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Stock Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Photography Coordinator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$55K - $66K/yr

Overview The Photography Coordinator is a creative and operational partner within the New York ... Stock Purchase Plan * Life Insurance * Flexible Spending Account * Opportunities for Advancement

Visual Lease

Director Photography

Richmond, VA · On-site

$135 - $165/hr

Director, Photography - CoStar Group - Richmond, VA Role Overview At CoStar Group, Photography ... Employee stock purchase plan. * Paid time off. * Tuition reimbursement. * On‑site fitness center ...

NICHOLS COLLEGE

Creative Design Specialist

Dudley, MA · On-site

$60K/yr

Research and manage stock photography and video; manage creative and digital graphics subscriptions; work with outside photographers, including Nichols College student staff; manage work study ...

Tribune Media

Digital Producer

Bismarck, ND

Understand different ways to tell a story, particularly producing short videos and choosing great photos from station archives and stock photography options. * Evaluate website traffic trends to make ...

Nexstar Media Group

Digital Producer

Bismarck, ND · On-site

Understand different ways to tell a story, particularly producing short videos and choosing great photos from station archives and stock photography options. * Evaluate website traffic trends to make ...

WOWK-TV

Digital Producer

Bismarck, ND · On-site

Understand different ways to tell a story, particularly producing short videos and choosing great photos from station archives and stock photography options. * Evaluate website traffic trends to make ...

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Stock Photography information

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$23K

$62.3K

$75K

How much do stock photography jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for stock photography in the United States is $62,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is stock photography?

Stock photography refers to a collection of images that are licensed for specific uses, such as in advertisements, websites, or publications. These photos are taken by professional photographers and made available through stock photo agencies or websites. Clients can purchase the rights to use these images without hiring a photographer for a custom photo shoot. Stock photography offers a quick and cost-effective way to obtain high-quality visuals for various projects. It covers a wide range of subjects and styles to meet diverse needs.

How to get a job in stock photography?

The qualifications to get a job in stock photography include having relevant experience with a camera and professional-quality photography equipment. Most photographers spend several years practicing as hobbyists or professionals before submitting stock photographs for consideration. This job does not require any formal education, though many photographers attend classes to help develop their skills. Buyers usually judge photos exclusively by quality, and some may have additional standards and requirements for image sizes and file types. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a job in stock photography requires excellent eyesight, attention to detail, and the ability to create specific images.

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

To thrive as a Stock Photographer, you need strong photography skills, an understanding of visual composition, and knowledge of copyright and licensing, often supported by a portfolio showcasing diverse work. Familiarity with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom and using stock platforms such as Shutterstock or Getty Images is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate market trends are important soft skills for success in this field. These skills ensure you produce high-quality, marketable images that meet client demands and generate consistent income.

What are some common challenges stock photographers face when building a diverse and marketable portfolio?

Stock photographers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with market trends, ensuring model and property releases are in place, and producing images that meet technical quality standards. Additionally, standing out in a highly competitive marketplace requires consistent creativity and an understanding of which subjects are in demand. Collaborating with models, stylists, and sometimes other photographers is common, and effective communication is key to capturing authentic and usable images.

What is the difference between Stock Photography vs Photographer?

AspectStock PhotographyPhotographer
CredentialsTypically none required; some may have photography certificationsOften requires photography skills, portfolio, and sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentStock photo agencies, online platforms, remote workVaries: studios, on-location shoots, freelance or agency settings
Industry UsageUsed by businesses, marketers, media for licensing imagesProvides custom or specific images for clients or personal projects

While stock photography involves creating and licensing generic images for commercial use, photographers produce custom images tailored to specific client needs or personal projects. Both roles require photography skills, but stock photographers often focus on producing large volumes of versatile images for licensing, whereas photographers may work on unique, commissioned projects.

How do you become a stock photographer?

To become a stock photographer, you should build a portfolio of high-quality, diverse images that meet industry standards, and then submit your work to stock photography platforms. Familiarity with photo editing tools and understanding licensing requirements are also important for success in this field.

How much do stock photographers make?

Stock photographers typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, with top earners making more through exclusive or high-demand images. Income depends on factors such as experience, image quality, licensing fees, and the number of sales or downloads they generate.

Is stock photography a good career?

Stock photography as a career involves creating and licensing images for commercial use, often requiring strong photography skills and knowledge of licensing platforms. Income can vary widely based on image quality, niche, and sales volume, and it is typically a freelance or part-time pursuit rather than a full-time job. Success depends on building a diverse portfolio and understanding market demand.

Is stock photography still profitable?

Stock photography remains a viable income source for photographers, with platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offering opportunities to sell images. Profitability depends on image quality, niche selection, and consistent uploading, but competition and market saturation can impact earnings.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Stock Photography jobs?

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What states have the most Stock Photography jobs?

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Stock Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stock Photography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,338 per year, or $30 per hour.

Senior Photographer (Part Time)

FedWriters, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview

Join our team as a Senior Photographer and support the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Public Affairs (OPA) by capturing high-profile events, portraits, and mission-critical imagery. You will document summits, leadership events, and official portraits, ensure every image meets professional photojournalistic and archival standards.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

**Position is contingent upon contract award**

Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site: This part-time on-site position will work approximately 5 hours a week at DOL's Frances Perkins Building (FPB) headquarters in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities
  • Photograph summits, meetings, retreats, internal programs, portraits, and passport-style photos in a photojournalistic style
  • Stage participants and select lighting, exposure, and filters for optimal results
  • Digitally process and correct images using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
  • Log, archive, and maintain event files, including metadata tagging per industry (IPTC) standards
  • Perform quality control on internally and externally produced photo work
  • Track, fulfill, and distribute photo requests across the department and external stakeholders
  • Build and maintain stock photography collections, from planning through final execution
Qualifications

Required: 

  • Minimum 10 years of professional experience photographing portraits, live/stage events, and facility tours in a photojournalistic style
  • Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and interact with senior/high-level officials
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat
  • Portfolio demonstrating advanced photography and photojournalistic skill (single-subject, group, editorial, and podium shots)
  • Prior direct work experience with the DOL Office of Public Affairs Creative Services Division is required

Desired: 

  • Experience building and maintaining a stock photography library program
  • Prior experience supporting a federal public affairs or creative services function
Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Pay Range

Negotiable

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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