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Photography Teaching Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

The teaching assignment may be at the Valencia or Canyon Country campus, or other college teaching ... Part-time faculty positions offer flexible hours and the opportunity to assist a diverse group of ...

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Photography Teaching Assistant information

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How much do photography teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for photography teaching assistant in the United States is $17.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get photography assistant jobs?

To get photography assistant jobs, candidates should develop strong technical skills in camera operation, lighting, and editing, often through relevant coursework or self-study. Gaining experience by assisting photographers, building a portfolio, and networking within the photography community can improve chances of securing such roles, which may require flexibility with schedules and basic knowledge of photography equipment. Certifications or workshops in photography can also enhance credibility for entry-level positions.

What is the difference between Photography Teaching Assistant vs Photography Instructor?

AspectPhotography Teaching AssistantPhotography Instructor
Required CredentialsBasic photography knowledge, sometimes a student or recent graduateAdvanced skills, professional experience, often certifications or degrees
Work EnvironmentAssist in classrooms, workshops, or labs under supervisionLead classes, develop curriculum, and instruct students independently
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, community centers, workshopsColleges, private studios, photography schools

The main difference between a Photography Teaching Assistant and a Photography Instructor lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Teaching Assistants support instructors and typically have less experience, focusing on assisting rather than leading. In contrast, Instructors independently teach and develop course content, requiring more advanced skills and credentials.

What education is needed to be a photography assistant?

A photography teaching assistant typically needs at least a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer or require post-secondary education in photography, visual arts, or related fields. Strong technical skills with cameras and editing software, along with good communication and organizational abilities, are also important for the role.

What are some common challenges faced by Photography Teaching Assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Photography Teaching Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse group of students with varying skill levels, troubleshooting technical equipment, and balancing administrative tasks with instructional support. To address these, it's important to develop strong communication skills, stay up-to-date with photography technology, and cultivate patience when assisting students. Collaborating closely with the lead instructor and being proactive in preparing materials can also help ensure smooth class operations and enhance the learning experience for students.

What are Photography Teaching Assistants?

Photography Teaching Assistants support photography instructors by helping students with technical skills, organizing equipment, setting up lighting, and aiding with editing software. They often assist during classes, workshops, and critiques, ensuring students understand both the creative and technical aspects of photography. Teaching Assistants may also provide feedback on assignments, answer student questions, and help maintain a safe and productive learning environment. Their role is essential in facilitating hands-on learning and fostering student engagement.

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

To thrive as a Photography Teaching Assistant, you need a solid understanding of photography techniques, camera operation, and basic photo editing, often supported by coursework or a degree in photography or visual arts. Familiarity with digital editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as experience with various camera systems, is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and organizational skills help you support instructors and guide students effectively. These skills ensure smooth class operations, enhance student learning, and foster a positive, creative environment.

What does a photography assistant do?

A photography teaching assistant supports photographers or instructors by setting up equipment, assisting during photo shoots, and managing lighting and props. They may also help with editing images, organizing schedules, and ensuring the smooth operation of photography sessions, often using cameras, lighting gear, and editing software. Strong organizational skills and basic photography knowledge are beneficial for this role.

How do I become a photography teacher?

To become a photography teacher, you typically need a strong portfolio demonstrating your photography skills and a relevant educational background, such as a degree in photography, art, or education. Teaching certifications or experience in instructing others can also be beneficial, along with proficiency in editing software and understanding of photographic techniques. Gaining experience through assistant roles or workshops can help build credentials for teaching positions.
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Photography Teaching Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photography Teaching Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,806 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Assistant, Associate, Professor of Photography

Assistant, Associate, Professor of Photography

Diné College

Tsaile, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Assistant, Associate, Professor of Photography

School of Arts & Humanities

Academic Affairs

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

Fifteen credit hours (five classes) per semester, and thirty credit hours (ten classes) per academic year. Summer adjunct work is possible.

Summary/Objective of Position:

The photo instructor will teach courses in photo lighting, experimental photo techniques, and darkroom photography. Photography courses at Dine' College include: FA 178 Introduction to Digital Photography; FA 181 Digital Photography and Image Editing I; FA 182 Innovative iPhone Photography; FA 281 Digital Photography and Image Editing II; FA 321 Darkroom Photography I; FA 381 Photography III; FA 481 Photography IV.

Description of Essential Function of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Design and deliver a curriculum that spans fundamental principles of photography, advanced techniques, and the historical evolution of the medium. This involves preparing lectures, creating assignments, and evaluating student work with a discerning eye. Each class is a blend of theory and practice, where students learn about exposure, composition, and lighting, and then apply these concepts in hands-on projects.

To thrive in this role, a photography instructor must possess a blend of technical prowess and creative insight. They must be adept in both analog and digital photography, comfortable with the operation of traditional cameras and darkroom equipment, as well as modern digital tools and software. This dual expertise allows them to provide comprehensive instruction across various formats.

In an in-person setting, the photography instructor's day is punctuated by time spent in the darkroom, studio, and classroom. They navigate the physical demands of setting up equipment, preparing chemicals, and ensuring the darkroom environment remains conducive to learning. The instructor also engages with students one-on-one, providing personalized guidance and critique.

For remote instruction, the instructor's role shifts to mastering digital platforms and tools. They must be proficient in using online teaching software LMS Canvas, video conferencing via Zoom, and digital portfolio management systems. Creating engaging online content, such as instructional videos and interactive assignments, is essential. This requires a high level of technical skill and the ability to adapt traditional teaching methods to a virtual format.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

MFA in visual arts or related fields

Preferred:

MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Photography, often complemented by a robust portfolio that showcase expertise and artistic achievements. Practical experience in the field, such as working as a professional photographer or exhibiting in galleries, is highly valued.

Knowledge:

--preferred practicing photographer with a strong interest in the history of Native American photography and an appreciation for the unique place and identity of Diné College as the tribal college of the Navajo Nation.

--a willingness to demonstrate techniques clearly and work closely with students to develop their skills as photographers.

Skills:

--a clear understanding of lighting and lighting techniques in photography

--a keen awareness of the breadth of photographic techniques: portraiture, commercial, landscape, and documentary

--an appreciation for experimental techniques in photography (for example, cyanotype, photomontage, double exposure, etc.)

Abilities:

--the instructor needs to work closely with students and demonstrate a clear enthusiasm for the topic; the courses need to be structured with clearly defined goals, objectives, and assignments

--the instructor will need to set up the course through Canvas (the lms of Diné College)

--in-person instruction is necessary especially for lighting and dark room courses

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

--Diné College has an excellent darkroom and studio space for teaching including photo equipment (cameras, lighting, printing capabilities)

Other Requirement(s):

--May require Face to Face instruction and/or QM certification for remote instruction.

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