What are the responsibilities and job description for the Photographer US position at Mary Kay Inc?
Company Overview
Looking for a career where you can make a difference? At Mary Kay we are committed to enriching the lives of women and their families around the world, we offer careers with unlimited opportunities to do something beautiful every day. More than 5,000 employees work in locations around the world. They provide the products, marketing and other support to millions of Independent Beauty Consultants (IBCs) who work as independent contractors, selling our products directly to consumers in nearly 40 markets on five continents.
We are a company that believes in our people and cares for them with truly exceptional benefits. We offer:
- A comprehensive health plan which includes medical, dental, and vision with low premiums
- 401(k) plan
- A generous profit-sharing program
- Free access to on-site fitness center and on-site clinic
Team US
“Team US” is what we fondly call employees whose work directly supports the Independent Beauty Consultants in our legacy Mary Kay Market. The U.S. market is where Mary Kay Ash’s dream became a reality. As a member of Team US, you will find opportunities to directly support the sales force in Sales, Marketing, IT, Finance and HR. Our teams create the magic for the beauty consultants – from spectacular events and world-class education and motivation to packing and distributing our wonderful Mary Kay® products – the possibilities for a meaningful career are endless.
JOB PURPOSE
Lead internal photographer for Mary Kay, Inc, shooting both on-site in the MK in-house studio and off-site at events as required. As lead photographer, trains junior photographer to develop skills for backup shoots and photo assistance needs. Evaluates the work of back up photographer and creates a path for additional learnings. As lead photographer develops capital expense budget for photography equipment; maintains photo gear and organization of studio equipment including repairs and replacements for the photography team. Collaborates and advises Global photographers with the best way to shoot items for specific artistic needs, so as to achieve the desired effect and outcome. Schedules photo shoots, working with all stakeholders including art directors, art producers, and stylists. Manages all aspects of photo shoots by securing product for shoot, arranging studio lighting and styling for tabletop shots, working with other Mary Kay personnel and external partners like make-up artists, stylists and models when shooting off-site or with the Sales Force. Subject matter for photos includes, but is not limited to, models, cosmetics, jewelry and cars. Post production includes critical color matching, image composition and deco replacement. Ensures that all images are delivered to the production team in a manner that is conducive for use in production mechanicals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Photography and Post Production: Responsible for the majority of in-house, studio photography for the U.S. creative team. Has extensive knowledge of lighting and styling techniques to set up the studio properly for each photo session. Uses artistic skills and creativity to style, light, and photograph subject matter including people (such as professional models, MK employees, and sales force) and product (such as cosmetics, packaging, apparel, and jewelry). Uses extensive knowledge to produce superior, high-profile print publications, Web and digital applications. Manages photography process from concept, pre-production meetings with stylists and art directors to post production, including editing and retouching as needed to fulfill the creative intent and vision for the image. Post-production duties include critical color matching of product photography to physical product, background removal, and applying transparency masks while keeping natural shadows. Applies retouching techniques to product packaging artwork or “deco” to produce realistic and accurate product photography. In the case of model photography, post production includes beauty retouching techniques, including skin-smoothing on model photography and realistic color makeup application.
- Drives Innovation in the Studio: Responsible for championing ways to leverage technology, and recommends solutions which improve productivity, quality and the customer experience. Leads a team of Art Directors, Producers, Image Production and Creative to establish and uphold standards, evaluate and elevate quality, and recommends improvements to enhance marketing pieces. Researches new software and equipment and develops documentation to make the business case for upgrades.
- Organizes and Maintains Digital Files: Works with Studio manager to organize and maintain digital file structures including archiving, adding metadata to images, and project folder organizations.
- Studio Management: Co-manages the photo studio, scheduling shoots and coordinating with all stakeholders to make sure all necessary resources are ready for each photo session. Researches new photography techniques and styling to ensure in-house photography resource stays up-to-date with industry standards and trends.
- Location Photography: Responsible for shoot location and event photography both on-site in the Mary Kay Buildings and local off-site events including Seminar. Photography includes models, sales force, executives, other VIPs, and events such as awards ceremonies and company presentations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Education
Bachelor’s degree (B.A, B.F.A.) in photography preferred or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience
5 years of relevant work experience in photography and retouching for major brands. A strong portfolio of previous work is required.
- Expert proficiency using high-end professional photography equipment and studio lighting including strobes, soft boxes, backdrops, and reflectors.
- Expert proficiency with Macintosh-based imaging software including Photoshop, Bridge, and Capture One.
- Must be an expert in color correction and color matching, being able to achieve match color on high-end proofs of make-up, apparel, packaging, and other color-critical elements.
- Must be an expert in image manipulation and composition with experience working jewelry, model shots, clothing, and product.
- Ability to work well in a team environment and perform in a deadline-driven workplace.
- Must be outgoing and personable with good social skills to interact with a variety of people who will be the subject of photography.
- Excellent organization skills and the ability to rigorously follow process with the understanding that consistent file naming, organization, and metadata are crucial to a production group.