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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Image Processor

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

MediaPhotographyDesignData ProcessingE-commerceMarketing

🎯 Role Definition

As an Image Processor, you are the crucial link between raw photography and polished, brand-aligned visual assets. You are a digital artisan responsible for refining, correcting, and preparing large volumes of images for various platforms, including e-commerce sites, marketing campaigns, and social media. Your meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise ensure that all visual content not only looks exceptional but also maintains brand consistency and meets strict quality standards. This role is perfect for a highly organized and technically skilled individual who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and has a keen eye for visual aesthetics.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Photography Assistant
  • Junior Graphic Designer
  • Data Entry Clerk (with a visual component)
  • Freelance Photo Editor

Advancement To:

  • Senior Image Processor / Lead Retoucher
  • Digital Asset Manager
  • Studio Production Manager
  • Visual Content Strategist

Lateral Moves:

  • E-commerce Content Coordinator
  • Junior Graphic Designer
  • Production Artist
  • Digital Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform high-volume, complex image retouching, color correction, and compositing on product and lifestyle photography to meet established brand standards.
  • Execute precise clipping paths, masking, and silhouetting to isolate products and subjects from their backgrounds with clean, professional edges.
  • Ensure color consistency across all images within a product group and against physical samples or approved color targets.
  • Crop, resize, and format thousands of images per week according to specific guidelines for web, mobile, social media, and print outputs.
  • Conduct rigorous quality assurance checks on all processed images to identify and correct any imperfections, ensuring they meet technical and aesthetic requirements before publication.
  • Manage and organize a large library of digital assets using Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, including keywording, tagging, and applying metadata.
  • Maintain strict file naming conventions and digital folder structures to ensure efficient retrieval and archiving of all image files.
  • Collaborate closely with photographers, art directors, and marketing teams to understand project requirements and deliver on the creative vision.
  • Utilize batch processing, Photoshop actions, and automation scripts to streamline workflow and increase efficiency in a high-volume production environment.
  • Process and manage RAW image files from photo shoots, making initial adjustments and selections in software like Capture One or Adobe Lightroom.
  • Create and maintain internal documentation on retouching techniques, style guides, and workflow processes to ensure team-wide consistency.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to image quality, color profiles, and file formatting.
  • Perform advanced retouching tasks, including frequency separation for skin smoothing, Liquify tool for shape adjustments, and complex composite creation.
  • Evaluate incoming photography for quality, providing constructive feedback to photography teams to improve source image capture and reduce post-production time.
  • Prepare and deliver final image files to various internal and external stakeholders, ensuring all specifications and deadlines are met.
  • Stay current with the latest industry trends, software updates, and advanced post-production techniques to continuously improve quality and efficiency.
  • Manage workflow queues and prioritize tasks effectively to handle multiple projects simultaneously without compromising on quality.
  • Match on-figure and product photography to ensure consistency in tone, lighting, and color across different shots and sets.
  • Remove and/or manipulate backgrounds, props, and other unwanted elements from images while maintaining a natural and believable result.
  • Archive completed projects systematically and retrieve assets from the archive upon request from other departments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to image production metrics.
  • Contribute to the organization's visual content strategy and creative roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs and creative briefs into engineering and production requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the creative production team.
  • Assist in training new team members on software, brand standards, and studio workflow.
  • Provide support for minor graphic design tasks or production art requests as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, including advanced layering, masking, paths, and color adjustment tools.
  • Strong experience with Adobe Lightroom and/or Capture One for RAW image processing and management.
  • Deep understanding of advanced retouching techniques (e.g., dodging & burning, frequency separation, cloning, healing).
  • Proven ability to create and utilize Photoshop Actions and batch processing for high-volume workflows.
  • Expertise in color theory, color management, and working with different color profiles (sRGB, Adobe RGB, CMYK).
  • Proficiency with Digital Asset Management (DAM) software and principles of metadata tagging.
  • Skilled in using a Wacom tablet or similar pressure-sensitive input device for precise editing.
  • Knowledge of various digital file formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PSD) and their appropriate applications.
  • Ability to perform precise masking, deep etching, and compositing to create seamless images.
  • Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira is a plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a critical eye for aesthetics, composition, and color accuracy.
  • Superior organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of assets under tight deadlines.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive mindset to improve workflows.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative creative team.
  • High level of focus and patience for repetitive yet detailed tasks.
  • Receptive to constructive feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing priorities and project requirements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent. A certificate in a related field is a strong asset.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Photography
  • Graphic Design
  • Digital Media Arts
  • Visual Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5+ years of professional experience in photo retouching, image processing, or a related role. A strong portfolio demonstrating advanced retouching skills is required.

Preferred: Direct experience working in a high-volume production environment such as an e-commerce studio, advertising agency, or corporate creative department is highly desirable.

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