • Contribute ideas during creative planning sessions and adapt direction based on feedback from creative managers and partners

  • Partner with project managers, creative team members and merchant stakeholders to gather context and understand the product stories being told

  • Act as a key contact on-set for executing creative objectives, adjusting and collaborating in real-time with producers and cross-functional teams

  • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, clearly articulating visual concepts and delivering updates on shoot progress and outcomes

  • Champion operational excellence by looking for tools, templates, and workflows that drive efficiency, reduce manual revisions, and create consistency across projects, especially for recurring or high-volume content

  • Additional tasks may be assigned

What Skills You Have

Required

  • 2-3 years of related work experience with a focus on on-set art direction

  • Experience with digital photography and editing software

Preferred

  • 2–3 years of experience in photo art direction, ideally within a creative, retail or agency environment

  • BFA in Design, Photography, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

  • Proficiency on a Mac platform with skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat

  • Proficiency with digital editing software, including Capture One


What Kohl's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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