RETOUCHER / PHOTO ASSISTANT
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
We are a boutique portrait/photo studio located on the North Shore. Our clientele ranges from families, to businesses, to large corporations. We are a small team that works closely with our clients. We have been in business for twenty four years.
POSITION SUMMARY
Photo Assistant / Retoucher / Customer Service
We are looking for a bright, energetic and hardworking individual to join our team. Our ideal candidate will be able to work part-time to full-time between now and the end of the year as a contractor. With possibility of long term.
The position duties can range from assisting on photo shoots (both in the studio and on-location), retouching, to helping clients make ordering decisions and all other aspects of running a photo studio.
REQUIRED SKILL SET
· Ability to work independently on projects with minimal supervision
· Demonstrated success in current role
· Motivated, committed, and able to take initiative
· Able to apply sound judgment while working independently, and as part of a team, within tight timelines
· Quick learner, self-reliant, proactive
· Excellent in time management (able to set and meet deadlines)
· Communicates clearly and articulately
· Solid organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills
· A positive, can-do attitude!
· Open and receptive to learning and critique
· Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
· Manage multiple projects simultaneously
· Flexibility to changing priorities and able to work on several projects simultaneously
· Hard working and reliable
· Adaptability to new tools and process
· Willing to wear many hats, from working files, to assisting on shoots, to helping clients
· A keen eye for detail and consistency of imagery and color
· Above average working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and ideally Lightroom
· Ability to work quickly, efficiently and independently under tight deadlines
PRIMARY PHOTO ASSISTANT RESPONSIBILITIES
· Assist photographer during pre and post-production.
· Set up and prep gear for photo shoot (in studio and on location). Assist on a variety of shoot types from on-location family photography to corporate location shoots to commercial shoots as well.
· Assist in making clients feel comfortable in from the the camera, making kids laugh. Direct individuals in natural looking posing options.
· Learn studio and natural lighting to run studio lighting during photo shoot, including Nikon WT-6 wireless equipment and software, communications between Westcott and Bowens studio lighting equipment, Nikon, Mac and Pocket Wizards
· Learn how to use fills, reflectors and diffusion materials, as these are basics for assisting on photo shoots
· Learn and master California Sun-Swatter (an outside lighting boom tool that we use on almost all location shoots)
· Download XQD cards, rename & metadata to all RAW files
· Maintain and improve studio
CUSTOMER SERVICE
· Answer and make phone calls typically assisting clients in choosing session types, booking appointments, product line and next steps.
· Initiate, record and process client payments.
· Work with clients during ordering sessions, helping them make the best decisions for their images.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP SKILLS
-Must be skilled and have a thorough understanding of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw using non-destructive editing.
· Strong knowledge of RAW file format & Adobe Camera RAW
· Utilization of Adobe shortcuts and key commands
· Ability to make adjustment layers/masks, paths, curves
· Background changes
· In depth knowledge of usage of color matching, skintones
· Knowledge and utilization of Adobe automations/actions/droplets/scripts
· Identify image clean-up limits & issues
· Retouch, enhance, color balance and upload images
PRIMARY RETOUCHING RESPONSIBILITIES
· Must have a general background in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw using non-destructive image editing
· The ability to work autonomously and as part of a team with a strong work ethic
· Produce high quality retouched images in a fast-paced and fluid high-volume environment
· Manage all aspects of post-production work flow, tasks and client communications via online project management software and email
· Download, meta, name and file images according to production procedures
· Quick corrections of hundreds of images in Adobe Camera Raw to be uploaded to client online galleries
· Crop images and maintain file size specifications, sending to the lab and clients
· Place and track product orders
· Maintain proper file naming, metadata and image protocol for upload and archiving
· Work closely with our remote staff via chat/messenger assisting in basic tech
· Follow team established “best practices” for non-destructive studio workflow
· Track catalog photos from concept to completion
· Present initial mock ups for approval, complete revisions based on feedback from client
· Meet client and studio deadlines
· Identify, recommend and coordinate digital imaging solutions to clients
· Review prints from the lab for highest quality
· Sort, pack and ship outgoing client orders
· Identify and establish new processes that encourage efficiency in project management and information workflow
· Research and implement new techniques and skills
· Calibrate displays weekly and maintain consist color balance
· Effectively communicate with clients during proofing process to final complete the client order
· Use client's creative direction to anticipate retouching requests and elevate imagery without over retouching
· Ensure color consistency across images
· Ability to identify retouching limits, image issues and solutions
· Technical knowledge of color profiles, color conversion and display calibration
COMPENSATION
Compensation based on experience and skill level. For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter detailing the position that you are interested in, as well as your salary requirements.
Pay: $17.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
Experience:
- Photo Editing / Retouching: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Drivers License (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Glenview, IL 60026 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
