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Photographer Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Direct photographic quality control at several geographically dispersed locations. * Determine camera settings, lighting requirements, and other specifications to ensure an excellent photo shoot.

Direct photographic quality control at several geographically dispersed locations. * Determine camera settings, lighting requirements, and other specifications to ensure an excellent photo shoot.

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This is not just a job, this is a career path and opportunity for individuals who want to grow into a director of photography. If you don't love to shoot, this job is not for you. Think of the first ...

Brand Director

Falls Church, VA ยท On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Direct the visual development of large-scale productions including corporate videos, photography shoots, and lifestyle campaigns * Lead creative strategy for brand experiences including team member ...

Brand Director

Falls Church, VA ยท On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

... photography shoots, and lifestyle campaigns Lead creative strategy for brand experiences including ... Director of Communications on advertising creative strategy, integrated campaigns, and brand ...

Direct the visual development of large-scale productions including corporate videos, photography shoots, and lifestyle campaigns * Lead creative strategy for brand experiences including team member ...

The Creative Director will manage The Atlantic's art department, and lead the team's work on design, illustration, and photography across The Atlantic's journalism. The ideal candidate will be highly ...

Creative Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Proven ability to direct and inspire multidisciplinary teams across design, interactive, and visual arts (photography and video). * Strong creative portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking ...

Proven ability to direct and inspire multidisciplinary teams across design, interactive, and visual arts (photography and video). * Strong creative portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking ...

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Photographer Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$21

$38

How much do photographer director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for photographer director in Reston, VA is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Photographer Director vs Photographer?

AspectPhotographer DirectorPhotographer
CredentialsPhotography degree or equivalent, portfolio, sometimes directing experiencePhotography degree or equivalent, portfolio
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, commercials, music videos, advertising projectsPhoto shoots, studios, outdoor locations
Industry UsageCombines photography with directing responsibilities, often in media and advertisingFocuses solely on capturing images, in various industries

The main difference is that a Photographer Director not only captures images but also oversees the creative vision and directs the production, whereas a Photographer primarily focuses on taking photographs. The Photographer Director role involves a blend of photography skills and directing expertise, often working on larger projects like commercials or music videos, while a Photographer may work more independently or in smaller settings.

What does a photographer director do?

A Photographer Director is responsible for overseeing the creative and technical aspects of photo shoots, ensuring that the vision for the project is executed effectively. They collaborate with clients, art directors, and other team members to plan, direct, and manage the entire photographic process. This includes selecting locations, directing models or subjects, choosing lighting setups, and making decisions on composition and style. Their role combines creative leadership with project management to deliver high-quality visual content.

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

To thrive as a Photographer Director, you need a strong background in photography, visual storytelling, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in photography or related field and a robust portfolio. Expertise in professional camera equipment, image editing software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), and studio lighting systems is essential. Exceptional communication, creative vision, and the ability to manage teams make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure the successful execution of visual projects, effective collaboration, and delivery of high-impact imagery that meets client or production goals.

How does a photographer director typically collaborate with other creative team members during a shoot?

A Photographer Director works closely with art directors, stylists, makeup artists, and assistants to ensure the creative vision is executed effectively. They lead pre-shoot meetings to discuss concepts and shot lists, coordinate with lighting and set design teams, and provide on-set direction to models or subjects. Strong communication and the ability to adapt to feedback are essential, as the Photographer Director often balances client expectations with creative input from various team members. This collaborative approach enables a seamless workflow and ensures that the final images align with the intended vision.
What are the most commonly searched types of Photographer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Photographer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Photographer Director jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Photographer Director job openings:

Photographer

Red Carrot

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Photographer
Location: Alexandria, VA | Employment Type: Full-Time
POSITION OVERVIEW
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a photographer, providing expertise and state-of-the-art skill in taking and enhancing photographs and visual representations to convey a project's mission and impact. The candidate will be responsible for taking a general theme and conveying a clear, impactful message through the use of their technical knowledge within the subject of photography.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Attend meetings and briefings to advise managers on the requirements of complex assignments, including providing advice concerning the most economical cost methods and the highest degree of technical and professional quality available to undertake a project.
  • Develop deadlines, coordinate with others, and carry out all phases of the work.
  • Direct photographic quality control at several geographically dispersed locations.
  • Determine camera settings, lighting requirements, and other specifications to ensure an excellent photo shoot.
  • Capture and enhance photographs to make a vivid impression and communicate a meaningful message.
  • Provide event and on-site coverage, including conferences, ceremonies, briefings, and other organizational activities, capturing both candid and posed imagery as needed.
  • Conduct studio and location-based portrait sessions for staff, leadership, and program participants.
  • Perform customized / specialized photography in-house or on location using a variety of still cameras and other photographic equipment.
  • Edit photos to ensure proper capturing, processing, distributing, and archiving of all still imagery.
  • Deliver clear, high-quality images.
  • Other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES
  • Knowledge of complex black and white, color, identification, digital, and studio portrait photography.
  • Comprehensive and current knowledge of a wide range of photographic equipment, techniques, and processes.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to select specialized cameras, other photographic equipment, film, and paper in order to achieve the most artistic results for photographs taken.
  • Ability to manage changes in photographic work products without materially increasing costs and to meet constantly changing and emergency requests from senior managers.
  • Experience with event and editorial photography in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings.
  • Ability to provide leadership and guidance.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience.

Benefits at Red Carrot:
At Red Carrot, we empower you to be a leader. We attract and develop talent from all backgrounds because we believe there's strength in diversity, offering different perspectives and skills. Together, we can solve our client's biggest challenges. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Training and Development - Tuition reimbursement and professional trainings for eligible employees.
  • Healthcare - Top-tier medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
  • 401(k) Plan - 401(k)-retirement and Roth plan with company matching and no vesting period.
  • Profit Sharing - Discretionary profit-sharing plan to all eligible employees after one year of employment.
  • Paid Time Off - Provides flexible work hours, paid time off, and 11 federal holidays.

About Us:
Red Carrot is an award-winning, woman-owned small business built for the complexity of federal government work. We partner with clients to advance their goals - powered by a team fueled by passion, backed by intelligence, and grounded in expertise.
From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex problems with precision. Our approach is research-centric, data-informed, and audience-oriented - and it's how we deliver work that actually moves the needle.
We exist to strengthen the organizations and communities we serve through trusted, purposeful communication. That's not a tagline - it's the standard we hold ourselves to on every engagement.
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a strong and growing presence in Washington, D.C., our team works with clients across the country. Distance doesn't dilute our service. We build capacity where our clients need it, delivering Strategic Communications, Customer Experience, Management Consulting, and Human Capital Solutions that fit their mission - and their moment.
We're the partner organizations turn to when communication challenges are real, the stakes are high, and the work has to matter.