Assistant Photo Editor

Job Title

Job Description

About The Position | Major goals and objectives and location requirements

The Assistant Photo Editor reports to the Photo Director and is responsible for managing a high volume of photo shoots, photo research, and departmental tasks across all Southern Living content pillars—travel, home, garden, food, and entertaining. This role oversees photography for 6–10 stories per issue from start to finish. Responsibilities include collaborating with story editors to confirm story needs and working with the Photo Director and Art Director to establish the visual direction. 

When stories require original photography the Assistant Photo Editor is responsible for providing a detailed shot list to the shoot team, communicating all shoot details to photographers and stylists, and ensuring all required paperwork, releases, and credit information are obtained. They also provide remote or on-set photo direction with guidance from the Photo Director.

When stories depend on stock or pick up photography, the Assistant Photo Editor should have the drive and aptitude for researching and sourcing higher quality imagery directly from photographers rather than relying solely on stock photography.

Additionally, this position handles the administrative work associated with producing photo shoots. This includes negotiating budgets, coordinating contracts with the Office Manager, organizing final images within the server and database structure, verifying metadata accuracy, reviewing final layouts, ordering high-resolution assets when needed, and entering photo credits during production.

Hybrid 3x a week- (Birmingham, AL) 

In-office Expectations: This position is hybrid in-office, with the ability to work remotely for up to 2 days per week. At Southern Living, we work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the office, and Monday and Friday from home when daily tasks allow. 

About The Team |

Southern Living is the voice of the modern south Our mission is to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating the best of Southern lifestyle. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are relentless champions of our region, we celebrate a diverse and welcoming South, and we set the standard for excellence in Southern content regardless of platform or medium. 

About The Positions Contributions:

Weight % Accountabilities, Actions and Expected Measurable Results

40% Photo shoot production

35% Photo research

25%  Essential administrative work related to photography and illustration

The Role’s Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements:

Education:

BA required in Art, Photography, or related field.

Experience: 1-2 years in a similar position or a position with directly transferable skills.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Certifications and Abilities: Excellent visual sense , knowledge of photography and narrative; broad based general knowledge of interior design, southern travel and culture; strong organizational skills; ability to write clearly and descriptively; excellent verbal communication skills; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and on a deadline.

% Travel Required (Approximate): 0-2 weeks per year

It is the policy of People Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodation requests can be made by emailing [email protected].

The Company participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees