Director of Photography (Project-Based)

About BuzzFeed, Inc.

BuzzFeed, Inc. (Ticker: BZFD) is home to the best of the internet. Across food, news, pop culture, and commerce, our brands drive conversation and inspire what audiences watch, read, buy, and obsess over next. Born on the internet in 2006, BuzzFeed, Inc. is committed to improving it: providing trusted, quality, brand-safe news and entertainment to hundreds of millions of people; making content on the internet more inclusive, empathetic, and creative; and inspiring our audience to live better lives. We'll continue to recruit the best founders and creators to join us in this mission, with more additions like HuffPost to come.

Business Area: Content
Job Category: BuzzFeed Studios
Day Rate: $500.00
Union Status: Non-Union 

BuzzFeed Inc. is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We reserve the ability to adjust the final compensation for this role based on the final candidate's experience, skillset, certifications, and geography.

The Role

BuzzFeed Editorial Video is looking for a resourceful Director of Photography to bring their camera and skills to the LA/NY Office.  We are looking for a smart, skilled, passionate self-starter that can work seamlessly with the various departments on set within Editorial Video.

This is a project based freelance position based in BuzzFeed’s office in Los Angeles/ New York City.

You Will

• Collaborate with the Director and creative team to define the visual style, tone, and mood of the project, if not already established.
• Develop shot lists, camera plans, and lighting approaches in pre-production
• Select and oversee camera equipment, lenses, and lighting setups
• Lead and manage the camera and lighting
• Direct on-set cinematography, including framing, composition, camera movement, and exposure
• Ensure visual continuity and technical quality across all footage
• Problem-solve quickly on set to adapt to changing conditions or creative needs
• Partner with Production to stay within budget and schedule constraints
• Collaborate with post-production (colorists, editors) to maintain visual consistency

You Have

• Proven experience as a Director of Photography or Cinematographer across digital productions
• Strong understanding of camera systems, lenses, and lighting techniques
• Ability to translate creative direction into compelling visual storytelling
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities in fast-paced production environments

Life at BuzzFeed, Inc.

We celebrate inclusion and are committed to equal opportunity employment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other protected category.

You can expect:

• A supportive, inclusive atmosphere on a team that values your contributions
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth through work experience, offerings from our in-house Learning @ BuzzFeed team, our Employee Resource Groups, and more