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Press Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Photographer

Syracuse, NY ยท On-site

$58K/yr

Coordinate coverage for all 20 sports, photo shoots, and other events (Cuse Awards, press conferences, etc.). * Oversee student photography intern program, providing training, assigning shooting ...

Photographer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Photographer provides professional photography services to capture high-quality visual content ... Prepare images for publication across digital platforms, websites, social media, reports, and press ...

Photographer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Photographer provides professional photography services to capture high-quality visual content ... Prepare images for publication across digital platforms, websites, social media, reports, and press ...

Photographer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Photographer provides professional photography services to capture high-quality visual content ... Prepare images for publication across digital platforms, websites, social media, reports, and press ...

Shoot major press conferences to include Draft, Free Agency and Ring of Honor and additional press ... Coordinate with NFL Photography, external platforms, and league partners as required Management ...

Real Estate Photographer

Naples, FL ยท On-site

$30K - $75K/yr

Our photographers do more than press a button. Before photographing a room, you are expected to look carefully at the space and notice anything that does not belong in a professional listing ...

Apply Early

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Press Photographer information

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How much do press photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for press photographer in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a press photographer?

To become a press photographer, you typically need a background in photography or journalism, often gained through a degree or training program. Building a strong portfolio, gaining experience through internships or freelance work, and understanding media ethics and legal considerations are essential steps in entering the field.

What are press photographers?

Press photographers, also known as photojournalists, are professionals who capture photographs to document news events, people, and places for media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, and online publications. They use their skills to visually tell stories, often working under tight deadlines and sometimes in challenging or dangerous conditions. Their work helps inform the public and provides a visual record of current events. Press photographers must have a keen eye for detail, technical photography skills, and the ability to react quickly to unfolding situations.

How do press photographers typically collaborate with reporters and editors during assignments?

Press photographers often work closely with reporters and editors to ensure that their images effectively complement the written story. Before or during an assignment, photographers may discuss the narrative focus or required shots with reporters to capture moments that best illustrate the event or subject. Once the photos are taken, they usually work with editors to select and edit the most impactful images for publication, adhering to editorial guidelines and deadlines. This collaborative process is essential for producing cohesive, compelling news content.

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

To thrive as a Press Photographer, you need strong photography skills, a keen news sense, and typically a degree in photography, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, and digital asset management systems is essential. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to work under tight deadlines help you excel in rapidly changing news environments. These skills ensure you can capture compelling images that accurately tell news stories and meet the fast-paced demands of media organizations.

Is $100 an hour good for a photographer?

For a press photographer, earning $100 an hour is considered above average, as freelance rates typically range from $50 to $150 per hour depending on experience, location, and assignment complexity. Experienced press photographers with strong portfolios and specialized skills can command higher rates, especially for high-profile or urgent assignments.

What does a press photographer do?

A press photographer captures newsworthy images for media outlets, documenting events, accidents, politics, and other current affairs. They often work under tight deadlines, use professional cameras and editing tools, and may need to obtain access or permissions to photograph certain subjects.

What is the difference between Press Photographer vs Photojournalist?

AspectPress PhotographerPhotojournalist
CredentialsTypically requires a photography portfolio, sometimes a degree in photography or journalismOften requires a journalism background, strong storytelling skills, and a portfolio
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, press agencies, eventsOn-location reporting, field assignments, news events
Industry UsageUsed by newspapers, magazines, news agenciesUsed by newspapers, magazines, online media, news outlets

Press photographers and photojournalists both capture news images, but press photographers often focus on event coverage for media outlets, while photojournalists tell stories through images, often with a narrative approach. Both roles require strong photography skills and familiarity with news environments, but photojournalists typically have a broader storytelling focus and may work independently or freelance.

How much do press photographers make?

Press photographers typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, though this can vary based on experience, location, and employer. Freelance press photographers may have variable income depending on assignments and publication rates. Many also need strong technical skills and a portfolio to secure higher-paying opportunities.
More about Press Photographer jobs
What states have the most Press Photographer jobs? States with the most job openings for Press Photographer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Press Photographer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Lead Photographer

Lead Photographer

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY โ€ข On-site

$58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job #
042887
Department Code
34210-7051
Department
Athletics
Job Title
Lead Photographer
Location
Syracuse, NY
Campus
Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range
$58,000 - 11-months
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level
S4
FLSA Status
Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
This is an 11-month, full-time position.
August 1 - June 30

Job Type
Full-time
Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable
Job Description
Syracuse Athletics is seeking a lead photographer who will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of photography for the athletics department. The lead photographer will serve as the department's chief photographer, coordinating coverage for all 20 sports, shooting photoshoots, and other events (Cuse Awards, press conferences, etc.). This position will also supervise a student photography intern program, providing training, assigning shooting responsibilities, and scheduling office hours. The lead photographer will also oversee photo asset management for the department.
Education and Experience
  • Three or more years of experience photographic athletic events
  • Bachelor's Degree in Photography, Film, or a related major from an accredited college or university, OR two years of proven related freelance work;
  • Ability to make decisions and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment;
  • Strong planning and organizational skills;
  • Excellent verbal, written, computer, and personal relations skills;
  • Ability to engage effectively with others of diverse cultures or backgrounds;
  • Ability to work in a team environment, as well as individually.

Skills and Knowledge
  • A strong understanding and demonstrated passion for sports photography, photo shoots, lighting, etc.
  • Demonstrated working experience with photography equipment, including cameras, lighting setups, etc.
  • Demonstrated working experience with metadata and tagging services;
  • Demonstrated working experience with Adobe Creative Suite;
  • Strong organizational and planning skills;
  • Strong communication, supervisory and leadership skills;
  • Strong teaching skills;
  • Experience in an intercollegiate or professional athletics environment;
  • Ability to deliver quality work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Ability to work an irregular schedule including, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the department's chief photographer. Coordinate coverage for all 20 sports, photo shoots, and other events (Cuse Awards, press conferences, etc.).
  • Oversee student photography intern program, providing training, assigning shooting responsibilities, and scheduling office hours.
  • Oversee photo asset management for the department. This involves the storing and organization of the digital photography. It also includes the management of metadata, tagging and naming of files for maximum organization and ease of searching by any of the department's content creators.
  • Provide photo editing and other photo content creation assistance for use on social media, advertising, print and other needs as directed by the Assistant AD of Creative Services. Upload photos to INFLCR
  • Travel to select games/events

Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University's contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/113525
Job Posting Date
06/26/2026
Application Deadline
Full Consideration By
Job Category
Staff
Message to Applicants