CPT Photographer Jobs
Photographer jobs on CPT let F-1 students apply studio, editorial, or commercial photography skills directly to their degree coursework. Your DSO must authorize each position before you start, and the work must tie to your enrolled program. Part-time CPT (under 20 hours weekly) keeps your OPT eligibility intact.
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Be part of an amazing story
Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about the excitement of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ve been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.
Job Overview
We are looking for students to participate in an 8-week full-time paid program. The students will have opportunities to experience all aspects of Content creation and production. All positions are in person at our Long Island City Photo and Content Studios. Please note that housing and transportation are not included.
- Reports To: Sr Mgr. Photography
- Program Start: June 1st, 2026
- Program End: July 24th, 2026
- New Hires Orientation: June 1st, 2026
- Rate: $20 p/hr. (4.5 days/8 weeks/full-time)
Job Responsibilities
- Collaborate closely with the Still Life photography team, gaining hands-on studio experience throughout the residency, with select opportunities to support fashion photography projects.
- Support the creative and technical execution of photography projects from concept to capture.
- Participate in pre-production meetings, learning the planning process behind successful shoots.
- Assist photo teams with post-production workflows and asset organization.
- Create and complete a collaborative capstone project to be showcased at the end of the residency.
Skills Summary
- Clear and confident communicator with a collaborative mindset.
- Self-motivated, curious, and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Foundational knowledge of digital photography, including SLR and medium format cameras.
- Experience working with Capture One and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Familiarity with studio lighting techniques using strobe and LED systems.
- Able to handle the physical demands of a working photo studio, including lifting equipment up to 25–50 lbs.
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.
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Get Access To All JobsPhotographer CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a freelance or gig-based photography contract qualify for CPT?
It can, but the arrangement must look like structured employment, not informal contracting. Your DSO needs a letter from the client or agency confirming the scope, schedule, and duration of the work. Vague project-based agreements without fixed hours or supervision often fail the integral curriculum test DSOs apply during authorization review.
Can I do CPT for a photography internship at a non-profit or arts organization?
Yes. Non-profits and arts organizations qualify as CPT employers the same way commercial studios do. What matters is that the work connects to your enrolled program and that the organization can provide a written offer letter and supervise your hours. E-Verify enrollment is required for employment verification, so confirm the organization is enrolled before accepting.
How do I find Photographer positions where employers already understand CPT?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way. It surfaces employers with documented F-1 work authorization history, which signals familiarity with CPT onboarding. Filtering by role and location shows you which studios and media companies have already hired international students, reducing the time you spend educating hiring managers about your authorization.
What job duties on a Photographer offer letter satisfy the CPT curriculum connection?
Duties that map directly to your coursework carry the most weight with DSOs. For a visual arts or communications student, lighting direction, post-production editing, art direction, and client consultation all qualify. Generic duties like 'assist with photography' without technical specificity are frequently flagged. Use O*NET's Photographer occupation profile to identify recognized duty language your DSO will recognize.
Does part-time CPT for a photography role affect my eligibility for STEM OPT later?
Part-time CPT, defined as fewer than 20 hours per week, has no effect on your OPT or STEM OPT eligibility regardless of how many semesters you use it. Only full-time CPT totaling 12 months or more eliminates OPT. Confirm your cumulative full-time hours with your DSO before each new authorization to stay below that threshold.