Photo Editor (National Geographic)

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:   

• 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. 

Basic Qualifications:            

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:   

• Some experience with / knowledge of National Geographic’s core subject areas (wildlife, history and/or archaeology, nature, science, and travel) strongly preferred

Required Education:            

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Preferred Education:            

• Photojournalism/Photography degree a plus but not required

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $78,200.00 to $104,800.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.