Freelance Live Action & Sports Photographer

Freelance Photographer

Join us in capturing the energy and excitement of North America's largest dance competitions!

DanceBUG is seeking experienced photographers for our February to June competition season. If you have a background in photographing fast-paced sports, concerts, or live performances, we will provide training on our specific workflow and techniques for dance photography.

Why You’ll Love This Opportunity:

Competitive pay starting at $25/hour

Guaranteed minimum pay for daily and event work

Paid travel days

DanceBUG covers all travel expenses including flights, hotels, and rental cars

Private hotel accommodations for every photographer

Meals or per diem provided

Receive up to a $700 equipment stipend

Paid training to enhance your skills

No editing responsibilities required

Consistent weekend work available throughout the season

Season Details: February to June
Typical Travel Schedule: Thursday/Friday to Sunday/Monday
Event Locations: Across the United States

What You'll Do:

Photograph dynamic dance performances in varying stage lighting

Capture sharp, well-timed action shots

Collaborate with DanceBUG's media team during live competitions

Back up, transfer, and upload images per DanceBUG's workflow

Training Provided:

No prior dance photography experience required! Every new photographer will undergo virtual training in January, followed by at least two live training events with experienced Senior Photographers before taking on independent assignments. If you are skilled in capturing action, we will teach you the art of dance photography.

Photography Skills We're Seeking:

We're interested in photographers with experience in fast-paced environments, such as:

SportsDanceConcertsTheaterGymnasticsFigure SkatingCheerleadingLive EventsYou should be proficient in manual mode shooting with continuous autofocus (Servo/AF-C) in changing lighting conditions. Note that experience in portrait, studio, real estate, landscape, product, or architectural photography alone does not meet the action-photography criteria for this role.

Requirements:

Authorized to work in the United States

Live within one hour of a major airport

Available for regular weekend travel during the season

Valid U.S. driver’s license

Passport or REAL ID-compliant driver's license

Able to drive 5-6 hours when necessary

Willing to work long production days and lift up to 25 lbs

Successfully complete a criminal background check

Equipment Needed:

Photographers must provide their own professional equipment, including:

Two Canon, Nikon, or Sony mirrorless camera bodies

24-105mm, 24-120mm, 24-70mm, or 35-150mm constant-aperture zoom lens

70-200mm zoom lens

f/2.8 lenses preferred; f/4 acceptable

Four 64GB+ memory cards and a compatible card reader

A minimum of three batteries and two chargers

Monopod for stability

Note: DSLR cameras and other brands are not compatible with DanceBUG's proprietary photography system.

Ready to Apply?

Include the following in your application:

A link to your live-action photography portfolio

Your current city and state

A brief overview of your relevant photography experience

For nearly 25 years, DanceBUG has been at the forefront of dance media and event technology. Join our team for a thrilling season of travel, live events, and photography across the country. Apply today – we can't wait to hear from you!