How to Find Photography Jobs: A Comprehensive Guide for Photographers and Studios

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In the dynamic world of professional photography, finding the right job—or the perfect photographer—can be seem like a challenging process. 

The job landscape is diverse, offering countless opportunities for creativity and growth, but navigating it effectively requires both strategy and know-how. 

We have designed this guide to help photographers and studios explore job opportunities across various industries, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. 

Whether you are just looking to pick up a few jobs for some extra cash or want to find opportunities to make a career out of your love for photography, this guide will help!

Let’s get started! 🙂

The Photography Job Landscape - What Types of Jobs Are Out There for Photographers Anyways?

The photography industry offers a wide array of opportunities, ranging from freelance photography gigs to full-time positions. 

Over the years, there have been some big shifts leading to some industry shake ups including shifts away from full time staffed positions at many firms, and changes as a result of artificial intelligence (AI) removing the need for some photography related roles. With that said, as a general industry, photography is growing every single year - so there’s never been a better time to look for a photography job opportunity.

For photographers, whether you're just starting or looking to scale your career, understanding the types of roles available and their unique demands is the first step toward success.

4 Main Types of Photography Jobs Available

Photography careers come in many forms, each with specific responsibilities, benefits, and challenges. Below are some of the most common roles in the industry:

1). Business Owner / Photographer  

Photographers who own their businesses enjoy the freedom to control their creative direction, client relationships, pricing, and more. However, this role requires strong entrepreneurial skills, as you’ll handle everything from marketing to client acquisition to managing finances. While this offers the highest earning potential, it also comes with the most responsibility.

At its core, photographers in this camp are business owners. Ask anyone in this position and they’ll probably tell you something like…”My job is 95% marketing myself and running a business…5% actually taking photos!”

2). Lead/Associate Photographer

An associate photographer works for a studio owner (sometimes just another photographer themselves!), taking on assignments on behalf of the other studio. This might be for weddings, elopements, or other types of events or session work. 

Generally speaking, this is a role that is paid by the hour and work begins and ends with the actual shooting (so no additional things like photo editing or client communicating before/after the shoot, unless otherwise arranged). 

This role can provide a fairly steady income, valuable mentorship opportunities, and a chance to build a professional network, making it a great opportunity in it’s own right. 

3). Second Shooter

A “second shooter” is responsible for capturing complementary angles and assisting the lead photographer, especially during events like weddings and elopements. 

This position is ideal for newer photographers seeking experience, as it offers insight into professional workflows while expanding their portfolios. 

Many experienced photographers also pick up 2nd shooting jobs for some extra money, experience, community and, well, FUN! :)

4). Photography Assistant

Entry-level assistants help professional photographers by handling equipment, setting up lighting, and the like. This role offers invaluable learning experiences and opportunities to observe industry best practices firsthand.

If you are looking to get started as a photographer, this is an excellent starting point since it can effectively serve as an opportunity to shadow someone with more experience without the pressure of having to actually be a great photographer during an event!

After talking with many photographers over the years, there is a common enough trend we see where newcomers in the industry look for assisting and 2nd shooting jobs, then after getting some experience move on into lead associate roles or build a business of their own…where they go on to hire others to repeat the cycle!

Photography Industries and Job Opportunities

Since “being a photographer” and “finding a photography job” can mean a lot of things, we want to take a moment here to highlight some specific photography industry niches and talk about the different types of work you could end up doing. 

As you probably know, photography spans a wide range of industries, each with unique demands and potential rewards. Specializing in one or more of these fields can help photographers focus their efforts and hone their skills.

Wedding Photography Jobs

Known for its emotional and artistic demands, wedding photography is a lucrative field with high client expectations. This industry thrives during peak seasons, such as spring and fall in many parts of the world, with average rates ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per wedding in total compensation to the booking studio.

As a photographer “on the ground”, you’ll be responsible for a wide range of things to document during the day including prep by the couple, first looks, ceremonies, grip-and-grin candids, unique cultural traditions, dance parties, portraits, and much more. 

Event Photography Jobs

Event photographers cover a variety of occasions, including corporate events, conferences, concerts, and cultural events (like Batmitvah’s). This field requires adaptability and technical proficiency, with opportunities across corporate, entertainment, and non-profit sectors.

Elopement Photography Jobs

Elopements, often involving intimate and destination-based weddings, combine storytelling with travel photography. This growing niche requires photographers to be skilled in capturing both candid moments and scenic settings.

Portrait Photography Jobs

Portrait photographers cater to individuals, families, and professionals needing headshots. Success in this field depends on strong interpersonal skills and the ability to guide subjects during sessions.

Real Estate Photography Jobs

As the real estate market increasingly relies on digital listings, skilled photographers are in high demand for capturing properties. This field often involves advanced techniques, including drone and virtual tour photography.

In recent years, the demand for AirBNB photographers has increased significantly!

Commercial and Product Photography Jobs

Businesses need high-quality visuals for marketing materials, and photographers specializing in this area can earn premium rates. Success requires mastery of studio lighting and a keen understanding of branding requirements.

Contracted Jobs vs. Full-Time Employment in Photography

So now that we’ve covered the general industries you can find photography jobs in and the types of jobs you could have within them…it’s worth taking a quick look at legal classification. 

(Shudders!!)

Photography professionals often work in one of two primary job types (from a legal perspective): contracted jobs or full-time employment. 

Understanding the differences between these two options is essential for both photographers and studios.

Contracted Jobs

Contracted photography jobs are the most common in the photography industry. 

These roles involve working on a per-project or per-event basis, with photographers hired as independent contractors rather than employees at a company. 

Contracted jobs offer flexibility, allowing photographers to choose the projects they take on and often set their rates. This structure is ideal for photographers who want more control over their schedule and career direction, but it can also mean more inconsistent income and a lack of traditional employment benefits like healthcare or paid time off.

Full-Time Employment

Full-time photography positions are less common these days (though that wasn’t always the case), but can be found in certain niches, such as corporate photography departments, large studios, or media companies. These roles offer stability with regular income, benefits, and consistent work. However, full-time employment typically comes with less creative freedom, as photographers must adhere to the organization’s specific needs and schedules.

For most photographers and studios, contracted work provides the best balance of flexibility and opportunity. Platforms like ShootWith.Me are designed to support this model, connecting photographers with studios for contracted jobs that suit their expertise and availability.

Photography Job Pay - What Should I Expect?

Understanding the compensation landscape in photography is crucial for both photographers and studios. Earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as role, experience, location, and the nature of employment—whether contracted or full-time.

As a starting point, let’s look at some Industry-Wide Compensation Data right from the US government. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, photographers earned a median annual wage of $40,760. This translates to approximately $19.60 per hour. 

However, these figures encompass a broad range of photography roles and do not account for the variability in freelance or contracted work. 

Average Contracted Rates on ShootWith.Me

On platforms like ShootWith.Me, where photographers can easily set their own rates as a part of their profile, we have seen the following average hourly earnings emerge over the years:

• Lead/Associate Photographers: Approximately $100 per hour.
• Second Shooters: Around $45 per hour.
• Assistants: About $15 per hour.

These rates are influenced by factors such as geographic location, individual experience, and the specific requirements of each assignment. 

For instance, photographers in metropolitan areas like Philadelphia or New York City may command higher rates compared to those in smaller markets.

Setting Competitive Rates

While ShootWith.Me allows photographers the flexibility to set their own rates, it's essential to consider the value proposition on offer and what a studio is actually looking for when they want to hire someone. 

Studios often evaluate the balance between cost and the quality of services provided.

For photographers, especially those newer to the platform or industry, setting a lower rate can enhance competitiveness and attract more opportunities. As you build your portfolio, gain experience and reviews, you can adjust your rates to reflect your growing expertise and the value you deliver.

Professional Photography Job Qualifications, Skills, and such

Getting a photography job (of any type) will be easier if you can check the box for the following things - 

Technical Skills

Photographers are expected to have a strong grasp of camera equipment, lighting techniques, and photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Visual storytelling and composition are equally important to stand out.

Soft Skills

Effective communication, time management, and creativity are crucial. Photographers must also adapt to varying conditions while maintaining a professional demeanor with clients and team members.

Many hiring studios rank a photographers personality and “vibe” as a major reason for hiring them - because they want good people who are going to treat their clients well to represent their brands!

Your Own Equipment

Most photography jobs will require that you have your own gear including camera bodies, lenses, flashes, and related things. 

There is no universal requirement but as an experienced wedding photographer, we’d look for someone with the following:

• Pro level camera body like the Canon R6
• Pro camera lenses at a range of focal lengths
• Reliable flash setups including on and off camera flashes
• Abundance of camera and flash batteries, SD cards, etc. 

Other Qualifications

While formal education, such as a photography degree or certification, can enhance credibility, a comprehensive portfolio often carries more weight in the industry. Business and marketing knowledge are also valuable, especially for freelancers and studio owners.

Where to Look for Photography Jobs Online

Finding photography jobs online is easier than ever, thanks to a wide range of platforms catering to different needs. Here are some of the best places to start:

Dedicated Photography Platforms 

• ShootWith.Me: A platform that connects photographers and studios, offering tailored job matches based on skills, availability, and location.  

Freelance Marketplaces 

• Upwork: A global platform where photographers can bid on projects ranging from portraits to commercial work.  
• Fiverr: Allows photographers to create service packages and attract clients for specialized photography needs.  
• Freelancer.com: Offers a wide range of photography and visual content jobs for international clients.  

Marketplaces like these may have some job opportunities for photographers, but they usually go to the lowest bidder. Just keep that in mind since if you are wanting to have more control over what you are charging for your photography services, you may not have as much luck with these.

Social Media Platforms

• Facebook Groups: Many local and niche groups exist specifically for posting photography jobs and networking. You can even join a ShootWith.Me run group here to get more tips and tricks for finding photographers to hire!
• Instagram: Showcase your portfolio and connect with potential clients using hashtags like photographyjobs or freelancephotographer.  
• LinkedIn: A professional platform where you can network with industry professionals and apply for job postings directly.

While some people have success through social media, that success can often be hard to replicate time-and-again. 

If you’re in a pinch and need to hire a photographer fast, ShootWith.Me provides hiring tools that make it so much easier to find someone who is also going to be trustworthy and reputable. 

Job Boards and Aggregators  

• Indeed: A broad job search site that aggregates listings, including photography roles, from various sources.  
• LinkedIn Jobs: Provides a professional context for job hunting and networking in one place.  
• Glassdoor: Offers detailed job listings with company reviews to help photographers evaluate potential employers. 

While you can find a photography job using these platforms, generally these will be for full and part time employee positions with national chain companies or as a part of a marketing role at a company. 

Local and Regional Resources  

If you’re looking for photography jobs near you (and aren’t on ShootWith.Me yet), some more “out of the box” solutions would be things like - 

Check with local photography associations, community boards, or regional wedding planning groups for job postings.  Many local chambers of commerce also post job opportunities for photographers needed at community events.

As with most things, using a dedicated platform will help you get better results, which is why we built ShootWith.Me to bring studios and talented photographers together easily. ShootWith.Me has studio and talent users all around the USA including major metros like Philadelphia, New York City, Boston and more. 

Leveraging ShootWith.Me to Find Photography Jobs

ShootWith.Me connects photographers with job opportunities and studios with skilled professionals. The platform simplifies the hiring process, ensuring studios can find the right talent while photographers access relevant gigs.

For photographers, creating a professional profile, uploading a polished portfolio, and setting competitive rates are key steps. Studios can benefit by posting detailed job listings, browsing profiles, and verifying credentials—all within the platform.

Learn how to optimize your ShootWith.Me profile to help get more job offers!

Quick Tips for Success in Your Photography Job Search

Success in the photography industry requires a mix of skill, persistence, and strategy. Once you find some photography jobs, it becomes a lot easier to catapult yourself to ongoing success. 

Here are some tips to help you thrive:

Build a Strong Online Presence

A professional website and active social media profiles are essential for showcasing your work and attracting clients. Consistent branding across platforms enhances credibility. This is going to be especially true if you want to operate your own photography business.

If you are just wanting to get hired as an assistant, 2nd shooter, or lead associate photographer - setting up a ShootWith.Me profile and completing it with a great bio, portfolio, etc. will give you a leg up to add more jobs to your calendar. 

Network Effectively

Attending industry events (like WPPI in Las Vegas), joining photography associations, and engaging in online communities can open doors to new opportunities. Networking also helps build lasting professional relationships.

Join the ShootWith.Me User Group on Facebook to get access to other photographers like you!

Continuously Improve Skills

Invest in workshops, online courses, and new equipment to stay ahead of industry trends. Constant learning ensures you remain competitive.

Create a Standout Portfolio  

Your portfolio should showcase diverse, high-quality work that reflects your unique style. Regular updates with recent projects keep it relevant and engaging.

Conclusion

Finding the right photography jobs or hiring the best talent requires a strategic approach. By understanding the industry landscape, building a strong professional presence, and leveraging tools like ShootWith.Me, photographers and studios can achieve their goals.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, success comes from more than just taking great photos. It’s about building relationships, staying adaptable, and continuously growing your craft.

Take your next step today! 

Join ShootWith.Me and explore new opportunities for your photography journey!