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Special Projects Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WOWK-TV

Special Projects MMJ

Springfield, MO

Work with anchors, reporters, photographers, news managers, operations, and production teams to execute premium special reports. * Production Management: Shoot and edit special projects to maximize ...

Tribune Media

Special Projects MMJ

Springfield, MO

Work with anchors, reporters, photographers, news managers, operations, and production teams to execute premium special reports. * Production Management: Shoot and edit special projects to maximize ...

Commonpoint Queens

Head Photographer

Henry, IL

$4.5K/wk

Head Photographer Classification: Seasonal (June 29th, 2026 - August 20th, 2026) Hours: M-F ... Collaborate with camp leadership and program staff to identify key moments and special projects ...

724.Productions

Event Photographer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Role Description The Event Photographer volunteer will capture high-quality photos at on-site events in Pittsburgh, PA, including community gatherings, performances, and special projects. Day-to-day ...

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How much do special projects photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for special projects photographer 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 a special projects photographer?

A Special Projects Photographer is a professional who focuses on unique, one-time, or long-term photography assignments that fall outside routine daily coverage. These projects often involve in-depth storytelling, complex subjects, or creative campaigns for media outlets, companies, or organizations. Special Projects Photographers collaborate with writers, editors, or creative teams to produce compelling visual narratives. Their work may include documentary photo essays, branded content, or coverage of special events, requiring strong technical skills and creative vision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special projects photographer?

To thrive as a Special Projects Photographer, you need advanced photography skills, a creative eye, and experience with various photo techniques, often supported by a degree in photography or related field. Proficiency in professional camera equipment, lighting setups, and editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom is crucial. Strong project management, communication, and adaptability help you work effectively with diverse clients and unique assignments. These competencies ensure high-quality, impactful visual storytelling tailored to complex or high-profile projects.

How does a special projects photographer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Special Projects Photographers often work closely with teams such as marketing, editorial, and design to ensure their imagery aligns with the overarching vision and goals of the project. Collaboration may involve attending planning meetings, sharing creative concepts, and incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders. This cross-departmental teamwork helps ensure that the final photographic content supports both the creative and strategic objectives of the organization, making strong communication skills essential in this role.

What is the difference between Special Projects Photographer vs Commercial Photographer?

AspectSpecial Projects PhotographerCommercial Photographer
CredentialsPortfolio, photography experience, sometimes specialized trainingPortfolio, photography experience, often industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentVaried locations, creative settings, project-basedStudio or on-location shoots for clients
Industry UsageArt, nonprofit, corporate projects, exhibitionsAdvertising, marketing, product promotion

Special Projects Photographers focus on unique, often one-of-a-kind projects that require creative and technical skills, working in diverse environments. Commercial Photographers primarily produce images for advertising and marketing purposes, often working with clients to create promotional content. While both roles require strong photography skills and portfolios, their work settings and project types differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Special Projects Photographer jobs?

Cities with the most Special Projects Photographer job openings:

What states have the most Special Projects Photographer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Projects Photographer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Special Projects Photographer jobs?

For Special Projects Photographer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Special Projects Photographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Photographer, PDP & Special Projects

El Segundo, CA • Hybrid

True Religion
Apparel and Accessories Stores • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about True Religionexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Capture high-quality on-model and product photography for e-commerce and special projects, ensuring consistency with brand standards.

  • Manage and maintain all photography equipment and studio environment to ensure readiness for daily shoots.

  • Collaborate with creative teams and partners throughout daily operations and special projects to support production and storytelling.

Job description

Description
THE PURPOSE: True Religion's in-house Photographer is the person who makes the product look like the brand. This role is responsible for producing best-in-class e-commerce photography across the full product lineup while contributing to editorial content, social campaigns, and special projects. Beyond the camera, this role is also the steward of the studio's equipment and technical infrastructure - keeping everything organized, calibrated, and ready for production every day.

THE ROLE (what you are accountable for):
  • Capture high-quality on-model and product photography for e-commerce across Women's, Men's, Denim, Accessories, and Footwear, executing to established brand standards for composition, lighting, and color accuracy
  • Meet daily shot count and production goals while maintaining a high creative standard on every frame
  • Photograph editorial content, capsule collections, collaborations, and social-first projects as lead photographer for designated special productions
  • Develop creative lighting techniques and camera approaches that elevate brand storytelling while staying consistent with the True Religion aesthetic
  • Manage all photography equipment - cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, and digital capture stations - including routine inspections, basic maintenance, and coordination of repairs and rentals as needed
  • Maintain lighting diagrams, camera settings documentation, and studio records to support consistent execution across all productions
  • Ensure the studio environment is clean, organized, and production-ready before every shoot
  • Partner with Creative, Art Direction, Styling, Production, Retouching, and Merchandising throughout daily operations and special projects
YOU ARE: A technically skilled, creatively driven photographer with deep e-commerce experience and enough editorial range to bring real energy to special projects. You shoot fast and shoot well, you know your way around a lighting rig, and you take care of your equipment. You bring a collaborative mindset to set every day, and you are always looking for a better way to get the shot.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
  • 5+ years of professional photography experience in fashion, apparel, or lifestyle brands
  • Extensive experience with high-volume e-commerce PDP photography
  • Strong editorial and commercial photography portfolio
  • Expert knowledge of studio lighting, grip, camera systems, and digital capture workflows
  • Proficiency with Canon, Sony, or Phase One camera systems
  • Advanced knowledge of Capture One and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Strong technical problem-solving skills with photography equipment and lighting
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to maintain studio and equipment standards in a high-volume environment
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 
  • Experience photographing denim and lifestyle apparel
  • Background in social-first content creation or short-form video
  • Familiarity with video production workflows

ADDITIONAL ROLE INFORMATION
  • Compensation: The anticipated base salary range for this role is $95,000 – $110,000. This is a full-time, exempt/non-exempt position. This range represents the low and high ends of the expected base salary range for this role based on the applicable location. True Religion reasonably expects to pay within this range in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and internal equity.
  • Perks: We offer a mix of benefits and perks to support our employees at work and beyond, including health benefits, a 401(k) with employer match, merchandise discounts, commuter benefits, wellness & employee assistance programs, and more. 
  • Work Model: This role is based in El Segundo, CA, and follows a hybrid work model, with an expectation of in-office presence on designated days to support collaboration and business needs.
  • Employment Eligibility: Employment with True Religion is contingent upon meeting applicable employment eligibility requirements.