School and Sports Photographer

Signature Images; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Signature Images in Arizona is seeking a School & Sports Photographer to cover school picture days and youth sports across the East Valley. You will work with students, coaches, and families to deliver high-quality images, manage equipment, and support on-site workflows.

The role offers flexible hours, hands-on training, and opportunities to grow with a locally owned studio that serves schools and communities throughout Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Comfortable working with children, teenagers, coaches, teachers, and parents.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout the East Valley.
• Ability to lift and carry photography equipment (up to 40 lbs).
• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods.
• Organized, punctual, and dependable.
• Ability to pass a background check for school environments.

Responsibilities

• Photograph students during school picture days at elementary, middle, and high schools.
• Pose students efficiently while creating natural expressions and smiles.
• Maintain consistent image quality, framing, and exposure standards.
• Assist with student organization and workflow to keep picture day on schedule.
• Work closely with school staff and administrators to provide a positive experience.
• Photograph individual athlete portraits and team photos for youth leagues, schools, and sports organizations.
• Organize teams quickly and efficiently for large group photographs.
• Work with coaches and league officials to keep events running smoothly.
• Create a fun and engaging experience for athletes of all ages.
• Set up and break down professional lighting, backdrops, and camera systems.
• Transport and handle photography equipment safely and professionally.
• Troubleshoot basic equipment issues in the field.
• Follow established workflows for image capture, file management, and data accuracy.
• Represent Signature Images professionally at all schools, leagues, and events.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

People skills

Reliability

Physical stamina

Team player

Photography experience

Travel readiness

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

School & Sports Photographer – Signature Images (East Valley, AZ)

Position Overview

Signature Images is a locally owned photography company specializing in school portraits, youth sports photography, and senior portraits throughout the East Valley and Phoenix metro area. We are seeking energetic, dependable photographers who enjoy working with students, athletes, coaches, and families while delivering exceptional image quality in a fast-paced environment.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with people, thrive in a team environment, and want to be part of Arizona's premier school and sports photography company.

What You'll Do

School Photography (Fall & Spring Seasons)

• Photograph students during school picture days at elementary, middle, and high schools
• Pose students efficiently while creating natural expressions and smiles
• Maintain consistent image quality, framing, and exposure standards
• Assist with student organization and workflow to keep picture day running on schedule
• Work closely with school staff and administrators to provide a positive experience

Sports Photography (Year-Round)

• Photograph individual athlete portraits and team photos for youth leagues, schools, and sports organizations
• Organize teams quickly and efficiently for large group photographs
• Work with coaches and league officials to keep events running smoothly
• Create a fun and engaging experience for athletes of all ages

Equipment & Operations

• Set up and break down professional lighting, backdrops, and camera systems
• Transport and handle photography equipment safely and professionally
• Troubleshoot basic equipment issues in the field
• Follow established workflows for image capture, file management, and data accuracy
• Represent Signature Images professionally at all schools, leagues, and events

Qualifications

Required

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Comfortable working with children, teenagers, coaches, teachers, and parents
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout the East Valley
• Ability to lift and carry photography equipment (up to 40 lbs.)
• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods
• Organized, punctual, and dependable
• Ability to pass a background check for school environments

Preferred

• Photography experience (portrait, school, sports, event, or studio)
• Experience working with youth sports organizations
• Experience working with children and large groups
• Basic understanding of camera operation and lighting equipment

Schedule

Fall School Portrait Season (July – November)

Consistent weekday work

• Early morning starts common
• High-volume schedule with significant opportunities for hours

Sports & League Photography

• Some evenings and weekends
• Seasonal team and league picture days throughout the year

General

• Flexible scheduling based on availability
• Opportunities for increased hours during peak seasons

Pay & Benefits

Competitive hourly pay based on experience

• Paid training and hands-on photography instruction
• Mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel
• Opportunities for advancement with a growing photography studio
• Fun, supportive team environmentWork with professional photography equipment and experienced photographers

Service Area

Schools, sports leagues, and athletic facilities throughout Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, and surrounding East Valley communities.

Why Join Signature Images?

At Signature Images, we're more than photographers—we create memories for thousands of students and athletes every year. If you enjoy working with kids, sports, schools, and being part of a positive team culture, we'd love to meet you.