Photographer Jobs in California
Photographer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in entertainment, advertising, fashion, and editorial media, with openings at every level from studio assistant to senior commercial photographer. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the primary hiring centers, with studios like Getty Images, NBCUniversal, and Condé Nast maintaining a consistent presence across the state. The most in-demand specialties are commercial and advertising photography, editorial and photojournalism, and product photography for e-commerce. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are hiring an Automotive Inventory Photographer in Orange County to help service dealerships in Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, and Tustin
This is an outdoor, physically active job working at car dealerships, NOT a studio photography role.
You will be on your feet most of the day, moving vehicles, working outside, and capturing consistent photos for dealership inventory.
If you enjoy staying active, working with cars, and want a steady, reliable job, this is a great fit.
What You’ll Do:
- Walk dealership lots to locate vehicles needing photos
- Move and stage vehicles for photos
- Photograph vehicles for online listings (we provide training)
- Capture interior, exterior, and 360 videos
- Work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Complete approximately 15-30 vehicles per day
- Communicate with dealership staff on completed work
This Job Is GREAT For:
- Former porters, lot attendants, or detailers
- People who enjoy being active and working outdoors
- Individuals who prefer hands-on work vs. sitting at a desk
- Reliable workers looking for consistent, long-term employment
- Car enthusiasts or those interested in the automotive industry
This Job Is NOT For:
- Studio photographers or creative-only roles
- People looking for remote or flexible/gig work
- Anyone uncomfortable working outdoors or on their feet most of the day
- Applicants who are not dependable or consistent
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license (REQUIRED)
- Comfortable driving a variety of vehicles (manual is a plus)
- Reliable transportation to and from work
- Comfortable working outdoors full-time
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail
- Basic smartphone/tech skills
Pay & Schedule:
- Monday - Friday, approx 30 hours per week
- Typical Start time: 9AM. End time varies depending on day.
- $16.90–$24/hour equivalent (performance-based, paid per vehicle, with an hourly base)
- Consistent, year-round work
Before You Apply:
This is a fast-paced, outdoor role that requires reliability and strong work ethic.
If you’re someone who shows up on time, works hard, and takes pride in your work — we want to hear from you.
Wallbank LLC has been providing automotive inventory photography services for over 13 years across Southern California. We work 100+ dealership partners and are known for being reliable, efficient, and consistent.
Thank you
Wallbank, LLC
Website: www.wallbankllc.com
Pay: $16.90 - $24.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Are you comfortable working outdoors, on your feet most of the day?
- Are you comfortable driving a manual transmission? (not required, we just like to know ahead of time)
- Does a Monday-Friday schedule, approx 30 hours per week work for you?
License/Certification:
- Drivers License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
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Find Photographer JobsPhotographer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Photographer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Lifetouch46
- Mom3659
- Xcite Automotive6
- BCP3B
- DanceBUG3
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in photographer jobs across California.
- Professional portfolio demonstrating technical skill across commercial or editorial photography
- Proficiency with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for post-production editing
- Experience operating professional DSLR or mirrorless camera systems and studio lighting
- Ability to work on location across diverse California environments and production sets
- Strong communication skills for collaborating with art directors and creative teams
- Associate or bachelor's degree in photography, visual arts, or a related field
Photographer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a photographer in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as a photographer, so the path focuses on building a professional portfolio and gaining hands-on experience. Most employers expect a degree or certificate in photography, visual arts, or a related field from a California community college, art school, or university. Assisting established photographers, completing internships at production companies or editorial outlets, and building a focused portfolio in a specialty are the most consistent ways to enter the field professionally.
Which companies hire photographers in California?
Employers hiring photographers in California right now include Lifetouch, Mom365, and Xcite Automotive, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of entertainment studios, advertising agencies, and major e-commerce brands makes it one of the most consistent states for steady commercial and editorial photography work.
Which California cities have the most photographer jobs?
Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco have the most photographer openings in California. Los Angeles dominates due to its film, television, and advertising industries, while San Francisco draws demand from tech companies and editorial media, and San Diego generates steady work through lifestyle brands, biotech marketing, and tourism-focused commercial clients.
Are there remote photographer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 8% of photographer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the fact that most photography work requires physical presence on set, at locations, or in studio environments. The roles most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are retouching, photo editing, and creative direction positions where the work is primarily post-production.
How can I get hired as a photographer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is assisting a working photographer or joining an in-house photo team in a junior support role. Large California entertainment studios, e-commerce companies, and regional newspapers regularly hire photo assistants, digital technicians, and production assistants who build toward full photographer roles. Community colleges throughout the state offer photography certificates that carry weight with local employers, and a tightly edited portfolio focused on one specialty, such as product or portrait work, makes a stronger impression than a broad one.
Where can I find and apply to photographer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to photographer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state right now. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 134+ Photographer Jobs in California
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