POSITION TITLE:    Temporary Photographer Level II - Freelance

REPORTS TO:          Studio Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Photographer Level 2 is responsible for capturing digital content according to the client's style guide, working with a stylist, merchandise coordinators, other photographers, and team members as assigned.  They will independently direct photo sets to include set management and workflow with Stylist, Hair/Makeup, and Models.  Photographer 2 will follow established guidelines for studio and client projects, ensuring that the correct number of images are created according to client SOP. Also, they are responsible for ensuring all images are uploaded and archived as required.  

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

1. Independently directs photography and/or explains video sets working with Mannequin, Tabletop, Model, any of which could be on location.

2. Ability to manage communications with clients on the photo set.

3. Assists Photographer Level 3 as well as other teams in Studio Maintenance.

4. Completes and achieves images per the style guide and job worksheet, validating finished work quality control.

5. Meets and sets daily expectations in naming images, adding metadata, shot counts, and completing quality control.

6. Required to create process documentation, including lighting diagrams, go-bys, shooting examples, and set images.

POSITION DUTIES

• Collaborates with the Project Manager(s) to ensure daily shoots are successful from planning through completion.
• Provides accurate time assessment for scheduling and client estimates.
• Actively participates in Pre-Production and Retrospective (post-mortem) meetings and image review process.

Completes all action items assigned per the agreed standards or production requests to achieve studio success in a timely manner.

• Processes images according to job specifications, transfers them to the next workflow stage.
• Follows job specifications in documenting proper file names/changes, complete notes on job spreadsheets, and report daily status on workload to studio manager and project manager.
• Creates, communicates, and documents visual references (lighting diagrams, shooting examples, go-bys) to ensure upload to client standard, as needed.  
• Mentor and train team members to specific studio/client standards.
• Maintains an organized workplace, to studio standards, both on the digital workspace (Backing up files, monthly monitor calibration, etc.) and the physical shoot environment.  
• Establishes the flow on set with stylists and models as well as style projects as necessary.
• Ensures all documentation is completed promptly. This will include expense reports, reimbursement forms, and time tracking/time-off requests, et. al.
• Follow all studio standards for shooting guidelines, including shooting templates, go-bys, and overlays.
• BUILDS PHOTOSETS AS NEEDED, MAINTAINING CONSISTENCY ACROSS STUDIOS, AND COMPLETES TEAR DOWN, INCLUDING THE RETURN AND STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT.
• Facilitates studio repair needs with the studio manager.
• Travel requirements may be up to 10% of the time. The ability to travel outside of your country of residence is necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities but will act as a mentor to junior staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education.
• MINIMUM 2-3 YEARS of experience in e-commerce photography.
• A portfolio of work that demonstrates commercial/e-commerce photography is required.
• Experience using MAC operating systems is required.
• Experience using digital communication tools such as WebEx or Slack chat tools desired.
• Experience in utilizing production workflow management tools desired, e.g., Shotflow.
• PROFICIENT in  Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere.
• Experience with Capture One, Canon, PhaseOne, and Profoto lighting required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs, specifically Word and Excel.  Within Excel, the candidate should be able at a minimum to execute a search, sort a list by applying multiple filter settings, populate a new column of data in an existing spreadsheet, and manage file conversions among CSV and text-based files to Excel.
• Must have an excellent ability to problem solve and creatively respond to set needs.
• Knowledge and comfort with utilizing other types of lighting and camera equipment.

ABILITIES

• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring seamless execution through stellar organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated planning skills and the ability to prioritize using information around due dates, clients, internal resource skill sets, and when to escalate for assistance and awareness. 
• Ability to work both independently and within a changing team.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedules. 
• Respectful and courteous when interacting with others, a calm and collaborative demeanor is expected when working through conflict. You will always professionally present the studio and yourself. The expectation is to balance listening and talking, writing clearly, and accurately any decisions.
• Must have proficient necessary math skills and the ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Comfort and experience in assisting as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation without posing a direct threat to employees' or others' safety or health. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and work on a cement studio floor for up to a full workday (8 hours).
• Repetitive use of hands and fingers ((i.e., table sets, prepping, steaming, pinning, data entry). 
• Must be able to see and hear to gather and input information; respond to face-to-face and telephone inquiries.   
• Must be able to occasionally lift, push, pull, and carry materials weighing a maximum of 50 lbs.
• Must be able to drive and have a valid driver's license with the resources to report to shoot locations outside of the studio.
• Able to work in low light conditions, with lamps versus overhead lighting.
• Ability to walk throughout a warehouse floor following our internal safety guidelines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to walk throughout a warehouse floor following our internal safety guidelines.
• Able to work in low light conditions with lamps versus overhead lighting
• Able to work in an environment with frequent light flashes.

VALUES AND VISION

We believe in thoughtful inclusion, the integrity of purpose, and whole-hearted investment in everything we do.

We shoot for holistic ease by enduring our foundation is stable, our environment is safe, and our impact is sustainable.

STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

At Straub Collaborative we're serious about the complex issues of social inequity and systemic racism. 

We actively acknowledge our role and duty to create a more just future for all stakeholders, including our employees, vendors, and business partners.

We encourage and celebrate courageous conversations that lead to positive action and demonstrate our core values of thoughtful Inclusion, Integrity of purpose, and wholehearted Investment in everything we do.

We aim to create a humane workplace where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work, are treated equitably, and have what they need to complete their best work for the organization.