About Contra Labs

Contra Labs sits at the intersection of human creativity and technology. We partner with leading product companies to improve the creative tools that professionals use every day. Our research is grounded in how top creatives actually work, studying the patterns behind what gets created, what gets chosen, and what resonates. We believe human input will always be at the center of net new creation, and our mission is to help shape technology so human creativity can be amplified to create what today is unimaginable.

By joining the Contra Labs network you gain access to paid projects with some of the most innovative companies building the next generation of creative tools.

How It Works

This is an application to join the network and be eligible for roles as they arise. Projects are staffed on an as-needed basis, typically 5 to 10 hours at a time, though some may extend into longer engagements. In unique cases, we may have full-time roles available as well. When a project matches your skill set, we'll reach out with details and timeline.

The Opportunity

The creative tools you use every day are only as good as the real-world content they're built to understand. We're looking for photographers to capture original, high-quality photos across a range of real-life subjects, settings, and styles. Your work will directly contribute to making creative software smarter, more intuitive, and better aligned with how professionals actually shoot.

This is straightforward work: follow a creative brief, capture the shots, and deliver organized files. No post-production or retouching required unless specified.

To Join the Network

• Portfolio review - We’ll assess your Contra profile and portfolio for strength in photography, composition, lighting, and visual quality.
• Skills evaluation - You’ll complete a structured photography submission designed to evaluate attention to detail, consistency, and execution.

What You Will Do

• Capture original photos following specific creative briefs that outline subject matter, style, lighting, and composition guidelines
• Shoot across a variety of real-world scenarios including people, products, environments, textures, and everyday objects
• Deliver organized, clearly labeled image files on time and to spec
• Maintain consistent quality across batches, paying close attention to framing, focus, exposure, and natural lighting

What We're Looking For

• Strong photography portfolio demonstrating range across subjects and settings, shared via your Contra profile
• A trained eye for composition, lighting, and color, whether shooting with a professional camera or a smartphone
• Ability to follow creative briefs closely and deliver content that meets specific parameters
• Reliable and detail-oriented, able to deliver organized files within project timelines
• Comfortable shooting in a variety of real-world environments