Portrait Artist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Want a part-time job in front of some of the most recognizable monuments in the country?
Do you have photography experience and an eye for composition, detail, and capturing people at their best?
Do you thrive in live, high-energy environments?
Are you comfortable leading groups and being the center of attention when needed?
Interested in learning the craft behind a 100+ year panoramic photography tradition?
The Role
Since 1919, Central Photo Company has been photographing panoramic group portraits at iconic American landmarks. Our Team Capitol crew operates at some of the nation’s most recognizable monuments and locations, including the U.S. Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and more.
This is an on-location, part-time role in Washington, DC for someone who thrives in high-visibility environments and enjoys working directly with people. You’ll guide visiting student and travel groups of varying sizes (from 5 up to 600) through their photo session, line them up with clarity and efficiency, and capture their panoramic photograph using our camera system.
Every team member is trained to operate the equipment and execute the portrait session with confidence.
Success in this role means delivering on both execution and group experience. The group is organized quickly. The photo is captured cleanly. Sessions stay on schedule. And people walk away feeling taken care of and confident in the result.
What You'll Do

• Welcome groups with energy and set a positive tone as they arrive
• Gather participants, line them up quickly, and arrange them so everyone is visible in the final image
• Move the group through the session efficiently, keeping things on schedule from start to finish
• Set up, operate, and break down camera equipment to capture the panoramic image
• Track group details and stay organized throughout the day so each session runs according to plan
• Work closely with your crew to keep everything moving smoothly from arrival to reset to wrap

Why This Role Exists
Every group that steps in front of our camera is on a trip they’ve likely been looking forward to for months.
This role exists to make sure they leave knowing they’ve captured a beautiful photo — one with everyone in it, taken well, and worth keeping.
The field crew is the face of Central in the field. You set the tone. You control the flow. You make sure the process runs cleanly from arrival to shutter click.
Gather the group.
Get everyone in place.
Capture the image with precision.
When it’s done right, the logistics disappear. The group walks away smiling, guides feel taken care of, and the moment feels easy and fun.
How the Role Functions On Site
Every team member is cross-trained and rotates between three key roles:
Greeter
You are the first point of contact and in charge of crowd control. You gather the group, explain what’s about to happen, and set expectations.
Grouper
You line people up, arrange rows, adjust spacing, and make sure everyone can be seen clearly in the final image.
Photographer
You operate the panoramic camera and execute the portrait according to Central’s standards.
Who Thrives Here

• Naturally extroverted and comfortable speaking clearly and confidently in front of groups of all sizes
• Organized and quick-thinking
• Interested in photography and comfortable learning camera equipment
• Appreciates iconic American landmarks and travel destinations
• Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow a structured process

Experience in hospitality, brand ambassador roles, theater or performing arts, education, athletics, event staffing, national parks, theme parks, tourism, or production/media environments translates well to this position. An interest in photography is important, and prior photography experience is a strong plus. If you have a portfolio, we'd love to see it. Spanish language skills are also a plus. Above all, we're looking for people with presence, organization, and energy. Paid training is provided.
Compensation & Schedule
Compensation: $20–$25 per hour based on experience, plus opportunities for bonuses and incentives.
There is room to grow here. Strong performers are eligible for raises and promotion within Team Capitol.
Monday through Saturday. 8AM - 6PM.
Daytime hours. Some holidays.
Outdoor work in all seasons and weather conditions (within reason and safety).
Apply today!
If this sounds like your kind of environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Submit your resume and a short note telling us what draws you to this role.