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Professional Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aptive

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Plan, coordinate, and execute professional photography sessions at headquarters and on location for agency events, meetings, conferences, and official engagements. * Capture high-quality images of ...

Aptive

Photographer

Washington, DC

$80K - $90K/yr

Plan, coordinate, and execute professional photography sessions at headquarters and on location for agency events, meetings, conferences, and official engagements. * Capture high-quality images of ...

Aptive

Photographer

Washington, DC

$80K - $90K/yr

Plan, coordinate, and execute professional photography sessions at headquarters and on location for agency events, meetings, conferences, and official engagements. * Capture high-quality images of ...

Outfront Media, Inc.

Director, Photography

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Lead and manage the photography department across all markets, including photography managers ... Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and create professional development ...

It Takes A Village AMSA Edition

Be Seen First

Event Photographer

Seattle, WA · Remote

$700/day

... provide professional photography services documenting the Juneteenth Celebration, including community engagement, performances, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, speakers, activities, and event ...

Pantheon Data LLC

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site

Operate and maintain professional photography equipment, manage file organization and archiving, and ensure all deliverables meet quality control and compliance requirements. Required Skills and ...

Pantheon Data

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site

Operate and maintain professional photography equipment, manage file organization and archiving, and ensure all deliverables meet quality control and compliance requirements. Required Skills and ...

Pantheon Data

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site

Operate and maintain professional photography equipment, manage file organization and archiving, and ensure all deliverables meet quality control and compliance requirements. Required Skills and ...

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Professional Photography information

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How much do professional photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional photography 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 the salary of a professional photographer?

The average salary for a professional photographer varies depending on experience, location, and specialization, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 annually. Freelance photographers may earn more or less based on client demand, portfolio quality, and marketing skills. Many photographers supplement income through workshops, print sales, or stock photography.

What is the 80 20 rule in photography?

The 80/20 rule in photography suggests that roughly 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort or focus, often meaning that a small portion of the subject or scene contributes most to the impact of the photo. For professional photographers, this principle can guide focus on key elements to create more compelling images efficiently.

What is the highest paying job in photography?

The highest paying jobs in professional photography are often in commercial, advertising, or fine art photography, with photographers working for large corporations, agencies, or as high-end freelancers earning six-figure incomes. Specializing in niche areas such as fashion, commercial product photography, or working with luxury brands can also lead to higher earnings, especially with extensive experience and strong portfolios.

How do professional photographers typically manage client expectations and project timelines?

Professional photographers often start by having detailed consultations with clients to clearly define project goals, deliverables, and timelines. They use contracts and project briefs to outline expectations, including the scope of work, editing timeframes, and delivery dates. Effective communication throughout the process is key, as is providing regular updates and sample images to ensure clients are satisfied with progress. Staying organized and transparent helps build trust and ensures smooth collaboration from shoot planning to final image delivery.

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

To thrive as a Professional Photographer, you need a strong grasp of camera operation, composition, lighting techniques, and often a degree or certification in photography or a related field. Mastery of digital editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as familiarity with various camera equipment, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help photographers capture compelling images and work effectively with clients. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality visuals that meet client expectations and succeed in a competitive industry.

What is professional photography?

Professional photography is the practice of capturing images as a paid occupation, typically for clients or businesses. Professional photographers use advanced equipment, technical skills, and creative expertise to produce high-quality photos for various purposes, such as portraits, events, advertising, or editorial work. They may specialize in areas like weddings, commercial, fashion, or photojournalism, often handling aspects like editing and client consultations. Professional photographers must also manage the business side, including marketing, contracts, and copyright issues.

How much money do pro photographers make?

Professional photographers' earnings vary based on experience, specialization, location, and client base. According to industry data, the median annual income for professional photographers ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, with some top earners making over $100,000 by building a strong portfolio, developing technical skills, and marketing their services effectively.

What is the difference between Professional Photography vs Commercial Photography?

AspectProfessional PhotographyCommercial Photography
CredentialsPortfolio, photography skills, sometimes certificationsPortfolio, photography skills, often industry-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentStudios, outdoor locations, eventsClient sites, studios, advertising settings
Employer & IndustryFreelancers, studios, media companiesAdvertising agencies, corporations, media firms

Professional Photography encompasses a broad range of photography work, including portraits, events, and artistic projects. Commercial Photography is a specialized subset focused on creating images for commercial use, such as advertising and product promotion. While both require strong photography skills and portfolios, Commercial Photography often involves working directly with clients in business settings to produce images that sell products or services.

What cities are hiring for Professional Photography jobs? Cities with the most Professional Photography job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photography jobs? The most popular types of Photography jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Photography jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Photography jobs include:
Professional Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Photography job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 3% Full Time, 91% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Photography Assistant

Wandering Seaman Photography

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

Part-time

Posted 3 hours ago

Job description

Company Description
Wandering Seaman Photography started out much like any other studio; after spending a number of years as a hobbyist, I merged my love for the art with my passion for working with and helping people. With a keen eye and unique style, I began taking portraits of friends, family and my pug puppy, Franklin.
Job Description
The lowdown
Assisting a photographer in all aspects of their work
Doing whatever is necessary to ensure that a photographic shoot runs smoothly
Assisting in everything from administration, to the shoot, to scouting locations
Is this role right for me?
To do this role, you will need to:
be willing to learn
be organised and practical
understand how to operate digital and traditional cameras, and scanning equipment
anticipate the needs of the photographer
have excellent communication skills
be able to foresee and evaluate potential problems, and deal with them calmly
be skilled in image-manipulation and image-management software
possess good office skills
pay close attention to detail
What does an Assistant Photographer do?
Getting a job as an Assistant Photographer is one of the best routes into a career in professional photography.
Assistant Photographers can learn on the job from a professional, without the responsibility of running a business or producing professional quality images before they are ready.
They must do whatever is necessary to ensure that a photographic shoot runs smoothly. Usually, this involves preparing sets, checking that all equipment is functioning properly, setting up lighting and accessories, taking meter readings, uploading files and transporting film or prints to and from laboratories.
When working from a studio, an Assistant Photographer will help out with general administration, keeping the sets clean and tidy and printing photographs as required. They will be expected to catalogue and optimise digital files, to scan film and to assist with image manipulation and enhancement.
They will also keep records of the film stock, exposures, lighting set-ups, as well as the names and details of art directors, models, stylists, animal handlers and other contributors. When clients are present during a shoot, it is the Assistant Photographer's job to play host and shield the photographer from unnecessary interruptions.
On location, the Assistant Photographer's duties may involve making a technical assessment of the site in advance, checking for vehicle access, power and communications facilities. They will often organise transport, catering and accommodation, set up equipment, and source a local laboratory or reliable courier.
High-profile photographers sometimes employ several Assistant Photographers who are then known as First Assistant, Second Assistant, and so on. Duties will be divided between the various assistants at the discretion of the photographer. In most cases, the First Assistant provides direct support to the Photographer on set, while the Second Assistant assists with production and general administration.
Qualifications
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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