Live Action Photographer

DanceBUG; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 27,675 - 73,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training (January & February 2026)

Equipment stipend ($700)

All travel, accommodation covered

Paid travel time

Job summary

A leading dance media company seeks experienced Live Action Photographers to capture dynamic performances across the U.S. The role involves photographing events, managing image backups, and traveling nationwide. Candidates should have over 3 years in photography, proficiency with manual camera settings, and commitment to long production days. Compensation ranges from $150 to $400 per day, with all expenses covered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action).
• Valid U.S. driver’s license & airport proximity (within 1 hour).
• Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check.

Responsibilities

• Photograph live dance performances in low-light and stage lighting conditions.
• Adjust exposure, ISO, and white balance on the fly for optimal results.
• Manage and back up images using DanceBUG’s software tools.
• Upload or ship event media as required.
• Communicate with on-site team and managers.
• Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events.

Skills

Event photography

Manual camera settings

Adaptability under changing light

Long production days

Tools

DSLR or mirrorless cameras

Photography lenses

Memory cards

Batteries and charger

Job description

Overview

DanceBUG is the industry leader in Dance Media and Software, celebrating 25 years of innovation serving the dance community. We capture tens of thousands of performances annually and provide studios with top-tier photography, videography, streaming, and competition software.

Live Action Photographer

Duration: February – May 2026
Location: Nationwide travel across the U.S.
Compensation: $150-$400 Per Day + ALL Expenses

About DanceBUG

DanceBUG is the industry leader in Dance Media and Software, celebrating 25 years of innovation serving the dance community. We capture tens of thousands of performances annually and provide studios with top-tier photography, videography, streaming, and competition software.

🌐 Learn more about us

The Role

We’re seeking experienced event or sports photographers to capture dynamic dance performances across the country. You’ll travel to dance competitions and recitals, work in fast-paced lighting environments, and deliver professional images that highlight each dancer’s best moments.

What You’ll Do

• Photograph live dance performances in low-light and stage lighting conditions

• Adjust exposure, ISO, and white balance on the fly for optimal results

• Manage and back up images using DanceBUG’s software tools

• Upload or ship event media as required

• Communicate with on-site team and managers

• Travel nationwide by car or plane to assigned events. (DanceBUG will provide car/flights)

Requirements

• 3+ years as a Photographer (event, sports, concert, theatre, or live action)

• Skilled with manual camera settings under changing light

• Comfortable working long production days

• Valid U.S. driver’s license & airport proximity (within 1 hour)

• Clear criminal background & vulnerable sector check

Equipment Needed

• 2 professional DSLR or mirrorless bodies (Canon, Nikon, or Sony only)

• 2 of the following lenses (F2.8 preferred): 24–70 mm, 24–105 mm, 24–120 mm, 70–200 mm

• 4+ memory cards (≥ 64 GB each), 2+ batteries & charger, monopod

Perks & Pay

• 💰 $150-$400 per day

• ✈️ All travel, accommodation (single room), and transport covered

• 🕓 Travel time is paid

• 🎓 Paid training (January & February 2026)

• 💼 Equipment stipend ($700)

Key Dates

Virtual Training: 4 hours per week in January.
On-Site Training: 2 events in January & February
Priority Weekends: Feb 27–Mar 1, Mar 6–8, Mar 13–15, Mar 20–22, Mar 27–29; Apr 10–12, Apr 17–19, Apr 24–26; May 1–3, May 8–10, May 15–17

Additional events run through July for interested photographers.