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Photography Assistant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Photography Tutor

Louisville, KY · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Photography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Photography Tutor

Lexington, KY · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Photography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

$125 - $150/hr

Duties The Division of Photography (CPH) is responsible for the acquisition, care, study, and display of the National Gallery's preeminent collection of Photographs, which includes over 21,000 works ...

$60 - $80/hr

Deliver images for inclusion in the University photo library and archiving system. * Assist with ... Experience providing photography for events, marketing, communications, or promotional purposes.

New

$150 - $200/hr

Support the Global Creative Director in shaping the look and feel of product sizzles, social-first demos, paid media, retail content, and supporting photography. Assist in boarding out concepts, demo ...

Photographer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$17/hr

Part-time photography and sales position with guaranteed pay of $11.00/hour and potential to earn commission up to $17.00/hr! Is photography your passion? Are you searching for a career that goes ...

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Photography Assistant information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$16

$25

How much do photography assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for photography assistant in Kentucky is $16.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photography assistant?

Photography assistants are professionals who support photographers during photo shoots and in studio settings. Their responsibilities typically include setting up lighting and equipment, organizing props, managing files, and helping with administrative tasks. They play a crucial role in ensuring shoots run smoothly by anticipating the photographer’s needs and handling technical or logistical issues. This position is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in photography, providing valuable hands-on experience and industry knowledge.

What does a photography assistant do?

A photography assistant supports a professional photographer during the shooting and editing process. As a photography assistant, your duties include organizing, transporting, and maintaining equipment, such as lighting and cameras. You also ensure everything needed for a photo shoot is readily available to the photographer and may need to help set up special lighting and sets. After a shoot, you may assist in basic editing work, using digital editing software, organizing portfolios, sending proofs to clients for approval, or delivering prints. Travel may be required for this job. You may be the primary contact for customers, so strong customer service skills are beneficial.

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

To thrive as a Photography Assistant, you need a solid understanding of photography basics, lighting, and camera equipment, often gained through formal education or hands-on experience. Familiarity with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as digital asset management systems, is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you anticipate the photographer's needs and manage schedules. These skills are vital for ensuring smooth photo shoots, supporting the lead photographer, and delivering high-quality results.

What are some common challenges faced by photography assistants on set, and how can they prepare for them?

Photography Assistants often encounter fast-paced environments where they must anticipate the needs of the photographer and adapt quickly to changing situations, such as shifting lighting or sudden schedule adjustments. Being proactive, organized, and familiar with both camera gear and lighting equipment helps assistants stay prepared. Good communication skills are essential for collaborating with photographers, stylists, and other team members. To succeed, assistants should also be ready for physically demanding tasks, such as moving equipment and setting up backdrops, and maintain a positive, solution-oriented attitude even under pressure.

What is the difference between Photography Assistant vs Photography Intern?

AspectPhotography AssistantPhotography Intern
Required CredentialsBasic photography knowledge, technical skills, sometimes a portfolioOften students or beginners, may have coursework or limited experience
Work EnvironmentProfessional studios, on-location shoots, assisting photographersInternship settings, assisting in shoots, learning environment
Employer & Industry UsagePhotographers, studios, media companiesPhotography studios, media outlets, educational programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, job requirements, career pathEntry-level opportunities, learning experiences, internships

While both Photography Assistants and Photography Interns support photographers and work in similar environments, Assistants typically have more technical skills and responsibilities, often working full-time or part-time in professional settings. Interns are usually students or beginners gaining experience through internships, often with less technical expertise. Both roles serve as entry points into the photography industry but differ in experience level and job expectations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Photography jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Photography jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Photography Assistant jobs in Kentucky?

For Photography Assistant jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photography Assistant jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Photography Assistant jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Photography Assistant jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Photography Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Photography Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,520 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Part-time Instructor in Photography

Nku

Highland Heights, KY

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach photography courses in the Art & Design Photography program at NKU.

  • Mentor students and provide guidance to support their creative and technical development.

  • Manage the photography studio and provide direction for the use of photographic resources and equipment.


Job description

Position Title:

Part-time Instructor in Photography

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

About the Role:

The Art & Design program in the School of the Arts (SOTA) at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) invites applications for its ongoing pool of part-time instructors in Photography. We are seeking passionate and experienced individuals to teach engaging, profession-oriented, and inspiring photo courses to our students. The Photography area at NKU offers an approach to artmaking which is media diverse and emphasizes both technical skills and conceptual development. We offer a specific Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Photography as well as variety of BA and BFA degrees in Studio Arts and Visual Communication Design where photography is an integral part of the curriculum.
A successful candidate should be knowledgeable and proficient in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, advanced digital camera control, digital file management, and be able to converse in and with a variety of contemporary methods of current commercial and fine art photography. While there is no specific position associated with this posting at this time, applications will be used to build a qualified and diverse database of instructors for future instructional needs.
ABOUT SOTA
The Art & Design, Music, and Theatre & Dance programs make up the School of the Arts which sits in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Art & Design offers an innovative and engaged opportunity for aspiring artists and designers who seek professional training in the arts. Art & Design has 17 full-time faculty and 4 full-time staff that embrace a comprehensive hands-on approach of working with materials and techniques while developing critical thinking skills related to the various art disciplines and studio training.
ABOUT NKU
Established in 1968, NKU is a 15,000-student, nationally recognized, growing metropolitan university located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Greater Cincinnati has one of the most vibrant and multifaceted cultural scenes in the Midwest, with the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, 21c Museum Hotel and a plethora of galleries such as The Weston, Carl Solway and Manifest Gallery. Cincinnati offers an outstanding quality of life, a dynamic arts community, and an affordable cost of living. NKU is committed to active engagement with the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region of over two million people.
The primary responsibilities of this position are to teach photography courses in the Art & Design Photography program inSOTA. We aim to cultivate the next generation of creative visionaries through a personalized education rooted in principles, exploration, and professional pragmatism. At our institution, we foster the development of adept problem-solvers, innovators, and cultural pioneers.
We seek photography faculty who can harness these qualities to empower students, instilling confidence, refining technical abilities, and fostering creative expression. The photography area atNKUis dedicated to preparing students for diverse career paths. Whether aspiring to pursue graduate studies, embark on a career as a wildlife photographer, establish their own photography studio as entrepreneurs, work as touring photojournalist in the music industry, or make their mark as an emerging New York artist, our program equips students with the skills and techniques necessary to stand out in the competitive landscape of photography.
Additional responsibilities include some student mentoring, responsible studio management, and provide direction and guidance for advancing the University's strategic priorities. The photography area features a teaching lab outfitted with Apple iMac computers that also serve as open labs for student use when not occupied by classes. The photography studio has dual bays and is outfitted with professional lighting from Profoto. Additionally, students can check out a wide variety of top-quality photographic equipment including lenses for both Canon and Nikon, mobile lighting kits, tripods, and Cintiq input tablets. The print lab that exclusively services art and design students is outfitted with two sheet printers and two roll printers capable of producing the highest quality images from 4X6 inches to 4X6 feet and beyond. From capture to print, the photography area has the resources needed to help students realize their creative vision.
Minimum qualifications include anMFAin Photography or its equivalent, an active professional creative practice in photography, a demonstrated knowledge of photography and digital techniques, and well versed in contemporary / historical practice. Demonstrated commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a positive learning environment.
Required Technical Qualifications:
  • Proven ability to thoroughly teach Adobe Lightroom Classic for image importing/exporting and processing
  • Proven ability to teach introduction to photography withDSLRcameras. Must have a strong understanding of basic/advanced digital camera control + operation, lens function, and introductory photographic equipment for digital capture.
  • Proven ability to teach file management via SD/CF cards, external hard drives, and compact flash drives.
  • Proven ability to teach practices in file management for digital output via Epson inkjet printers.
  • Proven ability to teach introductory photography courses in a Mac lab.

Strongly Preferred:
  • Proven ability to teach all levels of photography (Introductory to Advanced)
  • Proven ability to teach Adobe Photoshop.
  • Proven ability to effectively utilize Canvas Learning Management System for student instruction
  • Work and/or teaching experience in a digital printing lab (Epson Inkjet printers)
  • Work and/or teaching experience in studio lighting
  • Strong skills related toSSDformatting, file management, color managed printing workflows
College-level teaching experience preferred.
Applicants should clearly demonstrate strengths and technical experience in the afore-mentioned areas of expertise. To apply, submit the following items electronically:
1) Cover Letter
2) CV
3) Names and Contact Information of 3 references
4) Artist Statement / Research Interests
5) Portfolio of Professional Work (20 images of personal work with descriptions/image list)
6) Teaching Philosophy
7) Portfolio of Student Work (20 images of student work with descriptions/image list)

** Portfolio of Professional Work and Portfolio of Example Student Work may either be a link to a website or submit aPDFattachment
Questions regarding the nature of the position should be directed to Kim Kattus, Art & Design Program Head, via email: KATTUS@nku.edu .

Work Environment & Physical Demands: