Photo Editor (National Geographic)
The Walt Disney Company
Date: 13 hours ago
City: Washington, DC
Salary:
$78,200
-
$104,800
per year
Contract type: Full time

The Photo Editor plays a crucial role in shaping powerful and inspiring visual narratives that capture the essence of the natural world, history, science, and exploration. This position requires a deep passion for these subjects, combined with a sharp editorial eye and strong storytelling skills. The Photo Editor researches, curates, commissions, and produces imagery that not only meets high journalistic standards but also engages and moves audiences across print, digital, and social platforms. Collaborating closely with photographers, writers, and editors, the Photo Editor ensures every image contributes meaningfully to the narrative, reflecting National Geographic’s commitment to discovery, exploration and integrity.
This role demands not only technical skill but a deep, almost reverential passion for the world’s wonders: the untamed wilderness, the mysteries of ancient history, the intricate beauty of nature, and the boundless curiosity of science and exploration. With an artistic eye and storytelling skills, the Photo Editor curates and commissions images that do more than illustrate—they transport, inspire, and ignite a sense of wonder in every viewer.
Primary Responsibilities:
This role demands not only technical skill but a deep, almost reverential passion for the world’s wonders: the untamed wilderness, the mysteries of ancient history, the intricate beauty of nature, and the boundless curiosity of science and exploration. With an artistic eye and storytelling skills, the Photo Editor curates and commissions images that do more than illustrate—they transport, inspire, and ignite a sense of wonder in every viewer.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Photographic Research: Research, curate, and license photography for all editorial platforms, provide support on workflow, billing, contracts, and other photo logistics. Ensure that budgets and deadlines are met; caption information is gathered and disseminated; verify credit line; check image veracity when in question; and make images available for broader use across platforms.
- Storytelling Collaboration: Work closely with designers to craft compelling visual narratives, ensuring the most accurate and impactful storytelling. Collaborate with researchers, writers, and copy editors to refine content, maintain factual accuracy, and align visuals with editorial intent.
- Photo Production: Collaborate with photographers on portraiture, reportage, conceptual, or still life; work with ideas and photographers in the studio or on location.
- Research and pitch visually innovative and original uses of existing images and packages, demonstrating an understanding of the different platforms and audiences.
- Digital Production: Design and build stories in CMS with eye to strong visual pacing.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience with photo research or photo editing
- Excellent visual taste and a wide-range of knowledge about and appreciation for visual storytelling and photojournalism
- Enthusiasm to collaborate on new ideas, ability to think in fresh ways about how to best represent our stories visually
- Drive to reach new audiences, an understanding of and appreciation for readers of all age groups
- Proven deep, expedient research skills (with agencies, individual contributors/photographers, archives, libraries, social media)
- Strong communication and collaborative abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines
- Ability to multitask and to balance short and long lead deadlines
- Self-motivated and resourceful
- Ability to negotiate rates with relevant contractors and third parties
- Proficiency with Airtable, Microsoft Teams, Adobe products, and all social media platforms
- Some experience with / knowledge of National Geographic’s core subject areas (wildlife, history and/or archaeology, nature, science, and travel) strongly preferred
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- Photojournalism/Photography degree a plus but not required
How to apply
To apply for this job you need to authorize on our website. If you don't have an account yet, please register.
Post a resumeSimilar jobs
Intern
MillerKnoll,
Washington, DC
6 days ago
MillerKnoll Summer Internship Program is a paid opportunity that allows you to gain real-world experience and cultivate your professional skills. Besides the work you'll do within your field of study, you'll participate in one-on-one meetings with mentors, a summer-long project, learning sessions with senior leaders, and much more.Showroom InternHOLLY HUNT Enterprises, Inc.Reports to: General ManagerPOSITION PROFILEThis position is an internship...

Implementation Manager, Uber Health
Uber,
Washington, DC
$99,000
-
$122,000
per year
2 weeks ago
About The RoleAlmost 4 million Americans miss healthcare appointments due to transportation issues. Patients are twice as likely to no-show if they're reliant on public transit. Breaking down logistical barriers to care will make healthcare more efficient and potentially save lives. This is why Uber Health was established and this is our passion.Working under the Head of Implementation for Uber...

Director, Education
Cancer Support Community,
Washington, DC
3 weeks ago
The Cancer Support Community (CSC) is seeking a dedicated, professional, and passionate full-time Director of Education. Reporting to the Vice President, Helpline, Education, and Outreach, the Director of Education is responsible for the creation, development, implementation, dissemination and evaluation of dynamic, evolving, and multi-faceted education initiatives, including CSC’s hallmark, “Frankly Speaking About Cancer” (FSAC) program. The Director supervises day-to-day operations...
