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Professional Sports Photographer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Photography Retoucher

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... sport. We're a lifestyle brand built with and for the next generation, bringing together the ... This role operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office ...

Professional Sports Photographer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$20

$25

How much do professional sports photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional sports photographer in Riverside, CA is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 agencies. Opportunities depend on experience, portfolio quality, and networking, with jobs often available at sporting events, tournaments, and for commercial clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Sports Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Sports Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Professional Sports Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Sports Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Sports Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Professional Sports Photographer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Professional Sports Photographer job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Sports Photographer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,581 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Ontario Reign - Team Photographer (Part-Time)

AEG Worldwide

Ontario, CA

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Anschutz Entertainment Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Information

For more than 20 years, AEG has played a pivotal role in transforming sports and live entertainment. Annually, we host more than 160 million guests, promote more than 10,000 shows and present more than 22,000 events around the world. We are committed to innovation, artistry, and community, and leverage the power of our 300+ venues, leading sports franchises, marquee music brands, integrated entertainment districts, premier ticketing platform and global sponsorship activations, to create memorable moments that give the world reason to cheer.

Our business is interwoven with the human mind and heart, and we strive to build a diverse and inclusive company that reflects the artists, athletes, and fans that we host; reach beyond traditional boundaries to support the communities in which we operate; and minimize our impact on the environment by adopting sustainable practices throughout our business operations.

If you want to be challenged to up your game and make a difference, then join us in giving the world reason to cheer!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Ontario Reign part-time Team Photographer is responsible for assisting the team with a variety of projects including coverage of events and gameday activities, promotional photo initiatives, photo editing, digital asset management, and assist with gameday workflow. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Photograph pregame, in-game, and postgame activities as well as game action and theme night needs for Reign home games.
  • Upload images from games to Flickr. Organize, manage and process internal and external photography and imaging requests.
  • Assist with coverage of corporate partnership events, community events, and other events as needed and assigned
  • Edit photos to be used across Reign digital platforms and creative assets
  • Collaborate with creative, social, and video teams for assigned projects
  • Other duties as assigned

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

The Team Photographer must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skill and abilities:

  • Strong personal and communication skills including the ability to interact with both athletes and executives.
  • Must have a strong knowledge of DSLR cameras and ancillary equipment.
  • Flexible schedule to allow commitment to a minimum of 90% of Ontario Reign home games during the 2026-27 season, including some weekends, evenings, and some holidays to meet game/event needs
  • Ability to stand in one spot for 45 minutes.
  • Possess a strong work ethic and positive attitude
  • Must have a strong knowledge of hockey

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

  • High School Diploma or its equivalency (BA/BS Degree Preferred)

Experience:

  • A minimum of 2-4 years of related experience of professional photography experience, specializing in sports and entertainment.

Payscale: $20/hr

Bonus: This position is not eligible for a bonus under the current bonus plan requirements.

Benefits Part-time: This position may be eligible for benefits (ACA qualification).

AEG reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship.  AEG may require an employee to perform duties outside their normal description.

AEG's policy is to hire the most qualified applicants, and we comply with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws in making hiring and employee decisions.  We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, marital status, disability, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status recognized by applicable federal, state or local law.

Employer does not offer work visa sponsorship for this position.

#LI-Reign #LI-Onsite


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