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Sports Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sports Photographer

Newark, NJ ยท On-site

$150 - $400/day

Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events. (DanceBUG will provide car/flights) Requirements * 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action) * Skilled with ...

Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events. (DanceBUG will provide car/flights) Requirements * 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action) * Skilled with ...

Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events. (DanceBUG will provide car/flights) Requirements * 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action) * Skilled with ...

Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events. (DanceBUG will provide car/flights) Requirements * 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action) * Skilled with ...

Sports Photographer

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site

$150 - $400/day

Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events. (DanceBUG will provide car/flights) Requirements * 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action) * Skilled with ...

Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events. (DanceBUG will provide car/flights) Requirements * 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action) * Skilled with ...

School and Sports Photographer

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Paid time off School & Sports Photographer - Signature Images (East Valley, AZ) Position Overview Signature Images is a locally owned photography company specializing in school portraits, youth ...

Be Seen First

Youth Sports Photographer and Sales Representative Picture Pros Photography is looking for outgoing, dependable individuals to join our event team as Youth Sports Photographers and Sales ...

School and Sports Photographer

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

School & Sports Photographer - Signature Images (East Valley, AZ) Position Overview Signature Images is a locally owned photography company specializing in school portraits, youth sports photography ...

School and Sports Photographer

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

School & Sports Photographer - Signature Images (East Valley, AZ) Position Overview Signature Images is a locally owned photography company specializing in school portraits, youth sports photography ...

Photographer (Sports)

New York, NY ยท On-site

$42.97/hr

The Sports Photographer is responsible for shooting video, sound, editing and transmitting live content. * Shoots video for Sports and News coverage * Confers with other personnel to discuss ...

Showing results 21-40

Sports Photographer information

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$8

$19

$24

How much do sports photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 does a sports photographer do?

A sports photographer is a professional who specializes in capturing dynamic and compelling images of sporting events, athletes, and related activities. They use specialized camera equipment to freeze fast-paced action and convey the excitement, emotion, and intensity of sports. Sports photographers often work for media outlets, sports teams, or as freelancers, and must have a keen eye for timing, composition, and storytelling. Their work is used in newspapers, magazines, websites, and promotional materials.

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

To thrive as a Sports Photographer, you need expertise in photography techniques, a keen eye for action, and proficiency with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, often supported by a portfolio of sports images. Familiarity with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as experience with high-speed camera equipment, is typically required. Strong anticipation, adaptability, and communication skills help you capture critical moments and work effectively alongside athletes and media teams. These skills ensure you consistently produce compelling, publication-ready images that capture the excitement and emotion of sporting events.

What is a sports photographer?

A sports photographer is an individual that takes action photos of sporting events. As a sports photographer, your job is to attempt to capture the feel of the action, excitement, and competitive spirit of the contest. This can be a challenging career because you must take high-speed photographs during a fast-paced event. Many sports photographers get access to field level positions so that they can perform their duties close to the action. You may work for a specific publication, but freelance photojournalism is a robust field as well. You can also find work taking photos of student-athletes for a school.

What are some common challenges faced by sports photographers during live events?

Sports photographers often face fast-paced environments where capturing decisive moments requires quick reflexes and anticipation. Lighting conditions can change rapidly, especially in outdoor or stadium settings, which demands constant adjustment of camera settings. Additionally, photographers must navigate crowded sidelines and adhere to strict access rules, all while ensuring they do not interfere with athletes or officials. Effective communication with editors and other media professionals is also essential to deliver timely and high-quality images.

What is the difference between Sports Photographer vs Event Photographer?

AspectSports PhotographerEvent Photographer
Required CredentialsPhotography skills, portfolio, sometimes sports photography certificationsPhotography skills, portfolio, event photography experience
Work EnvironmentSports venues, stadiums, outdoor and indoor sports eventsWeddings, corporate events, concerts, social gatherings
Employer & Industry UsageSports teams, media outlets, sports agenciesEvent planning companies, media outlets, private clients
Common Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing sports photography careers or servicesPeople seeking event photography services or careers

While both sports photographers and event photographers capture important moments, sports photographers specialize in action shots at sports events, often requiring specific sports photography skills and equipment. Event photographers focus on a wide range of social and corporate events, emphasizing versatility and capturing candid moments. Understanding these differences helps clients and professionals choose the right photographer for their needs.

What cities are hiring for Sports Photographer jobs?

Cities with the most Sports Photographer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Photographer jobs?

The most popular types of Sports Photographer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Sports Photographer jobs?

The top employers for Sports Photographer jobs are:

What states have the most Sports Photographer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sports Photographer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Photographer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Sports Photographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,815 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Sports Photographer

DanceBUG Inc.

Newark, NJ โ€ข On-site

$150 - $400/day

Contractor

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Live Action Photographer
Duration: February - May 2026
Location: Nationwide travel across the U.S.
Compensation: $150-$400 Per Day + ALL ExpensesAbout DanceBUG
DanceBUG is the industry leader in Dance Media and Software, celebrating 25 years of innovation serving the dance community.
We capture tens of thousands of performances annually and provide studios with top-tier photography, videography, streaming, and competition software.
๐ŸŒ Learn more about usThe Role
We're seeking experienced event or sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country.
You'll travel to dance competitions and recitals, work in fast-paced lighting environments, and deliver professional images that highlight each dancer's best moments.What You'll Do
  • Photograph live dance performances in low-light and stage lighting conditions
  • Adjust exposure, ISO, and white balance on the fly for optimal results
  • Manage and back up images using DanceBUG's software tools
  • Upload or ship event media as required
  • Communicate with on-site team and managers
  • Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events. (DanceBUG will provide car/flights)
Requirements
  • 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action)
  • Skilled with manual camera settings under changing light
  • Comfortable working long production days
  • Valid U.S. driver's license & airport proximity (within 1 hour)
  • Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check
Equipment Needed
  • 2 professional DSLR or mirrorless bodies (Canon, Nikon, or Sony only)
  • 2 of the following lenses (F2.8 preferred): 24-70 mm, 24-105 mm, 24-120 mm, 70-200 mm
  • 4+ memory cards (โ‰ฅ 64 GB each), 2+ batteries & charger, monopod
Perks & Pay
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ $150-$400 per day
  • All travel, accommodation (single room), and transport covered
  • ๐Ÿ•“ Travel time is paid
  • ๐ŸŽ“ Paid training (January & February 2026)
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Equipment stipend ($700)
Key Dates
Virtual Training: 4 hours per week in January.
On-Site Training: 2 events in January & February
Priority Weekends: Feb 27-Mar 1, Mar 6-8, Mar 13-15, Mar 20-22, Mar 27-29; Apr 10-12, Apr 17-19, Apr 24-26; May 1-3,
Additional events run through July for interested photographers.