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Photographer Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant E-Commerce Photographer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

Main purpose of the Assistant E-Commerce Photographer role: Photo assisting on editorial shoots, Special event photography as needed Major Responsibilities: Essential Duties and Responsibilities ...

Eames Institute

Junior Photographer

Richmond, CA · On-site

Key Responsibilities Strategic Oversight * Assist the Senior Photographer in Photography production. This ranges from physical assistance in setting up photography gear to digital post production and ...

Eames Institute

Junior Photographer

Richmond, CA · On-site

Key Responsibilities Strategic Oversight * Assist the Senior Photographer in Photography production. This ranges from physical assistance in setting up photography gear to digital post production and ...

Cantrell Photography

Photographer

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We are seeking enthusiastic and energetic individuals who are passionate about photography and love working with children to become School Photographers. This entry-level seasonal role runs from Fall ...

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Photographer Assistant information

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$17

$33

How much do photographer assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for photographer assistant in California is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photographer assistant?

Photographer assistants are professionals who support photographers during photo shoots and in the preparation and post-production processes. Their duties can include setting up lighting and equipment, organizing props, assisting with model positioning, and handling administrative tasks such as scheduling and file management. They play a crucial role in ensuring the shoot runs smoothly and efficiently. In addition, photographer assistants often help with editing and retouching photos, maintaining equipment, and sometimes managing social media or client communications. This role is an excellent entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in photography.

What does a photographer assistant do?

A photographer assistant supports a professional photographer during the shooting and editing process. The specific job duties may vary, depending on the type of photographer you work for and the size and type of the organization. In general, your responsibilities as a photographer assistant include organizing, maintaining, and sometimes transporting equipment, such as lighting and cameras. You also need to ensure that everything the photographer needs for the photo shoot is easily accessible. For studio shoots or elaborate outdoor shoots, you may be responsible for setting up special lighting and sets. After a shoot, you may assist in editing the photos using digital editing software. Once the images have been adjusted, you need to organize the portfolios, send proofs to clients for approval, or deliver prints. Travel may be required for this job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photographer assistant?

To thrive as a Photographer Assistant, you need a strong understanding of photography basics, lighting techniques, and camera equipment, often gained through coursework or hands-on experience. Familiarity with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as studio equipment, is commonly required. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with photographers and clients are highly valued. These skills ensure efficient shoot operations, high-quality results, and a positive working environment on set.

What is the difference between Photographer Assistant vs Photography Intern?

AspectPhotographer AssistantPhotography Intern
Required CredentialsNone mandatory, some experience preferredOften students or entry-level, may have photography coursework
Work EnvironmentProfessional studio or on-location shootsVaries; educational settings or internships with photographers
Employer & Industry UsagePhotographers, studios, media companiesEducational institutions, photography studios, freelance photographers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, job duties, and career pathLearning about entry-level opportunities and experience

Photographer Assistants typically support professional photographers during shoots, handling equipment and setup, while Photography Interns often gain hands-on experience through educational programs or internships. Both roles serve as entry points into the photography industry but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

More about Photographer Assistant jobs

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

The most popular types of Photographer jobs in California are:

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For Photographer Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Photographer Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photographer Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,324 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Student Media Photographer/Operations Assistant

Associated Students UCLA

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$19.45 - $29.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

UCLA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

STUDENT MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHER/OPERATIONS ASSISTANT
Job Number: 762
Salary: $19.45-$29.18
Department: Operations/Photography
Days/Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8-20 hours/week during business hours
Select weekends
Note that during the peak season will you be asked to work closer to 10-20 hours/week and on weekends.
Duties:
  • Photographer (70% of the job): As a photographer, you will be doing 90% studio photography & 10% field photography. Within the studio, you will assist the main career photographer with taking graduation portraits, passport photos, and professional portraits. Field photography consists of doing photo assignments for any of the news magazines when needed and for the BruinLife website and yearbook regularly when the grad season has not picked up.
    • Marketing/Sales: Being part of the studio staff requires that you get the word out that our studio exists. This entails tabling, flyering, posting in social media groups, etc. Effective marketing must be done to better boost awareness of our studio and products. You are responsible for the sales, marketing, and promotion of the photo studio and yearbook. This includes acting as the model for stock images on the website.
    • Studio Production Management: You are also responsible for sales entry, data entry, fulfilling orders (printing, packaging, shipping) and providing customer support.
  • Operations Assistant (30% of the job): During downtimes, you serve as an operations assistant. This entails assisting the career operations manager with day-to-day tasks for the department and year-long departmental projects. Tasks include but are not limited to alumni outreach, data entry, archiving, stock management, construction of new furniture, office maintenance & upkeep.

Requirements:
  • SUBMIT A PHOTO PORTFOLIO to bls@studio.bruinlife.com within 24 hours of applying for this position or your application will be considered incomplete. Your portfolio should consist of people-based portraits. Minimum of 6 portraits.
  • MUST BE ABLE TO WORK UP TO 15 hours during peak season
  • Must know how to use a DSLR camera (Nikon a +)
  • Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop or photo editing skills.
  • Basic writing skills required.
  • Applicant must have good communication skills, be detail-oriented, have phone skills, be organized, be punctual, and have a friendly demeanor.
  • Applicant must work well with others as this position requires being a team player.
  • Applicants must be able to work well under pressure since it can become hectic during the high peak of the graduation season.
  • Applicants must be able to follow directions and safety protocols in place. Customer service experience is desired but not required.
  • Must be a full-time UCLA Student. Needs to work during midterm/finals week and during spring break.
  • The ability to work during Summer is preferred but not a requirement.

Benefits:
UCLA Student Store Discount
Registered UCLA Students Only

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Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools, e-learning, scientific research and development services, non-profits, business management consulting, clean energy semiconductors manufacturing, investment clubs and venture capital companies and human resources consulting services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

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