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Photographer Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Photographer is responsible for the planning, logistics, photographing, and processing of visual images used by the institution to enhance displays ...

New

Smithsonian Institution

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Photographer is responsible for the planning, logistics, photographing, and processing of visual images used by the institution to enhance displays ...

New

Cheez

Street Photographer

Adelphi, MD · On-site

This is a recurring street photography gig to help promote a new photo sharing app. Check out the iPhone app and/or the Android app You'll be approaching people on the street, asking them to take ...

Cheez

Street Photographer

Largo, MD · On-site

This is a recurring street photography gig to help promote a new photo sharing app. Check out the iPhone app and/or the Android app You'll be approaching people on the street, asking them to take ...

Cheez

Street Photographer

Bowie, MD · On-site

This is a recurring street photography gig to help promote a new photo sharing app. Check out the iPhone app and/or the Android app You'll be approaching people on the street, asking them to take ...

Cheez

Street Photographer

Annandale, VA · On-site

This is a recurring street photography gig to help promote a new photo sharing app. Check out the iPhone app and/or the Android app You'll be approaching people on the street, asking them to take ...

Cheez

Street Photographer

Rockville, MD · On-site

This is a recurring street photography gig to help promote a new photo sharing app. Check out the iPhone app and/or the Android app You'll be approaching people on the street, asking them to take ...

Cheez

Street Photographer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

This is a recurring street photography gig to help promote a new photo sharing app. Check out the iPhone app and/or the Android app You'll be approaching people on the street, asking them to take ...

Cheez

Street Photographer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

This is a recurring street photography gig to help promote a new photo sharing app. Check out the iPhone app and/or the Android app You'll be approaching people on the street, asking them to take ...

Shutterfly

Photographer - Seasonal

Clarksville, MD

$18.40/hr

School Photographer - No Experience Needed! (Seasonal) Join the Lifetouch Team and help capture unforgettable school moments! Are you a people person with a background in customer service, retail, or ...

Shutterfly

Photographer - Seasonal

Annandale, VA · On-site

$18.40/hr

School Photographer - No Experience Needed! (Seasonal) Join the Lifetouch Team and help capture unforgettable school moments! Are you a people person with a background in customer service, retail, or ...

shutterfly

Photographer - Seasonal

Annandale, VA · On-site

$18.40/hr

School Photographer - No Experience Needed! (Seasonal) Join the Lifetouch Team and help capture unforgettable school moments! Are you a people person with a background in customer service, retail, or ...

Shutterfly

Photographer - Seasonal

Annandale, VA · On-site

$18.40/hr

School Photographer - No Experience Needed! (Seasonal) Join the Lifetouch Team and help capture unforgettable school moments! Are you a people person with a background in customer service, retail, or ...

shutterfly

Photographer - Seasonal

Columbia, MD · On-site

$18.40/hr

School Photographer - No Experience Needed! (Seasonal) Join the Lifetouch Team and help capture unforgettable school moments! Are you a people person with a background in customer service, retail, or ...

Shutterfly

Photographer - Seasonal

Clarksville, MD · On-site

$18.40/hr

School Photographer - No Experience Needed! (Seasonal) Join the Lifetouch Team and help capture unforgettable school moments! Are you a people person with a background in customer service, retail, or ...

shutterfly

Preschool Photographer - Seasonal

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18.40/hr

Preschool Photographer - No Experience Needed! (Seasonal) Join the Lifetouch Team and help capture unforgettable school moments! Are you a people person with a background in customer service, retail ...

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All JobsPhotographer Helper JobsPhotographer Helper Jobs in Washington

Photographer Helper information

See Washington salary details

$10

$20

$38

How much do photographer helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for photographer helper in Washington is $20.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Photographer Helper vs Photography Assistant?

AspectPhotographer HelperPhotography Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically requiredNone typically required, some may have basic photography knowledge
Work EnvironmentOn-location shoots, studio settingsOn-location shoots, studio settings
Employer & Industry UsagePhotographers, studios, event companiesPhotographers, studios, media companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Photographer Helpers assist photographers with basic tasks like carrying equipment and setting up scenes, often without requiring formal credentials. Photography Assistants typically have more responsibilities, such as managing lighting and equipment, and may have some photography knowledge. Both roles work in similar environments and are used by photographers and studios, but Assistants often have a broader scope of work.

What are some common challenges faced by a photographer helper during a photoshoot, and how can they be managed?

Photographer Helpers often face challenges such as managing lighting equipment, handling last-minute changes to setups, and assisting with crowd or client coordination during busy shoots. Staying organized, being proactive about anticipating the photographer’s needs, and communicating clearly with both the photographer and subjects can help manage these situations effectively. Adaptability and a positive attitude are key, as the role often requires quick thinking and flexibility in dynamic environments.

How to become a photographer helper?

To become a photographer helper, gain experience in photography, assist professional photographers, and develop skills in camera equipment and lighting. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and familiarity with editing software can be beneficial. Volunteering or internships can provide practical experience and networking opportunities in the field.

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

To thrive as a Photographer Helper, you need basic photography knowledge, organizational skills, and familiarity with camera equipment, often gained through hands-on experience or vocational training. Experience with lighting setups, photo editing software, and maintaining photography gear is highly valuable. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication are important soft skills that enable effective support during shoots. These skills ensure smooth workflow and help deliver high-quality images by assisting the photographer efficiently.

What is a photographer helper?

Photographer Helpers assist professional photographers during photoshoots by setting up equipment, arranging lighting, managing props, and helping with administrative tasks. They ensure that the shoot runs smoothly by handling technical and organizational duties, allowing the photographer to focus on capturing the best images. Photographer Helpers may also help with transporting gear, managing files, and keeping the shoot area organized. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in the photography industry and learn from professionals.

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

The most popular types of Photographer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Photographer Helper jobs in Washington?

For Photographer Helper jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photographer Helper jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Photographer Helper jobs in Washington are:

Photographer Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photographer Helper job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,687 per year, or $20 per hour.

Photographer

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), Archives Division. NASM collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits objects and materials related to the history, culture and science of aviation, spaceflight and the study of the universe.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Photographer is responsible for the planning, logistics, photographing, and processing of visual images used by the institution to enhance displays, graphics, and exhibits.
In this position, you will:
  • Perform the full range of supervisory responsibilities, including planning and assigning work to staff based on priorities and schedules, balancing workload and adjusting schedules and duty assignments as necessary among, photographers and any contract personnel that require instructions on functions and activities that need to be carried out.
  • Engage with customers to evaluate their photographic needs, technical requirements, schedules, and subject matter, in order to plan and execute assignments that best accomplish customer specifications and project objectives.
  • Apply established and unique photographic techniques to images, graphics, and photos; oversees the production of publication- and archive-quality digital images that support the photographic documentation of Museum collections, research, exhibitions, public events, educational programming, facilities, and personnel.
  • Capture photographs that promote and preserve the visual history of the people, artifacts, exhibits and events of the NASM and the SI by creating and providing professional-quality digital photography for the Museum of its collections, exhibitions, public events, educational programming, projects, facilities, and personnel as requested by customers within and external to NASM and other Smithsonian Institution units for a variety of outputs.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Must spend long periods seated and looking at a computer screen
  • Ability to work in cramped quarters, squat, bend, kneel, lie on the floor

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.
Qualifications
GS-12 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system related to the work of this position. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:
  • Digitizing and maintaining photographic collections
  • Cataloguing and formatting photographic collections in digital asset management systems
  • Conducting archival photographic research to validate, update, and correct existing collections data

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
This announcement may close once 150 applications are received, which may be sooner than the closing date.
A portfolio/work sample may be requested if the candidate is referred to the hiring manager.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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