smartdept. is searching for a Freelance Photographer for a higher education client. This is a freelance, project-based, onsite opportunity (shoots on campus with select travel), starting late November to mid December 2026, with ongoing work as needed.
Our client is relaunching its printed magazine, published twice a year, and is looking for a photographer to capture a true day in the life of their students. The work will run in print, so images need to hold up on the page, not just on a phone screen. This is a long term relationship for the right person, someone the team can rely on issue after issue.
What You’ll Do:
- Shoot authentic, candid student life on campus
- Capture life at the college’s off campus location, including its small housing community
- Possibly shoot at study abroad locations where the college runs programs
- Plan shots with the Creative Services team so each story has the coverage it needs
- Deliver high resolution files ready for print production
What You’ll Need:
- Education/Experience:
- A portfolio of lifestyle, editorial, or documentary photography
- Experience shooting for print publications (magazines, viewbooks, or similar)
- Comfort working with students and making real moments feel natural
- Ability to travel for select shoots
- Open communicator who flags issues early, stays organized, and tracks hours accurately
Nice-to-Have Skills:
- Strong Photoshop skills to handle your own retouching
- Higher education or campus photography experience
- Experience with natural light and on location shooting