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Remote Photo Manipulation Jobs in Washington, DC

Photo Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $80K/yr

This position may be hybrid (based out of our DC office) or fully remote in select states. Help us ... Solid news judgment and knowledge of photojournalism ethics, including manipulation policy, AI ...

Remote Photo Manipulation information

See Washington, DC salary details

$11

$38

$68

How much do remote photo manipulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote photo manipulation in Washington, DC is $38.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.06 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is remote photo manipulation?

Remote photo manipulation is the process of editing or altering digital images using specialized software, performed by professionals who work from remote locations rather than in a traditional studio or office. These experts use tools like Adobe Photoshop to retouch photos, remove backgrounds, adjust colors, and create visual effects according to client specifications. Remote photo manipulators typically collaborate with clients online, delivering high-quality edited images for various purposes such as marketing, e-commerce, and personal projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote photo manipulation specialist?

To thrive as a Remote Photo Manipulation Specialist, you need expertise in graphic design principles, a strong portfolio, and proficiency in digital image editing. Mastery of tools like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and familiarity with cloud-based collaboration platforms are typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting client briefs and delivering high-quality results. These capabilities are essential for producing visually compelling images that meet client expectations in a remote work environment.

What are the typical challenges faced by remote photo manipulation specialists, and how can they be addressed?

Remote photo manipulation specialists often face challenges such as managing client expectations, ensuring consistent communication, and handling large file transfers efficiently. Since collaboration is primarily virtual, it’s crucial to establish clear project briefs and feedback processes to minimize misunderstandings. Utilizing reliable cloud storage and project management tools can streamline workflow and foster productive client relationships. Staying organized and proactive in communication helps maintain project timelines and quality standards.

What is the difference between Remote Photo Manipulation vs Remote Photo Retouching?

AspectRemote Photo ManipulationRemote Photo Retouching
Primary FocusCreating artistic or surreal edits, compositing, and special effectsRefining and enhancing images, skin smoothing, color correction
Skills & ToolsPhotoshop, compositing, creative editingPhotoshop, color grading, blemish removal
Work EnvironmentFreelance, advertising, creative agenciesFashion, portrait, commercial photography

Remote Photo Manipulation involves creating artistic or surreal images through compositing and special effects, often for advertising or creative projects. Remote Photo Retouching focuses on refining photographs by enhancing details and correcting imperfections. While both roles require Photoshop skills, manipulation emphasizes creativity, whereas retouching emphasizes realism and refinement.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Photo Manipulation jobs in Washington, DC?

For Remote Photo Manipulation jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Remote Photo Manipulation job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,917 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Photo Editor

AAAS

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$70K - $80K/yr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Science Visuals team is looking for a temporary Photo Editor to source compelling, high-quality imagery for publication in Science and News from Science. The successful candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, handling a combination of weekly, daily, and hourly assignments. This is a temporary, part-time position with a maximum of 30 hours per week. This position may be hybrid (based out of our DC office) or fully remote in select states.

Help us ignite the next era of science.

What You’ll Do

  • Sourcing and editing high-quality photography for Science's news content
  • Collaborating with editors to understand key story points and develop visual solutions
  • Preparing imagery for delivery in a range of formats and sizes for print, online, and social platforms
  • Color correcting and archiving images
  • Collaborating with the Rights & Permissions team on invoicing and usage tracking

Minimum Qualifications

  • 2+ years of news photo editing experience (newsroom, agency, or freelance), with a portfolio demonstrating strong editorial judgment and the ability to identify high-quality imagery suited to story themes
  • Solid news judgment and knowledge of photojournalism ethics, including manipulation policy, AI-generated image detection and disclosure standards, and caption accuracy
  • Experience working with wire services (AP, Reuters, Getty) and stock agencies, including both commercial and free repositories, plus comfort sourcing directly from photographers and primary sources
  • Working knowledge of copyright and licensing standards
  • A solid grounding in basic science education, intellectual curiosity about science, and comfort with scientific ideas
  • Ability to work efficiently under deadline pressure, including recurring and rolling deadlines, with strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and adaptability to fast-moving news situations
  • Strong collaboration skills and comfortable taking direction from senior editors while contributing independent judgment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate decisions and rationale to editors
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Bridge, and/or Lightroom, including cropping, color correction, and familiarity with digital image formats and properties
  • Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) and content management systems (CMS), including basic metadata and keywording practices

Application Process

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by September 27, 2026 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.

AAAS is aware of fraudulent messages from individuals and entities falsely claiming to represent our organization. Please note that all official recruitment communications will come from an @aaas.org email address, and all open positions are posted on our Careers page (aaas.org/careers). AAAS will never ask applicants to provide payment, financial information including credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers during the hiring process via an email. If you receive an email claiming to be from AAAS that looks suspicious, do not click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, please contact us at jobs@aaas.org before responding or sharing any personal information.

The anticipated annualized rate of compensation for this temporary, part-time position is $70,000 – $80,000 per year. This position is expected to work approximately 30 hours per week for five months. Due to the temporary, part-time nature of this position, it is not eligible for AAAS employee benefits, except for certain paid holidays and any benefits required by applicable law or otherwise provided under AAAS policy.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and any applicable benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors. AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

AAAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Search Firm and Employment Agency Disclaimer
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AAAS from a third party, such as an agency, including unsolicited resumes sent to an AAAS mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to AAAS employees, or to the AAAS resume database will be considered AAAS property. Verbal or written communications from any employee of AAAS shall not be considered binding obligations. AAAS Human Resources is the only AAAS representative authorized by AAAS enter into any employment agreements with any third party. AAAS will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.


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About AAAS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1848