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Professional Sports Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DanceBUG Inc.

Sports Photographer

Boston, MA · On-site

$150 - $400/day

... sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You'll travel to ... Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check Equipment Needed * 2 professional DSLR or ...

DanceBUG Inc.

Sports Photographer

Hartford, CT · On-site

$150 - $400/day

... sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You'll travel to ... Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check Equipment Needed * 2 professional DSLR or ...

DanceBUG Inc.

Sports Photographer

Newark, NJ · On-site

$150 - $400/day

... sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You'll travel to ... Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check Equipment Needed * 2 professional DSLR or ...

DanceBUG Inc.

Sports Photographer

Hartford, CT · On-site

... sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You'll travel to ... Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check Equipment Needed * 2 professional DSLR or ...

DanceBUG Inc.

Sports Photographer

Boston, MA · On-site

... sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You'll travel to ... Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check Equipment Needed * 2 professional DSLR or ...

DanceBUG Inc.

Sports Photographer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

... sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You'll travel to ... Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check Equipment Needed * 2 professional DSLR or ...

DanceBUG Inc.

Sports Photographer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$150 - $400/day

... sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You'll travel to ... Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check Equipment Needed * 2 professional DSLR or ...

DanceBUG Inc.

Sports Photographer

Newark, NJ · On-site

... sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You'll travel to ... Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check Equipment Needed * 2 professional DSLR or ...

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Professional Sports Photographer information

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How much do professional sports photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional sports photographer in the United States is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for professional sports photographers?

Professional sports photographers are in demand for covering live events, capturing action shots, and working with media outlets, teams, and athletes. Opportunities depend on experience, portfolio quality, and networking, with jobs often available at sporting events, leagues, and media organizations. The field requires strong technical skills, knowledge of sports environments, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Professional Sports Photographer vs Sports Photojournalist?

AspectProfessional Sports PhotographerSports Photojournalist
CredentialsPhotography experience, portfolio, possibly certificationsPhotography skills, journalism background, portfolio
Work EnvironmentSports venues, studios, eventsLive sports events, newsrooms, field assignments
Employer & IndustrySports teams, agencies, media outletsMedia outlets, newspapers, magazines
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on capturing high-quality sports imagesFocus on storytelling through sports images

While both roles involve sports photography, a Professional Sports Photographer primarily captures high-quality images for commercial or promotional purposes, whereas a Sports Photojournalist focuses on documenting sports events to tell a story for news outlets. The skills overlap, but their goals and work environments differ.

What is a professional sports photographer?

A professional sports photographer is a trained individual who specializes in capturing high-quality images of sporting events, athletes, and related moments. They use advanced photography equipment and techniques to freeze fast-paced action and convey the excitement, emotion, and intensity of sports. These photographers often work for media outlets, sports teams, or as freelancers, and their work can be seen in magazines, newspapers, online platforms, and promotional materials. Being a sports photographer requires technical skill, creativity, and the ability to anticipate key moments during an event.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional sports photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Sports Photographer, you need a solid understanding of photography techniques, sports knowledge, and typically a degree or experience in photography or photojournalism. Mastery of digital cameras, editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and fast image transfer systems is essential. Quick reflexes, creativity, and strong communication skills set standout photographers apart in capturing compelling sports moments. These skills ensure you consistently produce high-quality, timely images that meet the fast-paced demands of sports media and publications.

How do you get a job as a professional sports photographer?

To become a professional sports photographer, build a strong portfolio showcasing sports images, gain experience through internships or freelance work, and develop skills in fast-paced photography and editing. Networking with sports organizations and understanding event schedules can also improve job prospects.

What are some common challenges professional sports photographers face during live events?

Professional sports photographers often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing lighting conditions, unpredictable athlete movements, and strict access limitations at venues. Capturing decisive moments requires quick reflexes, technical expertise with camera equipment, and the ability to anticipate the action. Additionally, photographers must work efficiently under tight deadlines, sometimes editing and submitting images immediately after the event for media publication.
More about Professional Sports Photographer jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Sports Photographer jobs? Cities with the most Professional Sports Photographer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Photographer jobs? The most popular types of Sports Photographer jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Sports Photographer jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Sports Photographer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Professional Sports Photographer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Sports Photographer jobs are:
Professional Sports Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Sports Photographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,815 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Sports Photographer

CHERISHED MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.

Lake Elsinore, CA • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Seasonal Sports Photographer

Part-Time | Seasonal | Starting at $17.00/hour + Mileage Reimbursement

Capture the Moments That Matter

Do you love sports, photography, and working with people? Join the Cherished Memories Photography team as a Seasonal Sports Photographer and help create lasting memories for athletes and their families.

Whether you're photographing championship moments, youth leagues, or high school team portraits, every day brings a new location, a new team, and a chance to capture unforgettable memories.

This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring photographers, sports enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced seasonal position. Photography experience is helpful, but a positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn are just as important.

What You'll Do
  • Photograph youth leagues, action sports, and high school team and individual portraits.
  • Travel to scheduled schools and sports venues throughout your assigned area.
  • Arrive on time at designated event locations.
  • Work with a team to load, unload, set up, and tear down portable photography equipment.
  • Operate professional camera equipment, lighting, and company photography software.
  • Capture sharp, exciting action images and professional team and individual portraits.
  • Anticipate key game moments to create memorable photographs.
  • Maintain high image quality while working efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Edit and submit photographs within 24 hours following company standards.
  • Communicate effectively with teammates and the Sports Director throughout each event.
  • Build positive relationships with coaches, athletes, league organizers, and families.
  • Help maintain photography equipment and keep gear organized and event-ready.
We're Looking For Someone Who Is
  • Friendly, energetic, and enjoys working with children and families.
  • Dependable, punctual, and adaptable to changing schedules.
  • Comfortable working outdoors and at different locations each day.
  • Able to work evenings, afternoons, and weekends during the sports season.
  • Team-oriented with strong communication skills.
  • Able to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Interested in photography and eager to develop new skills.
  • Comfortable lifting and carrying photography equipment as part of event setup and breakdown.
Qualifications
  • Experience working with children preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of photography equipment and lighting is a plus.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Reliable transportation required.
  • Proof of current auto insurance required.
Compensation & Perks
  • Starting Pay: $17.00 per hour
  • Mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel
  • Paid training
  • Flexible seasonal schedule
  • Hands-on photography experience
  • Work alongside an experienced photography team
  • Opportunity for future seasonal employment and advancement within the company

If you're looking for an exciting seasonal opportunity where every day is different and your work creates lifelong memories for athletes and their families, we'd love to hear from you!