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Professional Dance Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

92nd Street Y

Dance Teaching Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$113/hr

... attendance records, photos, student reflections, or other materials. Experience, Education ... Professional experience and expertise in dance education, with proficiency in Tap, Contemporary ...

92nd Street Y

Dance Teaching Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$113/hr

... attendance records, photos, student reflections, or other materials. Experience, Education ... Professional experience and expertise in dance education, with proficiency in Tap, Contemporary ...

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Professional Dance Photographer information

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How much do professional dance photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional dance 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.

What is a professional dance photographer?

A professional dance photographer is a specialist who captures high-quality images of dancers and dance performances. They use their expertise in both photography and dance to highlight movement, emotion, and artistry, often working in studios, theaters, or on location. These photographers must understand the unique timing, lighting, and composition challenges involved in photographing dancers. Their work is used for portfolios, marketing materials, publications, and promotional content for dance companies and individual performers.

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

To thrive as a Professional Dance Photographer, you need expertise in photography techniques, a deep understanding of dance movement, and a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work. Mastery of professional camera equipment, lighting setups, and photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop is typically required. Keen attention to detail, creativity, and excellent communication skills help you connect with dancers and capture dynamic moments. These skills ensure you consistently produce visually compelling images that authentically represent the artistry and emotion of dance.

What are the main challenges a professional dance photographer faces when capturing live performances?

One of the main challenges for a Professional Dance Photographer is working with unpredictable and fast-paced movement in often low-light environments. Capturing the perfect moment requires a deep understanding of dance timing, anticipating choreography, and using the right camera settings to freeze motion without sacrificing image quality. Photographers must also be unobtrusive, working silently and respectfully around performers and audiences. Additionally, building strong communication with dancers and production teams is key to gaining access and understanding the nuances of each performance.

What is the difference between Professional Dance Photographer vs Event Photographer?

AspectProfessional Dance PhotographerEvent Photographer
CredentialsPhotography certification or portfolioPhotography certification or portfolio
Work EnvironmentDance performances, studios, rehearsalsWeddings, corporate events, parties
Industry UsageDance companies, performers, studiosEvent organizers, clients, venues

Both Professional Dance Photographers and Event Photographers often require similar credentials and work in dynamic environments. However, their focus differs: dance photographers specialize in capturing movement and artistry in dance settings, while event photographers cover a broader range of occasions. Understanding these distinctions helps clients find the right photographer for their specific needs.

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What states have the most Professional Dance Photographer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Dance Photographer jobs include:

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Professional Dance Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Dance Photographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Traveling Live Action / Sports Stills Photographer (Seasonal)

DanceBUG Inc.

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$25/hr

Temporary

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Overview
  • Season: February - June
  • Weekend Travel: Thursday through Monday
  • Travel: Throughout the United States
  • Guaranteed Minimum Daily Pay
  • Guaranteed Minimum Event Pay
  • All Expenses Paid: Flights, hotels, rental cars and approved travel expenses
  • Equipment Stipend: Up to $700
  • Meals or Per Diem Provided
  • No Editing Required: Focus on capturing great images - we handle the rest.
Why Join DanceBUG?
For nearly 25 years, DanceBUG has been North America's leader in dance media and event technology.
  • Photograph some of North America's largest dance competitions
  • Create lasting memories for thousands of dancers and their families each season
  • Paid training before your first event
  • Be part of the team shaping the future of dance photography
Compensation & Benefits
  • Starting at $25/hour
  • Paid travel days
  • All Expenses Paid: Flights, hotels, rental cars and approved travel expenses
  • Equipment Stipend: Up to $700
  • Meals or Per Diem Provided
  • Private hotel room
  • Paid training
What You'll Do
  • Travel to dance competitions throughout the United States
  • Photograph live performances under constantly changing stage lighting
  • Capture sharp, well-timed action images
  • Work collaboratively with DanceBUG videographers throughout each event
  • Back up, transfer and upload image files following each competition
Paid Training
Every new Photographer receives:
  • Virtual training during January
  • A minimum of two live training events alongside experienced Senior Photographers
  • Hands-on training before working independently

You'll never be sent to your first event without real-world training and support.
Relevant Photography Experience
We're looking for photographers with experience capturing fast-moving subjects, such as:
  • Sports
  • Dance
  • Theatre
  • Concerts
  • Gymnastics
  • Figure Skating
  • Cheerleading
  • Low-light event photography
  • High-volume event photography

Portrait, studio, real estate, landscape, product, or architectural photography alone does not qualify.
Applicants should be comfortable shooting in manual mode using continuous autofocus (Servo/AF-C) under changing lighting conditions.
Requirements
Applicants must:
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States (DanceBUG does not sponsor work visas)
  • Live within approximately one hour of a major airport
  • Possess a valid U.S. driver's license
  • Possess a passport or REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic air travel
  • Be available to travel Thursday through Monday throughout the season
  • Be comfortable driving 5-6 hours when required
  • Be comfortable working long production days during competitions
  • Be able to lift approximately 25 lbs
  • Be able to successfully pass a criminal background check
Equipment Requirements
Applicants are required to provide their own professional photography equipment. Required equipment includes:
  • Two professional MIRRORLESS camera bodies (Canon, Nikon or Sony only)
  • One of the following constant/fixed aperture zoom lenses: 24-105mm (preferred), 24-120mm (preferred), 24-70mm, or 35-150mm
  • Plus a 70-200mm lens
  • f/2.8 preferred (f/4 accepted)
  • Four memory cards (64GB or larger)
  • Media card reader compatible with your memory cards
  • Minimum three batteries and two chargers
  • Monopod

DSLR cameras and other camera brands will not be considered. Only Canon, Nikon and Sony camera systems are compatible with DanceBUG's proprietary photo software.
Ready to Apply?
Please include the following with your application:
  • A link to your live-action photography portfolio
  • Your current city and state
  • A brief overview of your relevant photography experience

Join one of North America's leading dance media companies and spend your season traveling the country, capturing unforgettable performances and creating memories that dancers and their families will treasure for years to come.
Apply today - we'd love to hear from you.

Apply