Wildlife Photography Editer

I’m a UK-based wildlife photographer who travels around the world photographing animals in the wild, on safaris and in wildlife parks.

I’m looking for a talented, reliable photo editor to help me take my wildlife photography to the next level.

This is NOT a general photo editing position.

I’m specifically looking for somebody who has experience editing wildlife and animal photography, understands how to bring out the best in animal subjects, and has an exceptional eye for detail.

My photographs include everything from big cats and elephants to birds, marine wildlife and other animals photographed in different environments and lighting conditions.

The edited images will initially be used on a growing wildlife-focused social media account, with longer-term plans to develop a range of photography products, including prints, calendars and potentially other merchandise.

I’m looking for somebody who would enjoy being involved in this journey long term, rather than simply completing a few edits.

What I’m looking for

You MUST have strong experience using both:

* Adobe Lightroom / Lightroom Classic
* Adobe Photoshop

Advanced masking skills are absolutely essential.

I want somebody who can look at a wildlife photograph and understand exactly which adjustments will improve it without making the animal or environment look unnatural.

For example, you should be confident with:

* Advanced subject and background masking
* Precisely masking animals, including difficult areas such as fur, feathers, whiskers and fine details
* Selectively adjusting exposure, shadows and highlights
* Enhancing animal eyes naturally without making them look artificial
* Improving fur, feather and skin detail
* Managing noise in photographs taken at high ISO
* Sharpening wildlife images without introducing unwanted artefacts
* Adjusting colours while maintaining realistic animal appearances
* Improving distracting backgrounds without making them look fake
* Removing minor distractions where appropriate
* Creating consistent edits across a collection of photographs
* Using Photoshop for more advanced corrections where Lightroom alone isn’t sufficient

I particularly value editors who understand that sometimes the best editing is subtle editing.

I’m not looking for oversaturated colours, excessive sharpening, artificial-looking eyes or photographs that have been edited beyond recognition.

The animals should remain the focus of the image.

Wildlife photography experience is essential

Please only apply if you have genuine experience editing wildlife or animal photography.

Experience editing portraits, weddings, landscapes, products or general social media photographs is not enough on its own.

Wildlife photography presents different challenges, particularly when dealing with:

* Animals photographed in difficult lighting conditions
* Busy natural backgrounds
* Fast-moving subjects
* Fine feather and fur details
* High ISO images
* Subjects partially hidden by vegetation
* Maintaining realistic colours and textures

I want somebody who understands these challenges and enjoys working with wildlife images.

You don’t necessarily need to be a wildlife photographer yourself, but you should understand what makes a strong wildlife photograph.

What the work will involve

Initially, I expect to need approximately 2 hours of editing per week.

I will provide the original RAW photographs, along with occasional guidance on the style or finish I’m looking for.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Selecting and applying appropriate adjustments in Lightroom.
2. Using detailed masking to improve subjects and backgrounds independently.
3. Using Photoshop where more advanced editing is required.
4. Producing polished, high-quality images suitable for Instagram and Facebook.
5. Maintaining a consistent, natural editing style.
6. Exporting photographs in the requested formats and resolutions.
7. Keeping the original RAW files untouched and providing editable files when requested.
8. Communicating clearly and meeting agreed deadlines.

I would also welcome suggestions about how individual photographs could be improved.

I’m not looking for somebody who simply applies the same preset to every image.

Long-term opportunities

Although this position will begin with approximately 2 hours per week, I’m hoping to build a long-term working relationship with the right person.

As the social media account continues to grow, there is potential for additional editing hours and more regular work.

My longer-term ambition is to sell wildlife photography prints, calendars and other photography products.

If this becomes successful, I would be very happy to discuss a profit-sharing arrangement with the editor who has helped develop the images and contributed to the project’s success.

This would be separate from the agreed hourly payment and would be something we discuss properly as the project develops.

I’d love to find somebody who is genuinely interested in wildlife photography and would enjoy seeing their work contribute to something that grows over time.

How to apply – please read carefully

I receive a lot of applications, so I’ve included some specific instructions to help identify people who have taken the time to read the full advert.

Your application MUST begin with the word “mask” (all lowercase).

It must be the very first word of your application.

Applications that do not follow this instruction will not be considered.

Please then include the following:

1. Introduce yourself

Tell me a little about yourself, your editing background and why you’re interested in working specifically with wildlife photography.

2. Show me your wildlife editing experience

Please provide a portfolio containing at least 3–5 examples of wildlife or animal photographs you have personally edited.

I would strongly prefer to see BEFORE and AFTER versions so I can understand exactly what improvements you made.

General portrait, wedding or product editing portfolios will not be sufficient.

3. Explain your masking experience

Tell me about your experience using masking in Lightroom and Photoshop.

In particular, explain how you would approach editing an animal with fine fur or feathers against a complicated background.

I want to understand your actual editing process, not just read a list of software features.

4. Tell me about your editing workflow

Do you use Lightroom Classic, Lightroom, Photoshop or a combination?

How do you move between the programmes, and what types of adjustments do you prefer to complete in each?

5. Explain your approach to natural-looking wildlife photography

How do you enhance an animal’s eyes, detail and colours without making the photograph look overedited?

Please give a specific example from your own editing experience.

6. Confirm your availability

Please confirm that you are comfortable starting with approximately 2 hours per week at $6.88 USD per hour, with the possibility of increasing hours over time.

7. Include the word “feathers”

Somewhere in your answer to question 5, please naturally include the word “feathers”.

This is simply another way for me to see that you have read the instructions carefully.

Next stage – practical editing test

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a small practical editing task using one of my own wildlife RAW photographs.

The task will be designed to assess:

* Lightroom and Photoshop ability
* Precision of masking
* Natural colour correction
* Eye for detail
* Understanding of wildlife photography
* Overall quality of the finished image

I will provide the same photograph to shortlisted applicants so I can compare editing styles fairly.

Full details will be shared with those selected.

Finally

I’m looking for somebody who takes pride in their work, notices the small details and genuinely enjoys editing photographs of animals.

If you love wildlife photography, have excellent Lightroom and Photoshop skills, and would like to become part of a growing project, I’d really like to hear from you.

Please make sure you follow ALL the application instructions.

I look forward to seeing your work.