1. How do I apply to be a Shoott photographer?

You can apply directly through our website by submitting your details and portfolio. Our recruitment process includes:

• Reviewing your portfolio and experience.

• A short interview and test shoot to evaluate skills.

• Onboarding and training if you’re selected.

This ensures every Shoott photographer meets professional standards while enjoying creative flexibility.

2. What are the minimum equipment and portfolio requirements?

Shoott photographers are required to have:

• Camera: A professional full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera (e.g., Canon 5D Mark IV / R6 II; Sony A7 IV; Nikon D850).

• Preferred lenses: 24–70mm f/2.8, 70–200mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.4. Other lenses (24mm, 50mm, 85mm) may also be accepted if you can capture a strong variety.

• Portfolio: Demonstrated experience with outdoor lifestyle, family portraits, and/or events — the core of what Shoott offers clients.

APS-C cameras, point-and-shoots, or smartphones aren’t accepted — we want our clients to always receive professional-grade photography.

3. How are sessions assigned, and can I choose my own schedule?

Yes! One of the biggest benefits of working with Shoott is flexibility.

• You select your primary city and can choose other nearby cities as a secondary option.

• Shoott releases available session slots monthly. You choose the dates and locations you want to cover.

• Assignments are first-come, first-served, so you have the freedom to align work with your personal schedule.

4. What is the pay structure?

Shoott guarantees a minimum $100 per shooting hour rate, plus commission and tips. This means no guessing games — you’ll always earn fair pay, plus upside from client sales.

5. How much can Shoott photographers earn?

On average, Shoott photographers earn about $180 per hour, with typical client tips averaging an additional $23 per session. Your actual earnings will depend on gallery sales, tips, and volume of bookings.

6. Can I use Shoott photos in my personal portfolio?

Yes — as long as the client has not requested to keep their photos private. Approved photos can be featured in your portfolio, website, or social media to showcase your work, but may not be used for other commercial purposes outside of Shoott.

7. Can I still work freelance or take other photography gigs?

Absolutely. Shoott does not enforce a non-compete clause for clients met outside of the Shoott platform. Many of our photographers balance Shoott sessions with weddings, events, or other freelance jobs. You’re free to build your professional career on your own terms.

8. What if a client wants to book me privately after a Shoott session?

Shoott makes it easy to keep client relationships while rewarding our photographers. If a client wants a session type Shoott offers (like family portraits, engagements, or headshots), the booking must go through Shoott, and you’ll receive a higher commission for repeat customers.

If a client requests something outside Shoott’s scope (e.g., weddings, studio newborn photography, product shoots), you’re free to book that work directly. This ensures fairness for our platform while giving you freedom to grow your business.

9. Why should I work with Shoott instead of going fully freelance? 

Shoott helps you succeed by:

• Handling all marketing, customer service, obtaining permits and other legal requirements, platform buildout and upkeep, and booking logistics — you focus on the photography.

• Providing a guaranteed minimum hourly rate + commission (rare in freelancing).

• Offering flexibility, you decide your schedule and locations.

• Offering repeat client bonuses to reward long-term relationships.

10. Where is Shoott hiring photographers? 

Shoott is hiring photographers across major U.S. cities and regions, with new markets opening regularly. We operate across 60+ cities, and hire photographers in all locations. 

Current hiring hotspots include: New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, New Jersey, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, Miami, and more.