E-commerce Photographer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of online shopping, the role of e-commerce photographers is more critical than ever.

As e-commerce continues to grow, so too does the demand for skilled photographers who can capture, enhance, and present our digital merchandise in the most appealing light.

But what’s truly expected from an e-commerce photographer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of e-commerce photography,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable e-commerce photographer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

E-commerce Photographer Duties and Responsibilities

E-commerce Photographers use their expert knowledge of photography, lighting, and photo editing software to capture high-quality images of products for online retail.

Their skills play a critical role in influencing customer purchasing decisions and enhancing the overall brand image.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Working closely with marketing and product teams to understand the product and its key features
• Setting up appropriate lighting and backgrounds to highlight the product effectively
• Photographing products from various angles to provide customers with a comprehensive view
• Ensuring the images accurately represent the product
• Editing photographs using photo editing software to improve the quality and aesthetics
• Resizing, cropping and retouching the images as per the requirements of different e-commerce platforms
• Coordinating with graphic designers and content writers to create promotional materials
• Maintaining a digital portfolio, ensuring easy access to all photographs
• Keeping up-to-date with current industry trends and implementing them in their work
• Handling equipment with care and maintaining the inventory of photography props and tools

 

E-commerce Photographer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a talented and creative E-commerce Photographer to join our team.

The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail and a knack for creating product photography that will captivate customers and drive sales.

Responsibilities will include organizing and executing photoshoots, editing and retouching images, and maintaining an organized image library.

They must be proficient in photography techniques, including lighting, composition, and editing.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute product photoshoots
• Edit, retouch, and optimize images for web and print
• Maintain an organized image library
• Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure all images align with brand guidelines
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and implement changes as necessary
• Ensure all product images accurately represent the product
• Manage and maintain photography equipment

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a professional photographer, preferably in an e-commerce setting
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in product photography
• Proficiency in photo-editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop
• Understanding of lighting, composition, and other photography techniques
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Degree in Photography, Visual Arts, or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: E-commerce Photographer
• Work Environment: Studio setting with occasional travel for location shoots
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Creative Director or Marketing Manager
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an E-commerce Photographer Do?

E-commerce Photographers work predominantly for online retailers, independent sellers, or photography agencies that cater to e-commerce businesses.

They are responsible for capturing high-quality photos of the products being sold on an online platform.

These products could range from clothing and accessories to home goods, electronics, and more.

E-commerce Photographers not only take photos but also set up the product shots.

This includes arranging the products in a pleasing manner, setting up appropriate lighting, and selecting suitable backdrops to make the product stand out.

In addition to product photography, they might also perform lifestyle or model photography to showcase how a product is used in real-life situations.

Post-production tasks such as photo editing, color correction, and retouching are also part of an E-commerce Photographer’s job.

They use photo editing software to ensure the images are polished and appealing to potential customers.

E-commerce Photographers work closely with the marketing and product teams to ensure the photographs align with the brand’s identity and the product’s value proposition.

They are also responsible for keeping up to date with the latest photography trends and technologies to ensure the photographs they produce are competitive in the fast-paced e-commerce industry.

 

E-commerce Photographer Qualifications and Skills

E-commerce Photographers use a variety of technical skills, aesthetic sense, and industry knowledge to capture product images that attract consumers, including:

• Technical photography skills including lighting, composition, color balance and post-production editing to effectively capture product images for e-commerce platforms.
• Understanding of e-commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies to create images that draw consumer attention and drive sales.
• Proficiency in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance image quality and add necessary effects.
• Ability to work with a variety of products, understanding how to best showcase each one to appeal to the target market.
• Keen eye for detail to ensure product images are accurate and high quality, highlighting important features and details.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple photography projects at once, ensuring all product images are delivered on schedule.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients, understanding their specific vision and requirements for product images.
• Problem-solving skills to efficiently handle any technical or creative issues that arise during a shoot.

 

E-commerce Photographer Experience Requirements

The role of an E-commerce Photographer typically requires a combination of formal education and practical experience.

Many professionals in this field have a degree in photography or a related field, where they learn essential skills like lighting, composition, color theory, and digital editing.

Entry-level E-commerce Photographers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or freelance work in product or commercial photography.

They usually have a strong portfolio demonstrating their skills in product photography and image editing.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have a broad range of skills including planning and executing shoots, editing images using software like Adobe Photoshop, and managing digital asset libraries.

They may also have experience working with different types of products and understanding the specific needs of e-commerce businesses.

E-commerce Photographers with over 5 years of experience usually have developed their skills to a high degree and may have specialized in certain types of product photography.

They are also likely to have experience managing other photographers or coordinating with other departments like marketing or sales.

These seasoned professionals should have a robust portfolio that showcases a wide range of products and styles.

 

E-commerce Photographer Education and Training Requirements

E-commerce Photographers typically have a bachelor’s degree in Photography, Visual Arts, Graphic Design, or a related field.

They should have a strong background in digital photography and knowledge of using digital editing tools like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other similar software.

A strong portfolio showcasing their ability to capture, edit, and present product images in a visually appealing manner is often more important than formal education in this field.

Some E-commerce Photographers might also have a background in marketing or business, as understanding the market and the target audience can greatly enhance the effectiveness of product photographs.

While a master’s degree is not typically required, some photographers may choose to pursue further education in specialized areas of photography or business.

Certifications from recognized institutions or photography associations can also be beneficial, showcasing the individual’s advanced skills and dedication to their craft.

Internships or practical work experience, particularly in an e-commerce setting, would add considerable weight to a resume.

This demonstrates practical experience in staging product shoots, working with different lighting setups, and editing photos for online presentation.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest photography techniques, trends, and software is essential to remain competitive in the field of e-commerce photography.

 

E-commerce Photographer Salary Expectations

An E-commerce Photographer can expect to earn an average salary of $44,139 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income may differ based on factors such as the level of experience, expertise in specific types of photography, geographical location, and the e-commerce platform they work for.

 

E-commerce Photographer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an E-commerce Photographer need?

An E-commerce Photographer needs to possess technical skills such as understanding light, composition, and how to capture the product to make it appealing to the audience.

They should also be proficient in photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Additionally, they need to understand the e-commerce industry trends and consumer behaviour.

 

Do E-commerce Photographers need a degree?

While a degree in photography can be beneficial, it is not a mandatory requirement for an E-commerce Photographer.

What matters more is the photographer’s portfolio, which should showcase their ability to take high-quality photos that highlight the best features of the products.

However, having a degree or certification in photography or a related field can give a competitive edge.

 

What should you look for in an E-commerce Photographer’s portfolio?

A portfolio is a crucial part of an E-commerce Photographer’s application.

It should showcase their ability to take clear, well-lit photos that highlight the product’s features.

Look for a variety of photos that demonstrate the photographer’s versatility, such as lifestyle shots, product shots, and studio shots.

The portfolio should also show the photographer’s ability to work with different types of products and settings.

 

What qualities make a good E-commerce Photographer?

A good E-commerce Photographer is creative and has a keen eye for detail.

They should be able to visualize and execute photos that will highlight the product’s features and appeal to customers.

They should also be adaptable and able to work with different types of products and in different settings.

Furthermore, good E-commerce Photographers have strong communication skills to understand the client’s needs and deliver the desired results.

 

Is post-processing necessary for E-commerce Photography?

Yes, post-processing is a crucial part of E-commerce Photography.

It involves adjusting the colors, lighting, and other aspects of the photo to make the product look its best.

This can involve removing backgrounds, adding shadows for depth, or enhancing certain features of the product.

Most E-commerce Photographers use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom for post-processing.

 

Can E-commerce Photographers work remotely?

Yes, many E-commerce Photographers work remotely.

They can photograph products in their own studios and then send the images digitally to the client.

However, for some projects, photographers might need to travel to specific locations or work on-site.

The specifics would depend on the requirements of the individual job or project.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we have uncovered the essence of being an e-commerce photographer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about snapping photos.

It’s about capturing the allure of each product, one click at a time.

With our ultimate e-commerce photographer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap.

Why stop just there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool to engineer precise job listings or spruce up your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every picture clicked is a part of a grand vision.

Let’s create that vision. Together.

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