Job Description

We're looking for a proactive and people-focused

Senior Photographer

to support and elevate the capability of our photo Studio in London. This is a hands-on, on-site role designed for someone who thrives in a e-commerce studio environment, understands photography and studio operations, and is passionate about coaching and supporting a team to deliver exceptional images.The Senior Photographer supports the Photography Manager in overseeing the day-to-day operations, creative direction, and output of the photography department. Acting as a key deputy, this role ensures the smooth running of the studio, upholds the Designer Exchange brand's visual standards, and helps lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional content across e-commerce, marketing, and campaign projects.

The Senior Photographer is hands-on in both creative execution and operational management, stepping in to lead the studio in the Photography Manager's absence, and working closely with HR, Creative, Marketing, and E-Commerce to maintain high performance, compliance, and team cohesion.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Team Support

Efficiently produce a high volume of product shots, meeting both daily quantity and quality targets for e-commerce. Execute creative still-life shoots independently, with mastery of studio lighting techniques. Oversee setup and execution of in-house and on-location shoots, ensuring they meet both e-commerce requirements and creative briefs, within deadlines. Provide creative direction to photographers, stylists, and assistants to achieve the desired aesthetic. Assist in leading and motivating the photography team, including photographers, stylists, assistants, and studio staff. Support the Photography Manager in coordinating daily studio operations, ensuring all shoots run efficiently and to schedule. Help monitor KPIs, production targets, and workflows to maintain consistent delivery standards. Step in to oversee the studio and manage resources in the Photography Manager's absence. Maintain studio readiness -- ensuring equipment, sets, and backdrops are safe, functional, and production-ready.

Creative Execution & Direction

Contribute to shoot planning, shot lists, prop sourcing, and scheduling. Support in delivering high-quality e-commerce, campaign, and still-life photography both in-studio and on-location. Uphold brand consistency across all visual outputs, following established style guides and creative briefs. Provide on-set direction to team members to achieve desired visual outcomes. Assist in reviewing and approving images to ensure they meet brand quality standards.

Post-Production Support

Demonstrate proficiency in Capture One and Photoshop to ensure consistent, high-quality output. Assist in overseeing image editing and retouching workflows for both e-commerce and marketing/editorial content. Support the Photography Manager with image retouching as needed during peak periods. Perform or supervise basic edits (cropping, colour correction) and liaise with post-production teams for premium retouching. Ensure image delivery is efficient, well-documented, and meets deadlines. Collaborate on quality control (QC) of imagery before and after external retouching. Assist with file management: tracking, sending to third parties, uploading, archiving, and maintaining workflow organization.

Team Culture, Conduct & HR Support

Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative studio culture that reflects Designer Exchange's values. Align team behaviours and performance with the company's Code of Conduct. Where required, support in carrying out formal HR processes such as investigations, probation reviews, and performance discussions, in partnership with HR. Provide constructive feedback and coaching to team members to encourage growth and performance improvement.

Continuous Improvement

Suggest and help implement process enhancements to improve workflow efficiency and creative output. Keep up to date with industry trends, photography techniques, and new tools that could enhance the studio's capabilities. Support the Photography Manager in maintaining budget awareness and efficient resource allocation.

Technical Skills Required

Expert user of Nikon and Canon, preferably Advanced knowledge of studio lighting systems and setups. Familiar with the use of studio flashes and handheld flashes Expert knowledge of Capture One Pro and Adobe Photoshop. Proficiency in Mac OS and Wacom tablets. Advanced skills in Excel / Google Sheets for workflow tracking and reporting.
Job Type: Full-time