Photographer - Carlsbad, CA, US

POSITION DESCRIPTION · Title & Reporting Relationships · Position Title: · Photographer · Reports to: · Art Director · Department: · Creative Services · Oversees: · No Direct Reports · Interactions: · Close collaboration with the Art Director, Creative Director, Graphic Designers ...

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title & Reporting Relationships

Position Title:

Photographer

Reports to:

Art Director

Department:

Creative Services

Oversees:

No Direct Reports

Interactions:

Close collaboration with the Art Director, Creative Director, Graphic Designers, and cross-functional teams including marketing, social, merchandising, and e-commerce.

Main Purpose and Major Challenges of the Role

The Photographer is a versatile, hands-on creative responsible for owning the creation of high-quality studio and lifestyle photography across Outerknown, Firewire, and Slater Designs. This role supports all brand channels, including ecommerce, marketing, and social, while helping bring brand stories and campaigns to life through strong visual storytelling.

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Working closely with the Art Director and Creative Director, the Photographer will execute studio shoots (on-body and flat lay), hero product photography (lifestyle and studio setting), lifestyle photography, and social-first content. The role requires the ability to seamlessly scale from nimble, fast turn shoots to larger, more complex productions. Success in this role requires creative agility, strong production knowledge, and the ability to manage projects end-to-end in a fast-paced, multi-brand environment.

This role requires four days per week in the office.
 

Accountability

Photography & Content Creation

• Own and execute studio photography including on-model, still-life, and flat lay imagery for ecommerce and product storytelling.
• Concept and capture lifestyle photography that supports campaigns, seasonal launches, and brand storytelling.
• Create social-first photography with a strong understanding of platform-specific formats and trends.
• Ensure all imagery aligns with each brand's visual identity and creative direction.

 Creative Collaboration

• Work closely with the Art Director and Creative Director to bring stories, campaigns, and creative concepts to life.
• Collaborate with marketing, ecommerce, and product teams to ensure photography supports business and brand objectives.
• Partner with designers and cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive creative across channels.

Production Management

• Lead all aspects of production including pre-production planning, shot lists, timelines, and budgets.
• Source and manage models, talent, agencies, and freelancers; oversee contracts, usage rights, and releases.
• Handle location scouting, permitting, and on-set execution for lifestyle shoots.
• Direct talent and manage on-set workflows to ensure creative vision, styling, and quality standards are met.

Post-Production & Asset Delivery

• Own post-production workflows including selects, retouching, color correction, cropping, and final output.
• Ensure timely delivery of final assets optimized for ecommerce, marketing, and social channels.
• Maintain organized asset libraries within the digital asset management system.

Studio & Asset Management

• Support studio operations including equipment organization and upkeep.
• Ensure consistent file naming, storage, and accessibility of photo assets across teams.

Video (Plus)

• Ability to shoot and edit video content is a strong plus, including short-form and lifestyle content for social and digital channels.
   
   

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years of experience shooting photography for brands or agencies, ideally within apparel, lifestyle, or action sports.
• A strong portfolio of work spanning across lifestyle and studio photography
• Strong expertise in studio lighting and camera operation
• Proven ability to concept and execute photography for ecommerce, lifestyle, and social platforms.
• Solid understanding of production workflows including talent, contracts, locations, and permitting.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, and related post-production tools.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly across different brand aesthetics and creative needs.
• Experience shooting and editing video is a plus.
• Experience with Asana and Microsoft tools is a plus

Success Metrics:

Quality & Timeliness:

​Consistently deliver high-quality photography that meets brand standards and deadlines across all three brands.

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Brand Consistency:
Maintain cohesive visual storytelling while honoring the unique identity of Outerknown, Firewire, and Slater Designs.

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Creative Impact:
Photography effectively supports campaigns, ecommerce performance, and social engagement while evolving overtime.

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Production Efficiency:
Smooth execution of shoots from planning through delivery, staying on schedule and within scope.

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Collaboration:
Positive feedback from creative and cross-functional partners on communication, execution, and creative contribution.