1

Photography Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Primary - Marketing Coordinator (Fatima Youssef) Secondary - Associate Director (Michael Donnelly ... Lead the photography coverage of all major camp activities, including sports, arts and crafts ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Photography Associate information

How does a photography associate typically collaborate with other team members during a photo shoot?

A Photography Associate often works closely with lead photographers, stylists, and creative directors to ensure that each shoot runs smoothly. Their responsibilities may include setting up lighting, organizing equipment, and assisting with capturing images according to the creative brief. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as associates frequently help coordinate subjects, manage props, and ensure that technical requirements are met. This collaborative environment provides valuable learning opportunities and exposure to different aspects of the photography process.

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

To thrive as a Photography Associate, you need a solid understanding of photography principles, image composition, and basic photo editing, often supported by formal training or relevant coursework. Familiarity with DSLR cameras, lighting equipment, and software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom is typically expected. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and creativity help you engage clients and produce high-quality, memorable images. These skills ensure professional, client-focused results and contribute to building a positive reputation in a competitive field.

What does a photography associate do?

A Photography Associate assists photographers with various tasks such as setting up equipment, managing lighting, and organizing photo shoots. They may also help with editing photos, maintaining photography gear, and coordinating with clients or subjects. Their role is essential in ensuring that photo sessions run smoothly and efficiently, allowing the lead photographer to focus on capturing high-quality images. Photography Associates often work in studios, events, or on location, and may handle administrative duties as well.

What is the difference between Photography Associate vs Photography Assistant?

AspectPhotography AssociatePhotography Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer photography courses or certificationsHigh school diploma; some experience or training preferred
Work EnvironmentStudio, event, or commercial settings; responsible for capturing imagesAssist photographers during shoots; setup and equipment management
Employer & Industry UsagePhotographers, studios, media companiesPhotographers, studios, event companies

The main difference is that a Photography Associate actively captures images and may have more technical responsibilities, while a Photography Assistant supports the photographer by handling equipment and setup tasks. Both roles are essential in photography workflows, but the Associate typically has more direct involvement in the actual photography process.

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

The most popular types of Photography jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Photography Associate jobs in Illinois?

For Photography Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photography Associate jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Photography Associate jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Photography Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Photography Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Photography Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Photography Associate - 1st Shift - 17/hr - FT

Kelly Services

Peoria, IL

$17/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Product Photography Associate
$17.00/hr | Peoria / Peoria Heights area, IL (Weekly Pay)
Employer: Kelly Services
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Creative Production Opportunity
Initial Assignment Length: Approximately 3–6 months, or sooner if hired on
Hire-On Potential: Strong hire-on potential based on attendance, quality, schedule fit, performance, and business need
Start: As soon as selected, interviewed, onboarded, and cleared
Schedule
Training Schedule: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Schedule After Training: Flexible based on business needs and candidate availability
Saturday Availability: Saturday overtime may be available if you want extra hours or need added schedule flexibility
From the Desk of the Recruiter
Kelly Services is hiring Product Photography Associates for a contract-to-hire creative production role in the Peoria / Peoria Heights area.
This is not a regular warehouse job, and it is not just taking pictures on a phone. This role supports real product content used by retailers, brands, food service companies, and online shopping platforms. The images you help capture may be used for digital shelves, e-commerce listings, product pages, retail systems, packaging views, labels, ingredients, nutrition facts, and product details.
This is a strong fit for someone who has actually held and used a camera before. You do not need to be a master photographer, but you do need to understand the basics of DSLR or SLR camera use well enough to be trained. You should be able to explain a few camera basics such as aperture, ISO, focus, exposure, lighting, and why an image may need to be adjusted or retaken.
Bradley University students, local Peoria-area college students, photography students, media students, marketing students, journalism students, design students, and serious hobby photographers are strongly encouraged to apply.
This role stands out because it gives you real experience in product imaging, digital content, marketing support, publishing-style workflows, and studio-style production. It is creative, but it is also structured. The right person has a good eye, follows direction, shows up consistently, and cares about getting the image right.
This is a contract-to-hire role with strong hire-on potential. Many people who learn the process, maintain strong attendance, and perform well are considered for hire-on. Some employees stay long term for several years when the fit is right.
Job Details
Pay: $17.00/hr (WEEKLY PAY)
Location: Peoria / Peoria Heights area, IL
Assignment Type: Contract-to-hire through Kelly Services
Initial Length: Approximately 3–6 months, or sooner if hired on
Permanent Opportunity: Pay and benefits may change if hired into the permanent role
Hire-On Potential: Strong hire-on potential based on attendance, quality, schedule fit, performance, and business need
Environment: Product imaging, studio-style production, digital content, image review, and visual quality control
What You’ll Do
Capture clean, accurate product images using automated photography equipment and camera setups
Set up retail and food service products so images look consistent, sharp, and professional
Capture product views such as packaging, case images, labels, nutrition facts, ingredients, and other required details
Review images for lighting, focus, angles, alignment, product placement, and overall quality
Re-capture images when something does not meet the standard
Follow templates and repeatable image-production processes
Work in a production-style creative environment where speed, accuracy, and quality all matter
Support digital product content used by brands, retailers, and online platforms
What We’re Looking For
Strong candidates will have:
At least 6 months of hands-on DSLR, SLR, camera, photography, studio, school, freelance, portfolio, product-image, or visual project experience
Ability to explain basic camera concepts such as aperture, ISO, focus, exposure, lighting, and image quality
Real interest in product imaging, creative content, marketing, publishing, journalism, visual media, or digital production
Ability to notice when lighting, angle, focus, labels, or product placement do not look right
Comfort doing repetitive, detail-focused work without losing focus
Reliable attendance and willingness to learn a structured production process
Strobe lighting or studio lighting experience is a strong plus, but not required
This is not the best fit for someone whose only experience is casual phone pictures or posting online. The client is looking for people who have used a real camera and understand enough of the basics to be trained.
Good Fit For Someone Interested In
Product imaging
Studio production
Retail or food product content
E-commerce visuals
Marketing content
Digital publishing
Journalism or visual media
Camera work
Visual quality control
Creative content production
Building a real creative resume
This can be a strong fit for Bradley University students, local Peoria-area college students, early-career creatives, and serious camera users who want something more grounded than a typical part-time job.
What the Work Is Really Like
This role is creative, but it is also structured.
You should be ready for:
Photographing many products in a consistent way
Following a process instead of free-styling every shot
Checking lighting, labels, angles, product placement, focus, and image quality
Repeating a setup until the image is right
Staying focused through a full shift
Learning automated photography equipment and product image standards
Showing up consistently if you want to be considered for hire-on
The best person here has a good eye, a steady attitude, and enough discipline to do creative work the right way every time.
Why This Role Stands Out
Contract-to-hire opportunity with strong hire-on potential
Flat $17.00/hr starting pay through Kelly Services (WEEKLY PAY)
Real entry point into creative content and product imaging
Strong fit for college students, early-career creatives, and serious camera users
Hands-on experience with products, lighting, image capture, and visual standards
Better fit than a normal warehouse job for someone who wants creative work
Resume-building experience for marketing, media, publishing, journalism, photography, and content production
Permanent-role pay and benefits may differ if hired on directly
Long-term potential for reliable people who learn the work and maintain good attendance
This is the type of role where a person can come in curious, get trained, build a skill, and potentially stay for years if the fit is right.
Pre-Employment Process
Selected candidates will complete:
Kelly Services prescreen and resume review
   The prescreen may include 5–10 minutes of basic camera questions, such as DSLR/SLR experience, aperture, ISO, focus, exposure, lighting, and image quality.
Onsite interview with the client
   Candidates selected after resume review may be invited for a face-to-face interview.
Kelly onboarding and required clearance before start
   Once selected and cleared, candidates may be able to start quickly.
How to Apply
For a faster response, text our recruiters the code “PHOTO” at 847-729-2575.
Please include:
PHOTO | Can you answer YES to the questions below
Quick Questions
Do you have at least 6 months of hands-on DSLR, SLR, camera, studio, school, freelance, portfolio, product-image, or visual project experience?
Can you explain basic camera concepts such as aperture, ISO, focus, exposure, lighting, or image quality?
Are you interested in product imaging, creative content, marketing, publishing, journalism, visual media, or studio-style production long term?

#CB

#P1


As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Get a complete career fit with Kelly®.

You’re looking to keep your career moving onward and upward, and we’re here to help you do just that. Our staffing experts connect you with top companies for opportunities where you can learn, grow, and thrive. Jobs that fit your skills and experience, and most importantly, fit right on your path of where you want to go in your career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.