personality-filled portraits for high school seniors and small business owners in bourbonnais, illinois

Sarah Jane

Part-time to start, with room to grow into a full-time creative role

We are hiring.

Sarah Jane Photography is hiring! We're looking for a creative sidekick — someone who loves design, editing, and all things photography — to help bring beautiful images and artwork to life behind the scenes.
We’re hiring a Studio Manager, Designer & Photography Assistant to join our small but mighty team. This role starts at around 15–20 hours per week, with flexibility based on workload. If you're detail-oriented, creative, and passionate about learning the ins and outs of a high-end photography studio, read on. 

let's do this thing.

The Role.

This is a hybrid role with a creative heart. Your first focus will be as our designer and editor — helping to create custom albums, graduation announcements, and printed artwork. You’ll also cull and edit images in Lightroom, prep digital galleries, and help ensure every client experience is polished from start to finish.
You’ll work side-by-side with Sarah Jane, learning the ropes of how a full-service studio runs. Over time, you’ll also train to shoot sessions, assist on set, and eventually grow into a lead photographer under the SJP name.
We’re also excited to involve you in the marketing and social media side, from behind-the-scenes content to Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook planning. No experience necessary — if you’re willing to learn, we’re ready to teach.

job description

Team work makes the dream work.

Full-Day 1:1 Mentoring

🌟 Who We’re Looking For
Required Skills & Qualities:
* Excellent organizational and communication skills
* Strong eye for design and detail
* Experience editing in Lightroom (Photoshop is a plus!)
* Familiarity with a DSLR or mirrorless camera (Nikon knowledge is a bonus)
* Polished, fashion-forward appearance that aligns with the SJP brand
* Energetic and able to lift/carry gear during long shoot days
* Reliable transportation for local travel (mileage reimbursed)
* Teachable, dependable, and ready to grow
* Committed to confidentiality and a high-end client experience
* Excited about long-term growth into a creative leadership role

📋 The Details
* Part-time role: ~15–20 hours per week to start (hours may vary seasonally)
* Paid position with a 30-day paid trial period (includes hands-on training and shadowing)
* Growth opportunity: Potential to expand to 30–40 hrs/week as your role grows
* Mileage reimbursed for studio errands and on-location shoots
* Non-compete agreement required: One-year commitment, non-negotiable
* Branded team role: You’ll operate under Sarah Jane Photography (not as a separate business)
* Clear growth path to becoming a lead photographer and creative studio team member

SJP TEAM qualities:

🖥️ Design & Editing
* Design custom albums, grad cards, and print products that wow our clients
* Cull and sort images from each session with attention to detail
* Edit photos in Lightroom with consistency and polish (Photoshop a bonus!)
* Prepare digital galleries and product orders
* Keep files beautifully organized and backed up

🗂️ Studio Management & Client Experience
* Schedule sessions, consults, reveals, and artwork pickups
* Manage client communication — warm, friendly, and timely
* Keep the studio stocked, clean, and camera-ready (gear, packaging, and yes — even the plants!)
* Prep the studio and gear before each session
* Run occasional errands (mileage reimbursed)

📷 Photography Growth
* Assist on senior sessions, Sportraits, and group shoots
* Support with lighting, posing, and keeping sessions on track
* Train as a second shooter with the goal of becoming a lead SJP photographer
* Maintain a polished, stylish appearance that reflects the SJP brand (we’re a no-sweats, no-messy-buns kind of crew)

📲 Marketing & Social Media Support
* Learn to manage and grow our presence on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook
* Help brainstorm and schedule content across platforms
* Capture behind-the-scenes moments during sessions and studio life

Key Responsibilities

Application Questionnaire

To apply: 

If you love thoughtful design, crave creative collaboration, and are excited to grow in a studio where no two days are the same
— we’d love to hear from you.





fill out the application Questionnaire then send your resume and a short message introducing yourself and why this role excites you to hello@sarahjanephotography.net

HERE's WHY YOU CAN TRUST ME:

You're in good hands with Sarah Jane.

Gosh, there has never been a time in my life that I haven't loved learning, talking or creating art. It brings me joy but also keeps me centered! Crazy to say that, yes, I actually went to college for a BFA in Photography! I spent four years deep in photo chemicals and loved every second. Since graduating in 2003, I have trained myself in all that is digital photography and the constant changing media and business world. Post UD (GO Dayton Flyers) I wasn't quite done learning yet... Went back to school to get my Masters in Art Education and taught high school Art Ed for 10 years – including photography, of course!

So it is really hard to say where my photography journey, "started," the art world has always been a part of my life. SJP opened in 2015, I grew this business while raising three little ones at home, quite the adventure. Opened a store front location in 2021 and am thrilled to have a space of my own! Seriously, I could pinch myself on a daily that I get to call this gig, my job. 

I would be lying to say that the journey was always a walk in the park – so not true. I have learned that this work life balance thing IS A THING and it's HUGE for me to incorporate balance, play and adventure into my coaching goals for you, too. 

Featured in:

What's in my camera bag:

(2) Nikon Nikon Z7ii
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8
Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8
Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4
Sigma Macro 105mm f/2.8
Westcott Lighting System
Holdfast Camera Harness

PROGRAMS I USE AND LOVE:

Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe In-Design
Smart Albums
Pixieset
Dubsado
ChatGPT
Trello

"Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up for yourself."

- BRENE BROWN

LET'S DO THIS!

Your time is NOW.

CONTACT SARAH

Wanna stay connected?

Let's dive in behind-the-scenes on all things photography. Join my email list where I'll share photography tips, tricks, and advice with you!