Photo Editor Jobs
What does a Photo Editor do?
A Photo Editor reviews and curates large volumes of images, selects the strongest shots for publication or campaign use, and performs retouching, color correction, and compositing to bring images to final deliverable quality. They work closely with photographers, art directors, and creative teams to ensure every image meets technical specifications and visual style guidelines. Day-to-day work involves operating in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, managing digital asset libraries, and preparing files for both print and digital output across editorial, advertising, or e-commerce contexts.
Key responsibilities
- Select and cull images from shoots to identify hero and supporting assets
- Retouch portraits and product images including skin retouching, background cleanup, and compositing
- Perform color correction and color grading to ensure consistency across image sets
- Manage and organize digital asset libraries using DAM software
- Prepare and export final files to spec for print, web, and social media
- Collaborate with photographers and art directors to align on visual direction
Skills & tools
Education & background
Portfolio and demonstrated technical skills are typically prioritized; a degree or certificate in photography, visual arts, or digital media is common but not universally required.
Career path
Can specialize into Senior Photo Editor, Digital Imaging Specialist, or Art Director; freelance and contract paths are common alongside staff roles.
Salary
Photo Editor jobs
