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Photography Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

Photography Opening Date: 10/02/2023 Description We are accepting applications for the Adjunct Commercial Photography / Photographic Technology Instructor Applicant Pool. Adjunct pools are open on a ...

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$9

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$36

How much do photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for photography in California is $20.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is photography?

Photography is the art, science, and practice of creating durable images by recording light, either electronically with a camera sensor or chemically with photographic film. Photographers use various techniques and equipment to capture moments, tell stories, and express creative ideas through images. Photography can encompass many genres such as portrait, landscape, fashion, commercial, and documentary. It requires both technical skills, such as understanding camera settings and lighting, and creative vision to produce compelling photographs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photographer?

To thrive as a Photographer, you need a solid understanding of photographic techniques, composition, lighting, and often a degree or certification in photography or visual arts. Familiarity with digital cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, and digital asset management systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills help photographers capture compelling images and work effectively with clients. These skills are vital for producing high-quality visuals, meeting client expectations, and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.

What do photography professionals do?

Photography professionals, also called photographers, capture moments using cameras and other equipment. They most often take pictures of people, but they also photograph places, artwork, animals, and a wide range of other subjects. Photographers may take pictures for their own use, or they may be hired by individuals, groups, or companies. Before the photo shoot, photographers offer advice about locations, settings, and poses based on their expertise. Standard tools used by a photographer include a camera, tripod, different types of camera lenses, photo editing software, and backdrops. Photographers may work independently on a contract basis, or they may work for a company or agency as a staff photographer.

What are some common challenges photographers face when working on location shoots?

Photographers working on location shoots often encounter unpredictable factors such as changing weather conditions, fluctuating natural light, and logistical issues with equipment transport. Adapting quickly and being resourceful is essential to maintain high-quality results under these varying circumstances. Additionally, collaborating with clients, models, or other creatives on-site requires strong communication and problem-solving skills to ensure everyone’s vision aligns and the shoot runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Photography vs Videography?

AspectPhotographyVideography
Required SkillsCamera operation, composition, lighting, editing imagesCamera operation, storytelling, editing videos, sound
Work EnvironmentPhoto shoots, studios, outdoor locationsEvent coverage, film sets, corporate videos
Common UsageAdvertising, portraits, fashion, journalismEvent coverage, commercials, documentaries

Photography and videography share many skills like camera operation and editing, but photography focuses on capturing still images, while videography involves recording moving images with sound. Both roles are essential in media production, often overlapping but serving different storytelling needs.

What are careers in photography?

Careers in photography include roles such as commercial photographer, portrait photographer, photojournalist, fashion photographer, and wildlife photographer. These jobs often require skills in using cameras and editing software, and may involve working in studios, on location, or freelance. Opportunities can be found in media, advertising, fashion, journalism, and fine arts sectors.
More about Photography jobs

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

The most popular types of Photography jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Photography jobs?

Cities in California with the most Photography job openings:

Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photography job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,791 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Photography Instructor

Imperial, CA

arc After School and Experiential Education
Education • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about arc After School and Experiential Educationexternal

$35/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Photography Instructor (Part-Time) – Imperial ValleyMake a Difference Today!

Do you have a passion for photography and enjoy helping young people express their creativity? Are you excited about teaching students how to capture the world through a camera lens?

If so — we want to meet YOU!

At Arc Experience, we bring learning to life through engaging enrichment programs that serve youth across Southern California, including the Imperial Valley. We value our instructors and provide the support, training, and resources they need to create meaningful learning experiences for students.

Our Enrichment Instructors work directly with students to build new skills, encourage creativity, and introduce them to exciting interests and potential career pathways.

About the Role

Arc Experience is seeking a creative and enthusiastic Photography Instructor to lead hands-on photography enrichment classes for elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the Imperial Valley.

This is a part-time position with opportunities to work Monday through Friday. The ideal candidate has photography knowledge or experience and is comfortable adapting lessons for students across different age groups and skill levels.

You’ll lead engaging classes that introduce students to photography fundamentals while encouraging them to develop their own creative style. Arc provides curriculum support, training, and classroom management resources to help you succeed.

Schedule & Compensation
  • Schedule: Opportunities available Monday–Friday
  • Hours: Part-time; hours vary based on assigned classes and school sites
  • Pay Rate: $35/hour while teaching | $22/hour for meetings, training, or other non-teaching time
  • Location: School sites throughout Imperial Valley
  • Position Type: Part-Time
  • Student Ages: Elementary School through High School
  • Travel: Must be comfortable traveling between assigned school sites throughout the Imperial Valley
What You’ll Teach

Students will explore photography through engaging, hands-on lessons that may include:

  • Photography fundamentals and camera basics
  • Composition, framing, lighting, and perspective
  • Portrait, landscape, and action photography
  • Visual storytelling and creative expression
  • Introduction to digital photography
  • Photo editing and basic post-production concepts
  • Developing creative photography projects
  • Exploring careers and educational pathways in photography and visual media

Lessons will be adapted to meet the needs and abilities of elementary, middle, and high school students.

What You’ll Do
  • Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate photography lessons.
  • Teach students foundational photography techniques and creative concepts.
  • Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
  • Encourage students to experiment, collaborate, and develop their own creative style.
  • Manage classroom activities and student participation.
  • Travel between assigned school sites throughout the Imperial Valley.
  • Attend required training sessions and occasional team meetings.
  • Follow Arc Experience curriculum expectations, safety procedures, and program guidelines.
What We’re Looking For
  • Experience or a strong background in photography.
  • Passion for sharing photography and creative arts with young people.
  • Comfortable working with students ranging from elementary through high school.
  • Ability to confidently lead and manage a classroom.
  • Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
  • Reliable transportation to travel between school sites.
  • Monday–Friday availability preferred.
  • Previous experience working with youth, teaching, coaching, mentoring, or leading enrichment programs is preferred.
  • Professional photography experience or education in photography, visual arts, media, or a related field is a plus.
Why Join Arc?
  • Earn $35/hour while teaching.
  • Share your passion for photography with the next generation.
  • Work with students across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels.
  • Gain valuable teaching and youth-development experience.
  • Receive training, curriculum support, and classroom management resources.
  • Build meaningful connections with students throughout the Imperial Valley.
  • Join a mission-driven organization focused on creating engaging educational experiences for youth.

Apply