Photographer job description.
A Photographer captures still images for commercial, editorial, event, or creative purposes using cameras, lighting, and post-production tools. They plan shoots, direct subjects, and edit final images to meet client or brand specifications and deadlines.
The Photographer job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Photographer Reports to: Creative Director or Marketing Manager
A Photographer captures still images for commercial, editorial, event, or creative purposes using cameras, lighting, and post-production tools. They plan shoots, direct subjects, and edit final images to meet client or brand specifications and deadlines.
- Plan and set up photo shoots, including lighting, composition, and equipment
- Photograph subjects for events, products, portraits, or editorial assignments
- Edit and retouch images using photo editing software
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Creative Director or Marketing Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Plan and set up photo shoots, including lighting, composition, and equipment
- Photograph subjects for events, products, portraits, or editorial assignments
- Edit and retouch images using photo editing software
- Manage and organize digital photo libraries and file archives
- Collaborate with clients, art directors, or marketing teams on creative vision
- Scout and prepare shoot locations or studio setups
- Maintain and troubleshoot camera and lighting equipment
- Deliver final images within agreed timelines and formats
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Portfolio demonstrating technical and creative photography skill
- Proficiency with camera equipment and photo editing software
- 2+ years of professional photography experience
- Strong understanding of lighting, composition, and color
- Degree or certificate in photography or visual arts
- Experience with a specific niche (product, event, or portrait photography)
- Videography or motion graphics skills
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Photographer job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Photographer job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Creative Director or Marketing Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Should employers require a portfolio for this role?
- Yes, a portfolio is the standard way to evaluate a photographer's technical skill and style before hiring.
- Is this typically a freelance or full-time role?
- Both are common; specify in the posting whether the position is salaried staff, contract, or project-based freelance work.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts for print and digital media that communicate brand messaging and engage target audiences.
Art Director
An Art Director leads the visual direction of creative projects, from concept through final execution.
Creative Director
A Creative Director leads the creative vision and execution across marketing, brand, and design projects.
This Photographer job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.