Senior Photo Specialist

HYBE AMERICAS; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company 401(k) match up to 5%

Flexible paid time off

FSA

Life insurance

Wellhub membership access

Job summary

HYBE AMERICAS is seeking a Senior Photo Specialist to capture authentic, BTS moments of the label’s artists. The role emphasizes real-time on-tour photography, backstage access, and candid visual storytelling, while supervising retouching and ensuring brand-aligned releases.

Based in Santa Monica with a hybrid schedule (in-office 3 days/week, remote 2 days/week), the ideal candidate has 5+ years in music photography, a strong portfolio of BTS moments, and expert skills in Photoshop and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional photography and retouching in music/entertainment.
• Strong ability to earn trust and maintain discretion with high-profile talent.
• Advanced proficiency in Photoshop and Lightroom with fast-turnaround editing.

Responsibilities

• Capture BTS and unscripted moments on tour, backstage, and in rehearsals.
• Produce individual and group artist portraits in fast-paced environments and studios.
• Oversee high-speed retouching and asset delivery for social and digital use.
• Gatekeep artist imagery and ensure adherence to brand guidelines.

Skills

Photojournalism

Portrait photography

Retouching

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom

On-set collaboration

Travel with artists

Video capture

Tools

Camera bodies (Sony/Canon/Leica)

Speedlights/lighting

Job description

HYBE AMERICAS, a subsidiary of HYBE Corp., is a leading global entertainment and media company at the intersection of music, film, television, technology, brands, culture and social good. HYBE AMERICAS drives innovation across the entertainment landscape through its diverse portfolio, including Blue Highway Records, the publishing company Big Machine Music and Quality Control Music in the U.S., and HYBE’s labels in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market. The company represents a powerhouse roster of global artists spanning multiple genres and cultures. With headquarters in Los Angeles, HYBE AMERICAS creates synergistic opportunities for artists, businesses, and brands through its integrated approach to talent development, content creation, and technological innovation that transcends industries.

At HYBE, we believe in the power of music and foster a culture built on Passion, Autonomy, and Trust.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Art Director (Evergreen Content & Social Series), the Senior Photo Specialist is the primary photographer responsible for capturing authentic, behind‑the‑scenes (BTS), and unscripted visual moments of the label’s artists. Rather than focusing on staged campaign shoots, this role captures real‑time life on tour, backstage, during promotional schedules, and in rehearsal settings. Building deep trust with artists to create a comfortable environment is vital to this role. Additionally, as the visual authority on artist imagery, this person oversees high‑speed retouching and acts as the official gatekeeper for all artist photo releases across internal departments and external brand partners.

This is a full‑time, hybrid role based in our Santa Monica office, with in‑person collaboration 3 days per week and remote work 2 days per week. Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Los Angeles area at their own expense prior to their start date - we are not offering relocation assistance for this role, though it may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis for select candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Capture fast‑paced, unscripted, and authentic behind‑the‑scenes photography on tour, during promotional appearances, rehearsals, and backstage events.
• Compose and shoot dynamic individual portraits, duo, trio, and full group artist photos in fast‑moving, real‑time environments and studio environments
• Maintain a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere on set and off‑stage to earn the trust of artists, enabling candid and authentic visual storytelling.

High‑Speed Retouching & Asset Delivery

• Execute expert, fast‑turnaround photo selection, color grading, skin/image retouching, and export for immediate social media and digital deployment.
• Retouch and polish official campaign or third‑party photography when needed, leveraging deep familiarity with the artists’ personal aesthetic and visual standards.

Artist Imagery Gatekeeping & Quality Control

• Function as the primary reviewer and approval gatekeeper for all artist photography submitted by external brand partners, non‑creative departments, and media outlets prior to public release.
• Enforce strict visual quality control to ensure all outgoing photos honor artist brand guidelines, flattering lighting, and proper retouching standards.

Touring & Image Management

• Travel extensively with artists on domestic and international tours, promotional junkets, and appearances, managing on‑the‑go shooting, data offloading, and backup workflows.
• Organize and maintain an easily accessible, structured digital asset library of all raw and retouched artist photography.
• Proficient in shooting and editing video, particularly BTS, short‑form, and socially native content.
• Able to move fluidly between still photography and video capture as production needs require.
• Collaborate with and support the social video content team, capturing supplemental or additional video content when needed.
• Strong understanding of the visual language, shooting styles, formats, and pacing native to social platforms.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional photography and retouching experience, with a focus on music tour photojournalism, editorial BTS, entertainment, or portraiture.
• Proven track record of building trust, maintaining discretion, and creating a safe, comfortable environment when working closely with artists and high‑profile talent.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, with demonstrated expertise in skin retouching, color grading, lighting adjustment, and fast‑turnaround editing workflows.
• Expert operational knowledge of digital cinema/mirrorless camera bodies (Sony, Canon, Leica, Blackmagic), speedlights/portable lighting, and mobile file transfer systems.
• A compelling portfolio demonstrating candid BTS moments, group/individual artist portraits, live music capture, and before‑and‑after retouching examples.
• Proven ability to shoot, edit, and deliver publication‑ready photos within tight hours‑long deadlines.
• Full willingness and ability to travel continuously with artists for extended periods.

Don't match every skill listed? Almost nobody does! Think you're a good fit anyway? Please let us know.

Salary Range

The salary range for this job is $95,000 to $125,000. This is a good faith effort at the time of posting. This range is base salary only and does not include benefits and any other compensatory components of the role.

Why Join Us

At HYBE Americas, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the voice and reputation of one of the most dynamic and innovative companies in global entertainment. You’ll work with some of the world’s most exciting artists and help tell the stories that define culture. We back our passion for music with benefits that take care of you, so you can bring your best to the work that inspires millions.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company 401(k) match up to 5%
• Flexible paid time off
• FSA
• Life insurance
• Wellhub membership that gives you access to gyms and fitness studios