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Photography Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Top-performing Photography Sales Managers regularly earn $30-$35/hour or more through photography sales, team performance, and operational excellence. Are you a leader who enjoys coaching teams ...

Top-performing Photography Sales Managers regularly earn $30-$35/hour or more through photography sales, team performance, and operational excellence. Are you a leader who enjoys coaching teams ...

Showing results 21-40

Photography information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$36

How much do photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for photography in Virginia is $20.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can photography get you?

Photography can lead to careers such as professional photographer, photojournalist, commercial photographer, portrait photographer, or freelance artist. These roles often require technical skills, a strong portfolio, and knowledge of editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Opportunities exist in industries like media, advertising, fashion, events, and fine art.

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 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 technical skills with cameras and editing software, a strong portfolio, and sometimes specialized certifications or education. Photographers may work freelance or for organizations, with schedules varying from flexible to fixed depending on the role.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Photography jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Photography jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Photography jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Photography job openings:

Infographic showing various Photography job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,982 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$15/hr

Internship

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description:

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.


POSITION SUMMARY:

The YMCA is looking for a photography intern to help capture real moments across our facilities, programs, and events. This role is about telling the Y’s story visually and would include both staged stock photos as well as authentic images of people showing up, working hard, and connecting in our community. The YMCA serves people at every stage of life. As a photography intern, you’ll help show what that impact actually looks like. Your images will matter and they’ll be seen.


You’ll work closely with our marketing team to photograph YMCA programs, classes, youth activities, sports, wellness initiatives, and special events. Your work will be used across digital, print, and social platforms.


This role will require some evenings and weekends for events.


WHAT YOU’LL DO:

  • Photograph YMCA facilities, programs, classes, and events
  • Capture candid, inclusive images of members, staff, volunteers, and participants
  • Edit and deliver high-quality photos on deadline
  • Organize and label photo files for easy use by the marketing team
  • Follow YMCA brand, safety, and photo consent guidelines
  • Occasionally assist with basic content needs for social or marketing campaigns

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

  • Real-world portfolio content used by a well-known community organization
  • Hands-on experience working with a professional marketing team
  • Exposure to nonprofit storytelling and brand photography
  • Opportunities to attend and photograph a wide range of community events

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Requires a person of maturity and good judgment, who can independently manage
  • defined territory
  • Must maintain cooperative, functional relationships with teams
  • Must maintain a positive, energetic attitude toward YMCA work, goals, and values
Requirements:

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

  • Current photography student (visual arts or a related field may be considered)
  • Strong eye for composition, lighting, and storytelling
  • Comfortable photographing people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Reliable, organized, and able to work independently
  • Experience with DSLR or mirrorless cameras
  • Basic photo editing skills (Lightroom, Photoshop, or similar)
  • Willingness to work in active environments like gyms, pools, and outdoor spaces

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Walk, stand, kneel, and stoop
  • Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time


To ensure the safety of the children, families, and communities we serve, all YMCA interns are required to complete and pass applicable screenings before beginning their internship. These may include a criminal background check, CPS check, sex offender registry check, drug/alcohol screening, and/or driver’s license record check if driving is required.


Participation in the internship is dependent on meeting these safety requirements and maintaining compliance with YMCA policies and standards for the duration of the internship.


Note: This internship is offered for educational enrichment. Participation does not create an employment relationship with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.