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Photography Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photography Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

As a Photography Instructor, you will guide students in exploring the world of photography, from the basics of camera operation to intermediate photography techniques. We are particularly seeking ...

Leads fun, hands-on classes teaching adults aged 50+ how to use their smartphones to take, edit, and share great photos. * Instructors provide their own materials, track attendance, maintain ...

Leads fun, hands-on classes teaching adults aged 50+ how to use their smartphones to take, edit, and share great photos. * Instructors provide their own materials, track attendance, maintain ...

Leads fun, hands-on classes teaching adults aged 50+ how to use their smartphones to take, edit, and share great photos. * Instructors provide their own materials, track attendance, maintain ...

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Photography Instructor information

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$35

$59

$68

How much do photography instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for photography instructor in the United States is $59.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.08 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Photography Instructor Do?

A photography instructor works at a school, with an organization, or privately to provide instruction in all aspects of photography. As a photography instructor, you use your knowledge of camera equipment, both digital and film, to teach students how to shoot high-quality photos of all kinds. Your responsibilities include instilling a thorough understanding of digital photography, from cameras to editing software. Other duties involve instructing students on the art of developing film photographs, exposure techniques, lens choice, and other technical aspects of taking pictures. You also travel to various locations with students to shoot photos in different styles and settings.

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

To thrive as a Photography Instructor, you need an in-depth understanding of photographic techniques, camera equipment, and composition, typically backed by professional experience or a relevant degree. Familiarity with photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as knowledge of studio lighting and digital workflow, is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to inspire creativity are crucial soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring students. These skills ensure that instructors can convey complex concepts clearly, foster student growth, and maintain a dynamic, engaging learning environment.

What are some common challenges Photography Instructors face when teaching students with varying skill levels?

Photography Instructors often teach classes that include students with a wide range of experience, from complete beginners to those with advanced skills. Balancing lesson plans to challenge more experienced photographers while not overwhelming newcomers can be tricky. Instructors frequently use differentiated assignments or offer personalized feedback to address this diversity. Encouraging peer learning and fostering an inclusive environment also help ensure that all students stay engaged and progress at their own pace.

What is the difference between Photography Instructor vs Photography Tutor?

AspectPhotography InstructorPhotography Tutor
CredentialsPhotography certification or degree, teaching experiencePhotography skills, possibly certifications, tutoring experience
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, workshops, community centersOne-on-one or small group sessions, online or in-person
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, colleges, art centersPrivate clients, online platforms, tutoring agencies
Search & Comparison IntentLearning photography skills in a formal settingImproving specific photography skills through personalized guidance

Both Photography Instructors and Photography Tutors help individuals improve their photography skills. Instructors typically work in formal educational settings and may have teaching credentials, while Tutors often provide personalized, one-on-one coaching, frequently in private or online settings. The choice depends on whether you prefer structured classes or personalized guidance.

What cities are hiring for Photography Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Photography Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photography Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Photography Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Photography Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Photography Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Photography Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photography Instructor jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Photography Instructor jobs? For Photography Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Photography Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,088 per year, or $59.7 per hour.
Photography Instructor

Photography Instructor

After School Matters

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago


After School Matters rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 190 rated education and training


Job description

Summary of Position: After School Matters is seeking instructors to begin working Summer 2026. After School Matters is reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
After School Matters is seeking committed, part-time instructors to teach Arts programs for 15-30 high school participants (15:1, instructor: teen ratio) between the ages of 14 to 20 for Summer 2026.
Join our dynamic program team as a Photography Instructor and inspire the next generation of young photographers. We are seeking a creative and passionate individual who can teach the art of photography to students, fostering their creativity and technical skills. As a Photography Instructor, you will guide students in exploring the world of photography, from the basics of camera operation to intermediate photography techniques.
We are particularly seeking instructors for our Michael and Karyn Lutz Center (3435 N. Cicero Ave)
Program times for Summer 2026 will follow the schedule below:
June 22 - August 7
Monday - Thursday
8:30am to 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm - 5:30pm
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Expose a diverse group of teen participants to various facets of the photography industry and portfolio building, while fostering a positive, safe, and collaborative atmosphere for all teen participants.
  • Maintain knowledge of current equipment management trends, technology and concepts
  • Prepare, organize, and supervise the weekly lessons on the basics of photography and the ethical and legal aspect of photography.
  • Develop, plan, and implement high-quality related field trips, master classes, events, and guest visits to enhance instruction and training
  • Provide supervision during program field trips and other youth engagement opportunities
  • Report all problems or concerns and program updates to After School Matters Program Specialist to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the program session
  • Attend all planning and program dates, including: Instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions
  • Participate in the recruitment, interview, and selection process of teen program participants
  • Manage and track program activities such as attendance, interview outcomes, enrollment, evaluation surveys, and pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (CitySpan).
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Supervise teens at an average of 15:1, instructor: teen ratio

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated practical knowledge of the content area
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Customer service skills; ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders (teen participants, parents, ASM programs staff, vendors, etc.)
  • Cultural competence

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant content area etc. is preferred; high school diploma or GED required.
  • Experience working in a field relevant to the content area is required.
  • Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required.
  • Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

Compensation: $20-27 salary/per hour, depending on applicable experience and education
About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation's largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.
We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.