How to hire a product photographer

How to hire a product photographer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step product photographer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a product photographer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new product photographer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The product photographer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect product photographer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of product photographers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Product Photographer	Description	Hourly rate
   Product Photographer	Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images that tell a story or record an event.	$11-28
   Freelance Video Editor	A freelance video editor offers video editing services to individuals and businesses. Most freelance video editors manage their own time and work at their preferred places, some even working from home... Show more	$15-43
   Freelance Videographer/Editor	A freelance videographer/editor is responsible for processing and editing video contents, usually on a project basis. Freelance videographer/editors create their footage using their shooting equipment, utilize various design and editing software, and finish the project based on the clients' specifications and deliverables... Show more	$16-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Adobe Photoshop
   • Photograph Products
   • Product Images
   • Quality Images
   • Color Correction
   • Art Direction
   • Adobe Lightroom
   • DSLR
   • Graphic Design
   • Digital Images
   • Mac
   • Photo Shoots
   • Photo Studio
   • Digital Photography

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage post and add editorial photos to the company Facebook page.
   • Manage assistants and stylist teams to ensure timely completion of brand-appropriate studio photography.
   • Photograph products for catalog using studio lighting, DSLR and background.
   • Table top, fashion models, jewelry, furniture, etc.
   • Film scanners used include those make by Imacon, Nikon, and Epson.
   • Photograph new and used vehicles for Motorwerks of Barrington using DSLR camera and equipment.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your product photographer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A product photographer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, product photographers' average salary in iowa is 62% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level product photographers 61% less than senior-level product photographers.
   • Certifications. A product photographer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a product photographer's salary.

   Average product photographer salary

   $37,701yearly

   $18.13 hourly rate

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   Entry-level product photographer salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a product photographer job description

   A product photographer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a product photographer job description:

   Product photographer job description example

   Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform to ignite and harness the passions of fans and maximize the presence and reach for hundreds of partners globally. Optimizing these long-standing partnerships, a database of more than 80 million global consumers and a trusted, recognizable brand name, Fanatics is expanding beyond its position as a global leader for licensed sports merchandise to now becoming a next-gen digital sports platform, featuring an array of offerings for fans across the sports ecosystem.
   
   The Fanatics family of companies currently includes Fanatics Commerce, a vertically-integrated licensed merchandise business that has changed the way fans purchase their favorite team apparel, jerseys, headwear and hardgoods through a tech-infused approach to making and quickly distributing fan gear in today's 24/7 mobile-first economy; Candy Digital, a digital collectibles company that is partnering with prominent sports properties, including MLB and MLBPA, to build an official NFT ecosystem; Fanatics Collectibles, a transformative company that is building a new model for the hobby and giving collectors an end-to-end collectibles experience; and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, a mobile betting, gaming and retail sportsbook platform. Additional ventures that will build out Fanatics' footprint across the broader digital sports landscape will be rolled out soon. Fanatics' partners include all major professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, PGA) and hundreds of collegiate and professional teams, which include several of the biggest global soccer clubs.
   
   As a market leader with more than 8,000 employees, and hundreds of partners, suppliers, and vendors worldwide, we take responsibility for driving toward more ethical and sustainable practices. We are committed to building an inclusive Fanatics community, reflecting and representing society at every level of the business, including our employees, vendors, partners and fans. Fanatics is also dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where we all live, work, and play through strategic philanthropic initiatives.
   
   At Fanatics, we're a diverse, passionate group of employees aiming to ignite pride and passion in the fans we outfit, celebrate and support. We recognize that diversity helps drive and foster innovation, and through our IDEA program (inclusion, diversity, equality and advocacy) at Fanatics we provide employees with tools and resources to feel connected and engaged in who they are and what they do to support the ultimate fan experience.
   
   As a Fanatics Product Photographer, you will be responsible for photographing a wide range of products that will be featured on our websites. You'll use your strong attention to detail, solid work ethic and creative nature on a daily basis. These traits help ensure that you're meeting the needs and industry-leading standards of our diverse and fast-paced business. Using the strength of your technical knowledge and experience, you'll be able to navigate your way through multiple projects and photography scenarios. Our teams unwavering desire to learn and do more will be the foundation that keeps our business strong, growing and ready for the future.
   
   Your responsibilities include: Product styling and photography based on image standards with emphasis on quality and consistency. Minimizing the need for post-production handling by consistently capturing the highest quality image possible.Understanding of continuous lighting photography and ability to work with various tethering software.Capture the uniqueness and important features of products. Perform in a production based environment while partnering with product line managers and digital imaging assistants.Being able to absorb constructive feedback in order to provide the best quality image and expedite turnaround times.
   
   You're a Fanatic because you're:Passionate for product photography and wardrobe styling, as well as retail merchandising.Able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume studio environment and interpret creative direction.Able to understand the importance of meeting and surpassing creative standards.Driven and can independently manage and maintain individual workflow.Able to contribute to the timely achievement of team goals.Able to enjoy working on a diverse team and collaborating across multiple workgroups and areas of focus.Able to take initiative, identify and prioritize workload efficiencies, and recognize opportunities Focused on your work ethic that centers punctuality, dependability and a sense of urgency in the face of multiple deadlines and goals.
   
   We're excited about you because you have: 2 year's experience in photo studio environment preferred. A professional photography portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge of digital photography including lighting, composition, color quality and aesthetics across an array of environments, including editorial, catalog and e-commerce.Proficiency at, and maintain a current working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud.Knowledge of, and practical experience with professional photography equipment, studio lighting practices, and professional lighting equipment.Working understanding of photography workflows and file delivery practices.Superb communication skills, both verbal and written.Are a self-starter, with a strong sense of teamwork in a fast-paced, high volume, deadline -driven environment. The ability to lift and carry 25+ lbs. The ability to perform frequent movements such as standing, walking, repetitive finger, hand and wrist motions, as well as bending, stooping, reaching, squatting, and kneeling.A flexible schedule during peak times of the year.
   
   We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity and inclusivity at Fanatics. Our commitment to inclusion drives us forward every day; across all races, gender, gender identities, age, sexual orientation, religion & spiritual beliefs, neurodiversity, disability and all identities of our people both current and future. If you have any requirement(s) for reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, and/or to perform essential job functions, please contact us.
   
   Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don't fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics or Fanatics Brand email address. For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers
   
   Tryouts are open at Fanatics! Our team is passionate, talented, unified, and charged with creating the fan experience of tomorrow. The ball is in your court now.
   
   Fanatics is committed to responsible planning and purchasing (RPP) practices, working with its business partners across its global and multi-layered supply chain, to ensure that planning, sourcing, and purchasing decisions, along with other supporting processes, do not impede or conflict with the fulfillment of Fanatics' fair labor practices.
   NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS/APPLICANTS: In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to or describes you (“Personal Information”). The categories of Personal Information that we collect include your name, government issued identification number(s), email address, mailing address, other contact information, emergency contact information, employment history, educational history, criminal record, and demographic information. We collect and use those categories of Personal Information about you for human resources and other business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating you as a candidate for potential or future employment or other types of positions, recordkeeping in relation to recruiting and hiring, conducting criminal background checks as permitted by law, conducting analytics, and ensuring compliance with applicable legal requirements and Company policies.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find product photographers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your product photographer job on Zippia to find and recruit product photographer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit product photographers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new product photographer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the product photographer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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