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Photo Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast is seeking a Senior Photo Editor to join its Media Production team on a fixed-term basis, reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Production . The ideal candidate is a technically precise ...

Vast is seeking a Senior Photo Editor to join its Media Production team on a fixed-term basis, reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Production . The ideal candidate is a technically precise ...

Photo Specialist

Fresno, CA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

La Crescenta, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

Pacifica, CA

$19.50 - $26/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

Newhall, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

Fresno, CA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

Seaside, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

Fresno, CA

$18 - $23.75/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

Montebello, CA

$17 - $22.50/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

Santa Monica, CA

$19.25 - $25.25/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

Santa Monica, CA

$19.25 - $25.25/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

El Sobrante, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Photo Specialist

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Promotes photo products and services, assists customers at checkout registers, accurately processes transactions and cash handling activities, supports merchandising initiatives, and collaborates ...

Showing results 21-40

Photo information

See California salary details

$12

$17

$25

How much do photo jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo in California is $17.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photo job?

Photo jobs typically refer to careers involving photography, where professionals capture, edit, and deliver images for a variety of purposes. These roles can include photographers, photo editors, photojournalists, and studio assistants, among others. People in these jobs work in diverse settings such as studios, outdoors, events, or newsrooms, and may specialize in fields like portrait, commercial, fashion, or nature photography. The work often involves using cameras and editing software to create visually appealing and impactful images for clients or publications.

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

To thrive as a Photographer, you need a solid understanding of photographic techniques, composition, lighting, and typically a portfolio or formal training in photography. Mastery of cameras, lenses, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and knowledge of digital file management are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help photographers capture compelling images and effectively work with clients or subjects. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality photos, meeting client needs, and building a successful photography career.

What are some common challenges photographers face when working on location shoots, and how can they prepare for them?

Photographers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying lighting conditions, and logistical issues when working on location shoots. Preparation is key—scouting the location beforehand, bringing backup equipment, and packing weather-appropriate gear can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, maintaining clear communication with clients and team members ensures everyone is aligned on expectations and any last-minute changes. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential to adapting to on-the-spot challenges and delivering high-quality results.

What is the difference between Photo vs Photographer?

AspectPhotoPhotographer
DefinitionImage captured using a camera or deviceProfessional or hobbyist who takes photographs
CredentialsNone requiredOften has training or certification in photography
Work EnvironmentAny location with a cameraStudios, events, outdoor shoots
Industry UsageUsed broadly to refer to imagesRefers to the person creating the images

In summary, a 'Photo' is an image, while a 'Photographer' is the person who creates those images. Understanding this distinction helps when searching for services or job roles related to photography.

How do I get into a photo job?

To get into a photography job, build a strong portfolio showcasing your work, gain experience through internships or freelance projects, and develop skills in camera operation, editing software, and composition. Many photographers also pursue relevant education or certifications and network within the industry to find opportunities.

What jobs can I do with photography?

Photography offers a range of job opportunities including commercial photographer, portrait photographer, wedding photographer, photojournalist, and fashion photographer. These roles often require technical skills with cameras and editing software, as well as a portfolio to showcase work. Additional opportunities include working in advertising, editorial, or stock photography, often requiring specialized knowledge or certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Photo jobs in California?

The most popular types of Photo jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Photo jobs?

Cities in California with the most Photo job openings:

Infographic showing various Photo job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,667 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Senior Photo Editor (Fixed Term)

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Vast is seeking a Senior Photo Editor to join its Media Production team on a fixed-term basis, reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Production. The ideal candidate is a technically precise, visually confident retoucher who can move fast without cutting corners, and who understands color and light well enough to make judgment calls, not just execute a brief. This is a high-leverage engagement: the work this person does in a short window will directly determine how consistent and premium Vast's photography looks going forward.

This is a hands-on, IC role for someone who can walk into an existing body of work, understand the visual direction, and both execute against it and help define it more clearly. You'll work through a real backlog of unedited production photography, and in parallel help formalize the color, light, and retouching standards the team uses so decisions don't have to be re-made from scratch on every shoot.

This is an in-person role based in Long Beach, CA and runs as a 60 day fixed-term position, with potential to extend.

Responsibilities

  • Clear the Backlog: Process existing unedited photography from past shoots to final, delivery-ready quality.
  • Post-Production & Workflow: Manage file handling from ingest to delivery (filenaming, packaging, archiving) and build reusable presets to streamline operations.
  • Define Visual Standards: Partner with the Media Production team to document and maintain consistent color, light, and retouching standards across all photography and photographers.
  • Support Live Production (as needed): Oversee capture-to-delivery for active shoots, including providing on-set Digitech support.
  • Photography (as needed): Execute product, hardware, portrait, or event photography as required, maintaining the same high quality standards.

Minimum  Qualifications

  • 5+ years of professional experience as a photo retoucher or photo editor across commercial, brand, or editorial work.
  • Deep proficiency in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, CaptureOne, with strong command of color grading, light balancing, and high-end retouching technique.
  • Demonstrated ability to define or work within brand-level visual standards, not just execute a one-off brief.
  • Strong eye for consistency across a large volume of images, evidenced through a portfolio showing range and a clear point of view.
  • Able to work independently and move fast without sacrificing quality, this is a short engagement with real volume behind it.
  • Local to LA/Long Beach and available to be onsite..

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Photography experience (product, hardware, portrait, or event) as a backup capability.
  • Experience shooting or editing for aerospace, tech, or other technical/industrial brands.
  • Experience building documented style guides or visual standards for a brand or production team.