Description

We are looking for a Senior Photographer to join our Photo Studio team at Next!

You will manage an amazing team of in-house photographers and freelance talent working as one team to deliver the full end to end process of asset creation. This is an extremely fast-paced role that covers all our in-house photography teams to maintain Next’s photographic vision and creative beliefs. 

The position will specialise in working on model/worn sets, but will not be limited to this. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is creative & proactive either looking to step up into a Senior photographic role or has experience within a similar position. 

About the role

This is an incredible opportunity for a passionate individual to join the studio team of a fast-paced, evolving retailer in our ecommerce studios. We're looking for someone who embodies both creativity and professionalism, with expertise in lighting, model photography, ecommerce, and a keen eye for detail and creative flair. Your role will involve delivering top-notch content that reflects our brand principles and creative direction, while also providing strong creative guidance to the studio team under the leadership of your Creative Lead. We need someone who is focused, driven, and possesses the maturity and empathy to effectively brief, manage, and direct their team. It's crucial to maintain a calm and professional demeanor, while also staying positive and proactive. This position demands exceptional communication skills, a strong desire to learn and develop, and the ability to quickly grasp new information within our dynamic studio team. Building and maintaining strong relationships with your Creative Lead and senior management within Next Studios is essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

Provide strong, clear and aspirational creative guidance and support to the studio team from a creative standpoint as well as possess the ability to create these aesthetics with a team.

Communicate effectively with your team, provide support, workshops and training where necessary to evolve the aesthetics of the imagery creatively, 

Consistent research and understanding of new trends in order to bring the correct approach to every shoot.

Maintain constant awareness of competitors, be ahead of the curve.

To work collaboratively with other Senior Photographers within the Studio.

Oversee multiple photographic sets to ensure the quality & output is to the required level.

Carry out performance reviews on a regular basis to ensure effective, motivated and supported teams.

Conducting 1-to-1s and assisting in the development of more junior members of the team.

Consistently strive to think outside the box with all processes and projects showing initiative and innovation. Communicate effectively with your Creative Lead to establish clear, recognizable and achievable goals. 

Flexibility to work at other Next studios, external studios and on location when required. 

About you

Previous management experience is preferred. An expert knowledge of photography, retouching and lighting techniques is essential.  An extremely high competence of using Photoshop & Capture One. Experience in various lighting kit, including Profoto and continuous lighting. Working knowledge of Canon. Assertive and constructive in directing models on set. Working knowledge of video is preferred. Confidence in training others on photographic and retouching techniques. High competence using MAC Operating systems. A strong leader, who can manage, inspire and develop a team. Experience working within a large creative studio environment. Thorough understanding of current trends and lighting techniques. Forward thinking, innovative & proactive in approach of all projects Superior planning, workload management and organisational capabilities. Highly developed interpersonal, problem solving and presentation skills. Creative flair and knowledge, producing innovative ideas and solutions. A strong communicator and listener. It is essential to be commercially minded and aware of retail fashion and lifestyle trends. Comfortable with a highly pressured and rapidly changing environment. Experience in E-commerce and editorial photography is essential. At least 5 years relevant experience. A supporting portfolio or website. Exemplary attention to detail. Full UK driving licence.