Freelance Photographer

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