Photo Editor Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the photo editor job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

(You will be able to download the photo editor job description template in pdf below.)

It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the photo editor role by most employers.

What Does a Photo Editor Do?

A photo editor is responsible for enhancing the appearance of photos or images in newspapers, magazines, books, websites, and other publications.

He or she is usually responsible for selecting and preparing photos and is usually employed by a variety of publications.

In other words, a photo editor refers to one whose profession is to review, select, and carrying out editing tasks on photos to meet the need, requirements, and/or specifications of their employer.

Some of the tasks a photo editor usually carry out include editing and positioning pictures, posting photos on the web, and overseeing and managing other team members.

They approve images for publication and ensure that editing projects are completed within given deadlines.

A photo editor is also assigned the responsibility of coordinating with the editor and other team members to identify photography needs, assigning projects to photographers, reviewing photos, and making necessary changes.

They are also responsible for handling communications with other departments within an organization to coordinate the type and quantity of photos needed, which may be photos that correspond with a story or website.

Their duties also include carrying out any necessary and relevant editing that is suitable for photos, such as color correction.

It is also another important duty of a photo editor to develop story or content ideas to upload on the web, social media, or any other digital platform.

They are expected to present their stories to the management or necessary department for approval before proceeding to the production stage.

Photo editors are also expected to incorporate feedback from co-workers, potential stakeholders, clients, and/or the management into a single cohesive design.

They may work together with other editors on certain projects and oversee, supervise, and coordinate the work of reporters when necessary.

It is also important that a photo editor ensures that all photo editing projects and/or tasks are carried out in adherence to the style guide, correct formatting, and consistent use of language within a document.

Depending on the organization he or she works for, a photo editor may also be assigned to review, rewrite, and carry out necessary editing to the works of other writers.

To work as a photo editor, individuals should possess certain skills and qualities that are important to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of photo editing.

These include adequate knowledge of computer imaging, photographic techniques, studio management and color composition, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Others include creativity, ability to pay particular attention to details, leadership skills, excellent time management skills, strong interpersonal skills, editing skills, and analytical skills.

In terms of academic qualifications required to become a photo editor, a Bachelor’s degree in fields like Photography, Visual Arts, or Digital Media is usually needed.

Several years of professional experience in photo editing and a strong portfolio is also preferred by most employers when recruiting for the role.

Photo Editor Job Description Example/Sample/Template

The photo editor job description usually consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Working collaboratively with other editors and team members to determine and identify photography needs
• Assigning tasks to photographers, supervising, and ensuring project deadlines are met
• Reviewing and examining photos/images to determine which ones are ready for publication
• Ensuring that all photo equipment is used appropriately and supplies are ordered as required
• Manipulating and editing photos with the proper tools to ensure that the highest quality is achieved
• Staying up-to-date with the latest/current image editing technologies and techniques.

Download photo editor job description template (pdf)

Photo Editor Job Description for Resume

If you have worked previously in the role of a photo editor or presently working in that position and are making a new resume or CV, then you can apply the photo editor job description example above in crafting the Professional Experience part of the resume.

You can highlight the duties and responsibilities you carried out or currently performing as a photo editor in your Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the above job description sample.

This will serve as a proof to the employer that you have been effective performing the role of a photo editor, which can greatly boost your resume and increase your chances of being hired for the new job, especially if it requires someone with some photo editing work experience.

Photo Editor Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

Here are important requirements, including skills, knowledge, and abilities that you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the photo editor position by most organizations:

• Computer proficiency and solid familiarity with digital technology and photo editing software, such as Photoshop, Pixlr, and Affinity Photo
• Excellent communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills, since a photo editor must liaise with other editors and team members, and he or she must also be able to present his or her story ideas effectively
• Creativity and a detail-oriented and analytical mind, as these enable a photo editor to review his or her works, as well as that of other writers, and make necessary corrections
• Excellent time management skills, since a photo editor must complete projects within stipulated deadlines
• Several years of proven work experience as a photo editor, as well as a strong portfolio
• A Bachelor’s degree in Photography, Visual Arts, or Digital Media, or in a relevant or related field.

Conclusion

The role played by a photo editor in the media industry is huge as they solve the problem of what photos will be used and how they will complement the text they accompany.

This post is helpful to individuals who are interested in the photo editor career and want to know the duties they commonly perform.

It is also beneficial to employers in making a job description for the photo editor role for their companies or organizations.

They can apply the photo editor job description template provided on this page.