Photography Director

Equator is a global packaging design agency, delivering strategy to shelf without compromise. We create powerful brands that get noticed and chosen. Equator is part of SGK.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Photography leads the photography department and manages all photography locations in the assigned region.

This role:

• Inspires the photographic team to exceed expectations
• Develops team skills and drives continuous growth
• Offers trend-led ideas and creative solutions tailored to clients and categories
• Collaborates with Design, Account Management, Retouch, and Production teams
• Supports the delivery of material to build and develop the department

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management

• Lead a group of photography professionals, ensuring the highest possible standards
• Oversee all projects within assigned region
• Drive continuous improvement throughout the photo studio
• Work closely with traffic manager to allocate suitable resources to each project based on team capabilities
• Manage freelance talent booking with a focus on quality and profitability
• Lead by example – Adopt a ‘can do’ attitude to any project to inspire the internal teams, and clients alike.

Creative and Technical Oversight

• Be the go to for creative photography and styling solutions. Collaborate with design team on photography ideas and creative solutions
• Have a very strong photography style and techniques, that inspire and motivate the team around you.
• Have a strong understand of ALL photography outputs, including packaging, social, web, above the line and POS.
• Have a strong understanding and skills in video creation and video production.
• Attend client meetings to discuss briefs and interact as necessary
• Lead pre-photography meetings, demonstrating strong brief knowledge
• Research and share relevant expertise to elevate photography output in multiple streams.
• Explore and introduce new equipment for efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Team Development

• Plan, direct, and coordinate team activities
• Mentor, coach, train, and develop team members

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Photography, Arts or related field.
• Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s) preferred.
• 10+ years progressive experience within a Photography Studio/Agency environment or similar Graphic Arts environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4+ years in a leadership role.
• Periodic travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be required.
• Strong understanding of Capture one softwares
• Understanding of premiere pro
• Strong understanding in multiple lighting equipment including Profoto, bowens and Canon.
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning).
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as internal and external clients.
• Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines, and reporting.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk or hear and see.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.