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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fashion Photographer

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

CreativeMarketingPhotographyFashion

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a creative visionary with a passion for style and a camera in hand? We're on the hunt for a talented and ambitious Fashion Photographer to join our dynamic creative team. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind our brand's visual narrative, responsible for producing stunning, high-quality imagery across all our platforms—from e-commerce product shots to breathtaking editorial campaigns. You will collaborate with a team of stylists, art directors, and marketers to bring creative concepts to life, ensuring every image is not only beautiful but also perfectly aligned with our brand's aesthetic and commercial goals. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a portfolio that speaks volumes about your ability to capture the essence of fashion, we want to see your work.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Photography Assistant
  • Junior Photographer
  • Freelance Photographer with a strong fashion portfolio

Advancement To:

  • Senior Fashion Photographer
  • Art Director
  • Creative Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Content Creator / Social Media Manager
  • Videographer
  • Photo Editor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conceptualize, plan, and execute high-quality fashion photoshoots for e-commerce, social media, lookbooks, and major marketing campaigns.
  • Operate and maintain professional-grade digital camera systems (e.g., Canon, Sony, Phase One) and tethered shooting software like Capture One.
  • Design, set up, and manage complex studio and on-location lighting schemes to achieve specific moods and highlight product details effectively.
  • Direct models, hair stylists, and makeup artists on set to achieve desired poses, expressions, and overall aesthetics that align with the creative brief.
  • Collaborate closely with Art Directors and Stylists during pre-production to develop mood boards, storyboards, and shot lists that translate brand vision into actionable plans.
  • Shoot a high volume of product-on-model, flat lay, and ghost mannequin imagery for e-commerce, ensuring consistency in lighting, angle, and brand standards.
  • Perform advanced post-production work, including high-end skin and fabric retouching, color correction, and image composition using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
  • Ensure all final imagery maintains strict color accuracy and is consistent with the brand's established visual guidelines across all channels.
  • Manage and organize a large volume of digital assets, including culling, editing, naming, and archiving images using a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system.
  • Stay relentlessly up-to-date with emerging fashion trends, photography techniques, and cutting-edge software to continually innovate and elevate our visual content.
  • Interpret creative briefs and style guides to consistently deliver compelling, on-brand imagery that drives customer engagement and sales.
  • Select and present the strongest images from each shoot to creative leadership and marketing stakeholders for review and final approval.
  • Create engaging short-form video content for social media platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, including behind-the-scenes footage.
  • Maintain all studio photography, lighting, and grip equipment, ensuring it is clean, organized, and in perfect working order for daily use.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and provide constructive feedback to junior photographers, interns, or photography assistants on set.
  • Proactively research and scout new and inspiring locations, models, and creative talent to build a strong network of collaborators.
  • Assist in managing photoshoot budgets, tracking expenses for equipment rentals, props, and freelance talent.
  • Participate actively in creative brainstorming sessions and team meetings, contributing fresh ideas for future campaigns and projects.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including modeling agencies, freelance artists, and production houses.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges with camera, lighting, or software in real-time during high-pressure shoots.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the company's photography and visual identity guidelines.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert-level proficiency in professional DSLR and mirrorless camera systems and lenses.
  • Mastery of studio lighting principles and equipment, including strobes, modifiers, and grip gear for both still photography and video.
  • Advanced command of the Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Photoshop, Lightroom, and Bridge) and Capture One Pro for tethered shooting and raw processing.
  • A strong, demonstrable portfolio showcasing a high level of skill in e-commerce, editorial, and lifestyle fashion photography.
  • Deep understanding of color theory, color management workflows, and advanced color grading techniques.
  • Experience with video capture and basic editing for creating compelling social media content.
  • Proficiency in digital asset management (DAM), metadata tagging, and maintaining an organized digital archive.
  • Knowledge of various photography styles, including on-model, still life, flat lay, and product photography.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional creative eye with a strong sense of composition, style, and visual storytelling.
  • Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to confidently direct talent and collaborate with a diverse creative team.
  • Superior organizational and time-management abilities, capable of juggling multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • High level of attention to detail, ensuring every image meets brand quality standards.
  • A proactive, resourceful, and adaptable problem-solver who can think on their feet.
  • A positive, collaborative spirit and a genuine passion for the fashion and photography industries.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A compelling and diverse online portfolio is paramount. A degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience is expected.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography, Visual Arts, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Photography
  • Fine Arts
  • Visual Communication
  • Graphic Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional experience as a fashion photographer, either in-house for a brand or as an established freelance photographer.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience shooting for a notable fashion or e-commerce brand, with a portfolio that clearly showcases expertise in both commercial and creative contexts.