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How to Become a Photo Editor: Australian Careers in Photography and Film

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What is a Photo Editor?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Photo Editor?

A photo editor selects, enhances, and manages photos for print and digital media. They are central to any visual team, choosing the best images and raising them to a high standard. Photo editors work across publishing, advertising, news, and corporate teams.

Day-to-day tasks include colour correction, cropping, retouching, and preparing images for print or web. Photo editors manage digital image files and keep them organised for easy access. They work with photographers, designers, and marketing teams to match visuals to the project brief.

As digital content grows, so does the need for skilled photo editors. Many work in-house for media companies, agencies, or brands. Others build freelance careers across a range of clients and projects.

This career suits people with a sharp eye for visual detail. With the right skills, photo editors can move into senior roles. Fashion, editorial, and commercial photography are popular areas to specialise in.

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Career snapshots For Photo Editors

Photo editing is a stable creative career in Australia. Demand is driven by the growth of digital publishing, social media, and advertising. The average salary is around $93,775 per year (SalaryExpert, 2026). Entry-level roles start near $68,000. Senior editors with eight or more years of experience can earn over $106,000.

Most photo editors work full-time for media companies, ad agencies, or in-house brand teams. Freelance work is also common. Key sectors include editorial media, commercial photography, fashion, and digital marketing. Strong Photoshop and Lightroom skills are expected in almost every role.

What will I do?

A photo editor plays a central role in any visual production team. They decide which images to use, how to improve them, and how to prepare them for publication. This work spans news, advertising, social media, and corporate content.

  • Review and select images – Look through large batches of photos and choose those that best suit the project brief.
  • Edit and retouch photos – Use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for colour correction, cropping, and image enhancement.
  • Manage digital archives – Organise and maintain image files so photos are easy to find and use.
  • Work with photographers – Discuss shot needs and review outputs against the brief.
  • Work with creative teams – Align visual content with project goals across design, writing, and marketing.
  • Prepare images for publication – Format and export images for print, web, or social media.
  • Guide junior editors – Support less experienced team members and give feedback on their work.
  • Stay current with trends – Follow changes in editing tools and visual styles to keep work fresh.

What skills do I need?

Photo editors need a strong grasp of editing software. Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are the main tools used in Australia. Strong skills in both are key for colour work, retouching, and image processing at a professional level.

Creative skills matter just as much as technical ones. A good photo editor has a sharp eye for layout, colour, and visual storytelling. They know what makes an image work and can improve it quickly without losing the original intent.

Strong communication and time skills round out the role. Photo editors often work with photographers, designers, and clients at the same time. They must juggle several projects and meet tight deadlines while keeping quality high.

Skills/attributes

  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Proficiency in Adobe Lightroom
  • Colour correction and grading
  • Image retouching and compositing
  • Attention to detail
  • Creativity and visual judgement
  • Knowledge of photography principles
  • Digital asset management
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Time management and meeting deadlines
  • Adaptability to new software and technology
  • Project coordination skills

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.