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Professional Sports Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photographer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

The WNT Photographer will be responsible for capturing and telling the story of our WNT players and ... Experience working with elite athletes or professional sports teams * Understanding of content ...

Photographer

Stratham, NH · On-site

$150 - $200/day

Build professional photography and customer service skills Photography Opportunities Include * School Portrait Photography * Sports Photography * Candid Photography * Action Photography * Photobooth ...

Photographer

Stratham, NH · On-site

$150 - $200/day

... professional photography and customer service skills Photography Opportunities Include • School Portrait PhotographySports Photography • Candid Photography • Action Photography • ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Sports Photographer information

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$8

$19

$24

How much do professional sports photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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.

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.
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:

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, 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 $40,815 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Seasonal School Portrait and Sports Photographer - equipment and training provided! - No Experience needed!
Houston Metro and surrounding area

  • Do you enjoy traveling to new locations and not being stuck in an office all day?
  • Do you have an interest in photography, either as a hobby or as a potential career path?
  • Do you love being home at night and have most weekends off?

We may have the perfect job for you! We are currently seeking friendly, energetic, and dependable candidates to add to our ambitious and enthusiastic team of photographers. As a school photographer, you will be able to help create a positive Picture Day experience with lifelong memories for students and parents alike.

We are working hard to develop a phenomenal photography team! We are all committed to supporting each other and lifting each other up. Our territory is growing rapidly due to our superior level of customer service and attention to detail, and we have advancement opportunities for people who can demonstrate a high level of work ethic and a willingness to learn new things.

Inter-State Studio is a family-owned school photography and yearbook company that has been successfully serving schools for 90 years.

By listening to the needs of our customers and utilizing the latest technologies, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality school portraits and yearbooks with affordable pricing and excellent service.

No experience necessary!

Paid training and all equipment is provided as well as mileage reimbursement and the ability to earn extra bonus incentives! The hours are early morning to mid-afternoon. No nights, very little weekends, and no holidays required! Days and hours vary based on the needs of our schools and individual performance.

The smiles are endless when you consider these incentives:

  • All training provided (paid)
  • All supplies and equipment provided
  • Learning and/or enhancing photography skills
  • User friendly equipment
  • A team atmosphere
  • Flexible scheduling
  • School Holidays, nights, weekends, and summers off
  • Flexible schedule
  • Mileage reimbursement 
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • uncapped bonus

Candidates Must have the following Qualifications:

  • 18 years old or older
  • Detail oriented, with a positive attitude
  • Conduct themselves maturely and professionally at all times
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
  • Work early mornings
  • Have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and be willing to transport yourself and our equipment to schools 
  • Lift/carry up to 50lbs and spend time on your feet.
  • Patience with children

Daily Responsibilities:

  • Ensure photography equipment is maintained and organized
  • Work as part of a team
  • Set up equipment as outlined in Inter-State Studio training material
  • Communicate courteously with co-workers and customers
  • Follow Inter-State Studio "No Touch Posing" Policy guidelines
  • Pose and photograph students efficiently to capture a high-quality sellable image
  • Operate Inter-State Studio software programs proficiently (all training provided)
  • Submit daily work to the office

Make a difference every day by helping us preserve precious childhood memories.
We look forward to hearing from you!
When filling out our online application, please include a valid contact number and email address.
Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment process.
HR@inter-state.com
Ready to capture memories and spread smiles? Apply now