The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks a talented visual journalist to work in Detroit as a photographer and multi-format journalist. In this role, you will work among a team of journalists and editors to deliver spot, sports and enterprise photos that break news, have impact and are exclusive to AP. This temporary staff position ends December 31, 2025 and is covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.  

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the administrative correspondent for the Great Lakes, this photographer will cover spot news, enterprise and sporting events and other stories that will resonate around the world. You should be comfortable covering professional and college sporting events, and this position will have a heavy emphasis on Detroit’s four professional sports teams and Big 10 football games. You should be a self-starter with a passion for photojournalism and the ability to generate visually led story ideas that go beyond spot news. We’re looking for a photojournalist with a talent for documentary photo storytelling.

We’re looking for someone who will:

• demonstrate a history of success as a news photographer, with a record of creating compelling visual journalism on deadline and producing visual enterprise that is illuminating and entertaining.
• communicate and work collaboratively with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats: text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.
• have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate stories that people will want to share on social media and other platforms according to AP standards.
• routinely contribute to the video and text report as coverage needs require.
• pursue innovative and inclusive coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.
• be able and willing to work any shift, including at night and on weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least three years of full-time experience as a photographer at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet, or an AP bureau.
• All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
• Strong photojournalism portfolio.
• Passion for documentary photojournalism and lots of visual story ideas.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications: You should have a demonstrated history of success as a news photographer, with a record of creating compelling visual journalism swiftly and accurately on deadline, with an emphasis on speed and quality. You must be able to illustrate complex stories in clear and compelling ways with arresting visuals. A strong set of technical skills are required, including the ability to compose as events unfold, edit digital images, write accurate and informative captions and transmit images swiftly. You must be able to work effectively as a member of a team.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

Application Deadline:  June 19th, 2025 @ 11:59PM ET

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.