Visual Development Jobs in Sarasota, FL (NOW HIRING)

Visual Storyteller: 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 communities. Through Sarasota Magazine and our broader community initiatives, we create meaningful editorial and visual content that reflects the people, culture, and ideas shaping our region.

We’re looking for a creative powerhouse who can capture that spirit through the lens, translating moments, ideas, and people into compelling visual narratives for Sarasota Magazine, DreamLarge initiatives and our partner projects. It’s not just about producing beautiful images—it’s about documenting the essence of our work, our partners, and the communities we serve.

Core Responsibilities

1. Editorial Photography – Sarasota Magazine

Serve as staff photographer for Sarasota Magazine, producing high-quality photography for editorial features, profiles, dining coverage, lifestyle stories, special sections, and cover concepts.

Collaborate closely with editors, writers, designers, and creative leadership to develop visual approaches that elevate storytelling and align with the magazine’s brand and editorial standards.

Photograph on location and in studio settings, including portraits, interiors, food, events, and documentary-style assignments.

Execute photo shoots efficiently while maintaining professionalism, creativity, and strong interpersonal communication with subjects and clients.

Assist in conceptualizing and producing cover shoots and visually distinctive feature packages.

2. Content Creation – Photography & Videography

Capture high-quality photography and video for Sarasota Magazine and DreamLarge initiatives, community projects, events, campaigns, and branded content.

Apply a documentary-style approach to storytelling that highlights authentic moments and emotional depth.

Shoot across diverse environments, from intimate interviews to high-energy public events, maintaining consistency in style and tone.

Create short-form video and multimedia content optimized for social media and digital platforms.

3. Storytelling & Narrative Development

Collaborate with creative, editorial, and strategy teams to identify story angles and visual approaches that align with organizational goals and audience interests.

Translate complex ideas or community initiatives into visual stories that are relatable, shareable, and emotionally impactful.

Support concept development for short-form and long-form video content, including scripting, storyboarding, and shot planning.

Contribute creative ideas for editorial packages, social storytelling, and branded campaigns.

4. Post-Production, Editing & Asset Management

Edit photos and video for multiple channels—including print, web, social media, presentations, exhibitions, and partner publications—ensuring high visual and narrative quality.

Manage photo retouching, color correction, color grading, sound mixing, and basic motion graphics when needed to enhance storytelling impact.

Maintain organized archives of digital assets, metadata, and project files for efficient retrieval and long-term use.

Research, recommend, and maintain photography and video equipment to support evolving creative needs.

5. Content Strategy & Delivery

Contribute to editorial content calendars, ensuring timely delivery of assets for print production, digital publishing, social media, and promotional campaigns.

Optimize media formats for various platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, newsletters, and SarasotaMagazine.com.

Support audience engagement by creating visually compelling content tailored to platform-specific trends and best practices.

6. Community & Partner Engagement

Build relationships with subjects, partners, advertisers, and collaborators to ensure respectful, authentic representation in all visual storytelling.

Represent Sarasota Magazine and DreamLarge professionally at community events, shoots, and public-facing initiatives.

Occasionally guide contributors, interns, freelancers, or community partners on visual storytelling best practices.

7. AI-Enhanced Content Creation & Innovation

Leverage emerging AI tools and technologies to enhance visual storytelling, content production, and creative workflows while maintaining Sarasota Magazine and DreamLarge’s editorial standards and brand integrity.

• Utilize AI-powered tools for tasks such as image enhancement, asset generation, transcription, captioning, research support, workflow automation, and content ideation when appropriate.
• Evaluate and apply AI-generated imagery, video, audio, and written content responsibly, ensuring accuracy, authenticity, ethical use, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Stay informed on emerging AI technologies and recommend innovative applications that improve efficiency, expand creative possibilities, and support audience engagement.
• Collaborate with editorial, design, and marketing teams to develop best practices for AI-assisted content creation and production.
• Demonstrate comfort and competency with current generative AI platforms and a willingness to continuously adapt as technologies evolve.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in photography, videography, editorial photography, or visual journalism, preferably with a storytelling or documentary emphasis.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating editorial, portrait, lifestyle, and narrative-driven visual content.
• Experience working in magazine, media, agency, or fast-paced content environments preferred.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and related editing tools.
• Strong understanding of lighting, composition, visual storytelling, and production workflows.
• Working knowledge of generative AI tools and creative technologies (such as ChatGPT, Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, Runway, Descript, or similar platforms) with the ability to integrate them thoughtfully into content creation workflows while maintaining editorial quality and ethical standards.
• Experience with drone operation, motion graphics, or animation is a plus.
• Experience in other design applications (InDesign, Illustrator, Canva) is a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging with diverse communities and high-profile subjects.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and productions simultaneously.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends for events or editorial assignments.