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Staff Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Agency Worker is paid by a staffing agency employer. Agency Workers will receive a W2 from the staffing agency reporting their earnings for tax purposes. Photography Assistant Located in ...

Photography Assistant

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$37.50 - $43.75/hr

The Agency Worker is paid by a staffing agency employer. Agency Workers will receive a W2 from the staffing agency reporting their earnings for tax purposes. Photography Assistant Located in ...

Director of Photography

Chichester, NH · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

You will also need to handle staff management, hiring, and training for your department. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with photography and visual media. Responsibilities

Monitor, motivate, and coach staff to meet goals * Manage payroll costs daily * Develop photo sales and capture techniques * Train photography sales associates * Drive sales to meet daily goals and ...

Some responsibilities include school event photography, recruiting/staffing, scheduling, and equipment projection and allocation. *Who is CADY? * CADY is a premier school photography company that is ...

... staff photographer with headshot days, create engaging content for our social media channels, and ... The Ideal Candidate: * has their own photography gear (including digital camera with photo and ...

Showing results 21-40

Staff Photography information

See salary details

$22K

$64.1K

$93.5K

How much do staff photography jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff photography in the United States is $64,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a staff photographer?

Staff photographers are professional photographers who are employed by an organization, such as a newspaper, magazine, corporation, or other business, to provide photographic content on a regular basis. Unlike freelance photographers, staff photographers typically have a steady salary, benefits, and assignments determined by their employer. Their responsibilities may include covering news events, capturing portraits, documenting company activities, and editing images for publication. Staff photographers often collaborate closely with writers, editors, and other creative professionals as part of a larger team.

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 photography skills, a solid understanding of composition and lighting, and often a degree or certificate in photography or visual arts. Familiarity with professional cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and digital asset management systems is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to communicate effectively with subjects and team members are essential soft skills. These skills ensure high-quality, compelling visual content that meets editorial or commercial needs and supports the organization's visual storytelling goals.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics between a staff photographer and other departments within a media organization?

As a staff photographer, you’ll frequently collaborate with editors, writers, and designers to ensure that your images support the narrative and creative vision of each assignment. Communication is key, as editors may provide specific guidelines or themes, and writers may share story angles that influence your approach. You’ll often work under tight deadlines, adjusting your workflow based on real-time feedback and shifting priorities. This collaboration not only enhances the final product but also broadens your perspective and helps foster strong professional relationships within the organization.

What is the difference between Staff Photography vs Freelance Photography?

AspectStaff PhotographyFreelance Photography
CredentialsTypically requires a photography degree or certification, with employer-provided trainingNo formal credentials required, but a strong 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, corporate, and educational institutionsPopular among event, portrait, and commercial photographers
Work StyleRegular hours, team collaboration, and assigned projectsFlexible hours, self-directed projects, and client management

Staff Photography involves working as an employee within an organization, often with structured hours and team collaboration. Freelance Photography offers more flexibility, with photographers managing their own clients and schedules. Both roles require strong photography skills, but credentials and work environments differ significantly.

What states have the most Staff Photography jobs?

States with the most job openings for Staff Photography jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Staff Photography jobs?

For Staff Photography jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Staff Photography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,055 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Photography Assistant

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist photographers in the studio and help meet their equipment and setup needs.

  • Help set up and break down photo shoots and maintain studio organization and equipment.

  • Input metadata and assist with deliverables to brands.


Job description

This assignment posting is for an Agency Worker opportunity with People Inc.  The Agency Worker is paid by a staffing agency employer. Agency Workers will receive a W2 from the staffing agency reporting their earnings for tax purposes.
Photography Assistant
Located in Birmingham, Alabama, is the People Inc. Food Studios, a state-of-the-art facility featuring 28 test kitchens, 13 photo studios, a prop and styling studio, an outdoor grill/BBQ station, and an expansive showcase kitchen and tasting room for demonstrations and events. Powered by a talented team of test kitchen professionals, stylists, and photographers, the Peoople Inc. Food Studios is the country’s premier creative hub, producing thousands of world-class recipes, images, and related content annually for People Inc.’s print, digital, and social platforms.
  
Assignment Details: 

 

8-32 hours a week - on an as-needed basis
Start date: Immediately
End date: 6 months with potential to extend
Hourly Rate: $37.50-$43.75/hr - depends on experience
Location: Birmingham, AL  - US
You will:
  • Deliver gear and help set up and break down sets.
  • Input metadata/help with deliverables to brands.
  • Assist photographers in the studio, working closely with the equipment manager, to make sure all photographers' needs are met.
  • Help the equipment manager maintain the equipment and ensure the studio is kept tidy and organized. 
You have/are:
  • A degree in photography or a related field.
  • Prior studio assisting experience
  • Unsupervised knowledge of Capture One, Canon Mirrorless Cameras, Profoto Lighting, and Apple Mac OS
  • A positive, can-do attitude, and work well as part of a team.
  • Excellent time management skills; organized and detail-oriented.
  • The ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • The Ultimate Team Player: no job is too big; no job is too small. You are willing to do anything to help the team get the job done, and your ego never gets in the way.
  • A multitasker: When it comes to juggling multiple projects at once, you’re a pro; you anticipate needs before they arise. 
  • Self-motivated: You’re a spirited self-starter. You are deadline-driven and committed to delivering on time and beyond expectations.
  • Flexible: Highly adaptable to supporting frequent changes in direction and workflow.
 
People Inc. is the largest print and digital publisher in America. Nearly 200 million people trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action, and find inspiration. People Inc.'s over 40 iconic brands include PEOPLE, Better Homes & Gardens, Verywell, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Allrecipes, REAL SIMPLE, Investopedia, and Southern Living.
Please be aware of fraudulent recruiters offering opportunities at People Inc. If you are in conversations about a job opportunity and wish to confirm its validity, please reach out directly to hrconcerns@people.inc.