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Photography Editing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Senior Photo Editor (Fixed Term)

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Photography experience (product, hardware, portrait, or event) as a backup capability. * Experience shooting or editing for aerospace, tech, or other technical/industrial brands. * Experience ...

Snappr Inc

Food Photographer

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Proficiency in photography equipment and relevant software for editing. * Attention to detail and strong sense of aesthetics. * Ability to work independently and collaboratively. * Good organization ...

New

Yami

Photographer/Videographer

Brea, CA · On-site

... photography and videography, including shooting and editing Comfortable incorporating AI tools into a creative workflow (e.g., generative editing, automated retouching, AI-assisted video editing ...

FOX News Channel

Per Diem News Photographer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70.25 - $100.05/hr

Overview KTTV Fox 11 seeks a Per Diem News Photographer to shoot and edit compelling, creative, and ... Editing & Deadlines: Edit daily news packages, voiceovers, and special projects under tight ...

New

KTVU Fox 2

Per Diem News Photographer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$61.81/hr

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY KTTV Fox 11seeks Per Diem News Photographer To shoot and edit compelling ... Editing & Deadlines:Edit daily news packages, voiceovers, and special projects under tight ...

Fox

Per Diem News Photographer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$61.81/hr

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY KTTV Fox 11seeks Per Diem News Photographer To shoot and edit compelling ... Editing & Deadlines:Edit daily news packages, voiceovers, and special projects under tight ...

Yami

Photographer/Videographer

Brea, CA · On-site

... both photography and videography, including shooting and editing • Comfortable incorporating AI tools into a creative workflow (e.g., generative editing, automated retouching, AI-assisted video ...

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All JobsPhotography Editing JobsPhotography Editing Jobs in California

Photography Editing information

See California salary details

$22.7K

$61.5K

$74K

How much do photography editing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for photography editing in California is $61,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $70,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is photography editing?

Photography editing, also known as photo editing or post-processing, is the process of enhancing or modifying images after they have been taken. This can involve adjusting exposure, color, contrast, cropping, retouching blemishes, and removing unwanted objects. Editors use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to improve image quality and achieve the desired artistic effect. Photography editing is essential for both professional and amateur photographers to ensure their photos look polished and visually appealing.

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

To thrive as a Photography Editor, you need a strong eye for detail, color theory knowledge, and proficiency in photo manipulation, typically supported by experience or education in photography or visual arts. Mastery of editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other digital asset management systems is essential. Creativity, time management, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure high-quality, visually compelling images that meet client or publication standards and deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced in a photography editing role, and how can they be managed?

Photography Editors often encounter tight deadlines, varying client expectations, and large volumes of images that require consistent quality and style. Managing these challenges typically involves developing efficient workflows, utilizing batch processing tools in editing software, and maintaining clear communication with photographers or clients about desired outcomes. Staying organized and up-to-date with editing techniques also helps ensure a smooth process and high-quality results, even during busy periods.

What is the difference between Photography Editing vs Photography Retouching?

AspectPhotography EditingPhotography Retouching
CredentialsPhoto editing software skills, basic photography knowledgeAdvanced retouching skills, often with Photoshop certifications
Work EnvironmentPhoto studios, freelance, media companiesHigh-end studios, fashion, commercial photography
Industry UsageGeneral photo adjustments, color correctionDetailed skin smoothing, object removal, artistic enhancements

Photography Editing involves general adjustments like color correction and cropping, while Photography Retouching focuses on detailed enhancements such as skin smoothing and object removal. Both roles require proficiency in editing software, but retouching demands more advanced skills for high-end image refinement.

Can I get paid to edit photos?

Yes, photography editing is a paid profession, with opportunities including freelance work, working for photography studios, or media companies. Payment can vary based on experience, project complexity, and tools used such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

How do I become a photography editor?

To become a photography editor, you typically need a strong background in photography or visual arts, proficiency in editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and a good eye for detail. Gaining experience through internships or freelance work and building a portfolio can also help establish your skills in editing and retouching images.

How much do photography editors make?

Photography editors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled editors with proficiency in editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom and a strong portfolio can command higher salaries, especially in competitive markets.

Is photography editing a good career?

Photography editing is a viable career that involves enhancing and retouching images using software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Success in this field often requires strong technical skills, creativity, and a good understanding of visual aesthetics, with opportunities in freelance work, media, advertising, and photography studios.

What are popular job titles related to Photography Editing jobs in California?

For Photography Editing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photography Editing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Photography Editing jobs in California are:

Photography Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photography Editing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,522 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Senior Photo Editor (Fixed Term)

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Vast is seeking a Senior Photo Editor to join its Media Production team on a fixed-term basis, reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Production. The ideal candidate is a technically precise, visually confident retoucher who can move fast without cutting corners, and who understands color and light well enough to make judgment calls, not just execute a brief. This is a high-leverage engagement: the work this person does in a short window will directly determine how consistent and premium Vast's photography looks going forward.

This is a hands-on, IC role for someone who can walk into an existing body of work, understand the visual direction, and both execute against it and help define it more clearly. You'll work through a real backlog of unedited production photography, and in parallel help formalize the color, light, and retouching standards the team uses so decisions don't have to be re-made from scratch on every shoot.

This is an in-person role based in Long Beach, CA and runs as a 60 day fixed-term position, with potential to extend.

Responsibilities

  • Clear the Backlog: Process existing unedited photography from past shoots to final, delivery-ready quality.
  • Post-Production & Workflow: Manage file handling from ingest to delivery (filenaming, packaging, archiving) and build reusable presets to streamline operations.
  • Define Visual Standards: Partner with the Media Production team to document and maintain consistent color, light, and retouching standards across all photography and photographers.
  • Support Live Production (as needed): Oversee capture-to-delivery for active shoots, including providing on-set Digitech support.
  • Photography (as needed): Execute product, hardware, portrait, or event photography as required, maintaining the same high quality standards.

Minimum  Qualifications

  • 5+ years of professional experience as a photo retoucher or photo editor across commercial, brand, or editorial work.
  • Deep proficiency in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, CaptureOne, with strong command of color grading, light balancing, and high-end retouching technique.
  • Demonstrated ability to define or work within brand-level visual standards, not just execute a one-off brief.
  • Strong eye for consistency across a large volume of images, evidenced through a portfolio showing range and a clear point of view.
  • Able to work independently and move fast without sacrificing quality, this is a short engagement with real volume behind it.
  • Local to LA/Long Beach and available to be onsite..

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Photography experience (product, hardware, portrait, or event) as a backup capability.
  • Experience shooting or editing for aerospace, tech, or other technical/industrial brands.
  • Experience building documented style guides or visual standards for a brand or production team.

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