I have not once gotten an interview, much less a job, from a big job board like Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, etc. I'm sure most of you know this, but if you're looking for work and only looking on these websites you are most likely just wasting a lot of your time and energy. Especially with a lot of companies (and these large job platforms) now beginning to use AI-based algorithms in the hiring process, the likelihood of your resume and cover letter, that you have painstakingly personalized, even being seen by an actual person are slim.
The solution is searching smaller, niche job boards that cater to photographers and creatives. Companies looking for creatives like to advertise exclusively through these smaller job boards or newsletters in lieu of the bigger job platforms in order to attract a more targeted and highly qualified audience. Before making the leap to work on Feature Shoot full-time, I was a photo editor, and I got my last position through InaNet, a very specialized newsletter that sends out jobs for photography professionals, designers, and other creatives.
The good news is that there are a lot of these platforms out there. Some of them are hard to find, and some are better than others, but we decided to make life a little easier for you by compiling a list of 22 of our favorites that regularly feature new and updated job listings for photographers. Some of the platforms on our list are exclusive (you have to apply and fit their criteria to get on the list), some are free, and some you have to pay a monthly fee to become a member. Whether you’re interested in local news, high-end product photography, or a gallery job, chances are there’s a platform (and hopefully a job!) out there for you right now.
For instance: as of this moment, MoMA is hiring a collections photographer to document their artworks. GQ is seeking a visuals editor to oversee all aspects of editorial photo shoot production (shooting experience is a bonus) also in NYC, and many publications are looking for photo editors.
How and where did you last find your job in photography? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
The Dots connects businesses with creatives, with an emphasis on creativity and inclusion. It’s free to use. Head to their jobs board to find everything from full-time, part-time, remote, freelance, and internship opportunities. Current job openings include: a junior photographer at the V&A, a studio retoucher at New Look, and a commerce photo editor at Glamour.
The Dots’ Asks Hub is another place to find collaborators and to post (or respond to) opportunities by community members, ranging from paid work to volunteer and exciting collaboration opportunities.
Inside The Newsroom is run by Daniel Levitt, a journalist for The Wall Street Journal. They provide a jobs and internships board with more than 1,300 journalism jobs and internships in the US, UK, and Canada, including many photo positions. You’ll need a subscription to access everything, but you can preview new postings. Recent postings have included jobs for a news photojournalist at CBS and a UK photo assignment editor at Reuters.
Jamie’s List is a blog for photographers, multimedia and creative content providers, run by the COO and co-founder of Momenta Group, LLC. Here, you’ll find job postings, upcoming events, gallery openings, grant opportunities, and tons more. We recommend checking back regularly for updates. Recently posted: a deputy photo editor job at the Chicago Tribune.
This one’s specific to music professionals, including music photographers. “When we receive notice of an available opening, the job is posted to the site, and members are alerted via email that a new job is posted for viewing,” Bob Davis, the creator of Bobnet, tells us. “Those jobs are typically filled within a few days.
“We have posted many times for photographers (and videographers). Some are touring positions, traveling with bands. Some are static shoots, as needed.” Seeing the Job Posts on Bobnet requires a membership, and you need to be approved before you can join; check out the details here.