Photographer, Moscow

Starting date: February 1, 2026

Deadline for applications: December 21, 2025

Location: Moscow

Europe Region

Status: local permanent contract

 

THE JOB 

 

AFP is looking for a talented photojournalist to be based in Moscow, who will be part of a team responsible for photo coverage of Russia.

 

This position involves regular coverage in high-risk areas, particularly near the border with Ukraine, and in the Donbass, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions and Crimea, where working conditions can be extreme (armed conflict, geopolitical tensions, unstable environment).The incumbent must demonstrate considerable psychological and physical resilience, as well as the ability to remain calm in crisis situations.You will be involved in the daily photo coverage with one other staff photographer based in Moscow and a photo editor based in Moscow.You will be an integral part of the Moscow Bureau, working in close contact with text reporters and video journalists under the leadership of the Moscow bureau chief and the photo editor.The job requires a journalist who is able to cover breaking news, as well as a wide mix of stories about Russian society and culture more widely.

 

The successful candidate is expected to cover events in sensitive or conflict zones, strictly adhering to AFP’s safety protocols and editorial guidelines.Safety of the journalist and the team is an absolute priority. Field assignments will often involve close teamwork with text reporters, video journalists, and local fixers to ensure comprehensive and safe coverage.

 

The successful candidate will participate in mandatory safety training for hostile environments, including realistic simulations. Successful completion of this training is a prerequisite for validating the probationary period and continuing the contract.Managing high-stress situations (threats, time pressure, hostile environments) while maintaining high-quality journalistic output is also a prerequisite.

 

As well as covering news, the photographer is expected to come up with story ideas, shoot “daily life” in Russia and do desk-based photo editing shifts as often as required.The photographer is expected to come to the office as often as assignments allow, to help ensure the close coordination and discussion of photo, video and text coverage with all editorial staff. Shooting video is expected when needed and feasible.

 

As the job is News driven, flexibility is needed as the hours can be unpredictable and will include early mornings, evenings as well as weekends.The workload can be heavy at times especially.The selected candidate will be required to participate in weekend shifts on a rotational basis, regardless of the news intensity, to ensure continuous coverage and operational readiness.

 

You will report to the Moscow photo editor, the Europe photo chief in Paris, the Moscow bureau chief, the Warsaw bureau chief and ultimately the Europe Regional Director. You will have to ensure the reliability of news covered and respect for the agency's editorial policy. You will ensure the agency's rules on image rights are properly respected. The photographer must strictly adhere to AFP’s editorial and graphic guidelines. In particular, the use of generative AI tools or any form of artificial alteration to produce or modify photographs is strictly prohibited.All images must be authentic and comply with AFP’s ethical standards.You will have a good knowledge of social media and User-Generated Content as well as be familiar with how these are used at AFP.You will ensure Iris360 events are up to date to enable our clients and our bureaus to plan for upcoming news events and their coverage.You will also link your production to the relevant events, to enable clients to access it through the event. 

 

It is important to stress that all AFP journalists contribute to AFP’s newsgathering process in all formats, working for the common goal of reacting and producing high quality multimedia journalism.In an ever-changing media environment, the nature of the job could evolve in line with coverage demands and the requirements of an increasingly diverse client base.

 

SKILLS REQUIRED

 

  • Proven experience in conflict and/or unstable areas and/or comparable contexts (references required).

  • Excellent news judgment and knowledge of domestic and international current events

  • Strong visual story-telling background

  • An ability to find, research and propose original story ideas.

  • Composure and responsiveness: Ability to make quick, adaptable decisions in crisis situations while adhering to safety protocols.

  • Commitment to ethical values and safety rules: Strict adherence to AFP’s guidelines, with no compromise on personal or team safety.

  • Proven record of taking initiatives and working closely with text and video colleagues.

  • Russian nationality or valid work permit and visa for Russia are mandatory for this position.

  • A very good command of English.  

  • Some video-shooting background is considered an asset but not mandatory

  • Driver’s license

  • Candidates who can prove they have a valid work permit in Russia at the time of hiring (Russian citizenship, permanent residence permit, or work authorization already obtained) will be given priority consideration.

 

Mandatory training: The selected candidate will be required to complete and pass a certified safety training program for hostile environments before any field assignment. This training includes realistic simulations and an assessment of behavioral skills. Validation of this training is a mandatory condition for continuing the contract.

 

Please send your applications, with CV and cover letter, to [email protected]

 

AFP is committed to equal opportunities and greater diversity within its teams. We therefore encourage all applications in order to preserve the wealth of profiles, cultures and languages that constitute the strength of our network.