1

Staff Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... staff photographer with headshot days, create engaging content for our social media channels, and support various photography needs. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to ...

WCIV has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Chief Photographer to lead our staff of Photographers and Multimedia Journalists (MMJs). We are looking for a leader who knows how to tell great ...

Staff Photographer, Videographer & Content Creator Sarasota Magazine / DreamLarge Overview At DreamLarge, we believe in the power of story to inspire change, spark imagination, and strengthen ...

Coordinate with communications staff, leadership, and stakeholders to understand photography needs and capture key moments. * Ensure images meet agency branding, quality, and accessibility ...

Coordinate with communications staff, leadership, and stakeholders to understand photography needs and capture key moments. * Ensure images meet agency branding, quality, and accessibility ...

Photographer

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Coordinate with communications staff, leadership, and stakeholders to understand photography needs and capture key moments. * Ensure images meet agency branding, quality, and accessibility ...

Continually updates College stock photography files of campus locations, buildings, faculty, staff and students. * Makes recommendations for policies and procedures governing photography, including ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Staff Photographer information

See salary details

$9

$20

$37

How much do staff photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for staff 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 staff photographer?

A staff photographer is a full-time employee responsible for capturing images for an organization, such as a newspaper, magazine, or corporate entity. They often work on a regular schedule, use professional cameras and editing software, and may specialize in areas like news, sports, or portrait photography.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Staff Photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Staff Photographer, you need strong technical proficiency in photography, a good eye for composition, and often a degree or certification in photography or visual arts. Familiarity with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and digital asset management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, creativity, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure high-quality visual content, effective collaboration with editorial teams, and the ability to meet the fast-paced demands of media and commercial environments.

What is the difference between Staff Photographer vs Freelance Photographer?

AspectStaff PhotographerFreelance Photographer
CredentialsTypically requires a photography degree or equivalent experienceNo formal credentials required, but portfolio is essential
Work EnvironmentEmployed by a company or organization, working on-site or in studioSelf-employed, working remotely or on location for various clients
Industry UsageCommon in media, advertising, and corporate settingsUsed across diverse industries, including events, portraits, and commercial work
Work StyleScheduled hours, steady income, team collaborationFlexible hours, project-based, variable income

While both roles involve professional photography, Staff Photographers are typically employed by organizations with a steady schedule and specific assignments, whereas Freelance Photographers operate independently, taking on diverse projects with flexible hours. The choice depends on your preferred work environment and career goals.

How does a staff photographer typically collaborate with other departments within a media organization?

Staff photographers regularly work alongside writers, editors, and designers to ensure visual content aligns with editorial goals. They may attend editorial meetings to discuss story angles and receive assignment briefs, and they often coordinate with reporters on location to capture images that complement written content. Frequent communication and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift based on breaking news or project deadlines. This collaborative environment fosters a dynamic workflow and provides photographers with opportunities to contribute creatively to storytelling.

What is the 80 20 rule in photography?

The 80/20 rule in photography suggests that roughly 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort, meaning a photographer should focus on the most impactful shots or techniques to improve efficiency and quality. For a staff photographer, prioritizing key subjects, lighting, and composition can lead to better images with less wasted time. Mastering essential skills and editing tools helps maximize productivity and output quality.

Is $4000 a lot for a wedding photographer?

For a wedding photographer, a $4000 fee is generally considered to be on the higher end of the typical price range, which can vary based on experience, location, and package details. Experienced photographers with professional equipment and extensive portfolios often charge between $2,000 and $5,000 or more for full-day coverage, including editing and albums. Pricing can also depend on the complexity of the event and client requirements.

How much should I charge for a 30 minute photoshoot?

Staff photographers typically charge between $100 and $300 for a 30-minute session, depending on experience, location, and the type of shoot. Rates may include editing and delivery of images, and photographers often set their prices based on their skill level and market demand.

What are staff photographers?

Staff photographers are professional photographers employed by an organization, such as a newspaper, magazine, or company, to capture images that support the organization’s editorial or promotional needs. Unlike freelance photographers, staff photographers are typically full-time employees who work regular hours and often cover specific assignments or events as directed by their employer. They may also be responsible for editing photos, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with writers or editors to produce compelling visual stories.
More about Staff Photographer jobs
What cities are hiring for Staff Photographer jobs? Cities with the most Staff Photographer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Staff Photographer jobs? The top employers for Staff Photographer jobs are:
What states have the most Staff Photographer jobs? States with the most job openings for Staff Photographer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Staff Photographer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 69% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 24% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.
Staff Photographer

Staff Photographer

Missouri State University

Springfield, MO • On-site

$45K - $48K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago


Missouri State University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Staff Photographer
Work Location
Springfield Campus
Department
Creative Services
HR Home Department
096102 CREATIVE SERVICES
Pay Grade
42
Proposed Salary
$45,000 - $48,256/annual
Sponsorship Information
Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees?
No, Position is available to all applicants.
Appointment Type
Full Time Regular
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
General Function
The Staff Photographer is responsible for capturing campus life at Missouri State University while ensuring that photos align with the institution's brand and marketing goals, as well as editing, organizing and adding metadata to prepare photos for use by the campus community.
Description of Primary Duties
1. Uses originality, talent, and imagination to produce the desired photographic results of clients by consulting with individuals making photographic requests, determining needs and conceptualizing desired results. Uses appropriate lighting as needed to produce quality imagery.
2. Creates photographs of a variety of events, including sporting events, faculty and staff, campus and landscapes scenes, campus activities, art objects, buildings, individuals, groups and other items deemed necessary to the University.
3. Provides edited images with appropriate metadata and archives digital images in the University digital archive system.
4. Assists a producer/director in video production as a camera operator, audio technician or lighting assistant. Helps make artistic decisions regarding elements such as appropriate lighting, shooting angle, framing and placement, type of audio required, locations used and use of movement and/or interviews.
5. Ensures the operational condition of departmental equipment and technology by testing, performing repairs and performing setups and preventive maintenance as appropriate and oversees the security, operation and maintenance of equipment utilized in shooting and editing.
6. Maintains Creative Services online digital archive and manages client image requests.
7. Assists the Assistant Director of Creative Services - Photography in developing an effective staff of student employees by training students in departmental procedures.
8. Tests, incorporates, and maintains new technology and processes to make the Office of Creative Services more efficient.
9. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Director of Creative Services.
10. Contributes to the overall success of the Division of Marketing and Communications by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Creative Services.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
Education: A bachelor's degree is required. A bachelor's degree with emphasis in photography, art or related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirement.
Experience: At least 18 months of professional photography experience or two years of a part-time position in a similar professional setting is required. Work experience with professional image editing software and workflow is required Experience with unmanned aerial photography is preferred. Experience working in a team-oriented environment is preferred. Experience utilizing a digital photo archive, using metadata standards and workflow is preferred. Work experience in higher education is preferred. Experience in sports photography is preferred. Experience using studio lighting equipment is preferred.
Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are required. The skill level demonstrated must be that of an experienced photographer, which will be determined by a review of a digital portfolio demonstrating abilities in composition, lighting, creativity and style. A portfolio including a wide range of images, such as sports photography, portraiture, editorial and photojournalistic styles is preferred. Knowledge of Part 107 sUAS procedures and use of drone technology for visual imagery is preferred. Experience with photo asset systems such as Photoshelter is preferred.
Effort: This position operates and transports cameras, video and sound equipment weighing up to fifty pounds to locations on and off-campus.
Other: The scope of the job frequently requires attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, plus occasional travel to workshops, tournaments and seminars.
Additional Qualifications
Link to Job Description
https://www.missouristate.edu/Human/JobDescriptions/1731-Photographer-Digital-Photo-Systems-Coordinator.htm
Open Date
04/14/2026
Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)
Special Instructions to Applicants
The first date of consideration is May 5, 2026 and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Please attach a link to an online portfolio. The portfolio should include a wide range of images, such as sports photography, portraiture, editorial and photojournalistic styles, demonstrating abilities in composition, lighting, creativity and style.
Official transcripts required at time of hire.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252.
Background Check Statement
Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.
Posting Detail
Posting Number
20260095FTS
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/85987

What Missouri State University employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom