Shutterfly Is Now Hiring School Photographer – Burlington, ON

Job details

Location: Burlington, ON
Salary: $15.50 an hour
Job type: Full Time , Part time
Shift/Hours: Morning, night, overnight

Description
At Lifetouch (part of the Shutterfly family of brands), we believe there is extraordinary power in the self-expression. Built on the tradition of “Picture Day”, Lifetouch has captured the unique personalities of children and families for more than 85 years.

Our School Photographers Enjoy…

• Paid photography training to advance your skills and experience, no prior photography experience required, we’ll teach you everything required!
• Photographing in an active and fun environment with kids of all ages
• Competitive pay, paid drive time, as well as the possibility of being eligible for additional incentives/contests
• Traveling to area schools from the comfort of their own vehicle

The Skills You’ll Bring…

• Energy and passion for capturing the images of students and making lasting memories
• Willingness to work a varied seasonal schedule (mostly Mon-Fri), including early mornings and extended days as necessary
• Reliable, insured vehicle and Canadian driver’s license
• Ability to lift and operate camera equipment (equipment provided) – up to 40 lbs.
• Minimum 18 years of age with high school diploma or equivalent experience
• Strong customer service skills

We are seeking energetic, creative, and friendly seasonal Photographers for school picture days. If you’re interested in an exciting career in photography, enjoy working with kids and love being in a new setting every day, we want to work with you!

Supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce is important to Shutterfly not only because it directly reflects our value of Embracing our Differences, but also because it’s the right thing to do for our business and for our people.

What skills and qualities are important for a Photographer?

Several skills and qualities are important for a photographer to excel in their craft. Here are some key skills and qualities:

1. Technical proficiency: A photographer should have a solid understanding of camera settings, exposure, composition, lighting, and other technical aspects of photography. This knowledge enables them to capture high-quality images consistently.
2. Creativity: Creativity is essential in photography. It involves the ability to envision and frame subjects in unique and visually appealing ways. Photographers with a creative eye can capture interesting perspectives and tell compelling stories through their images.
3. Attention to detail: Attention to detail is crucial for a photographer, as it ensures that images are sharp, well-composed, and free of distractions or unwanted elements. This skill extends to post-processing, where meticulous editing can enhance the final result.
4. Patience and perseverance: Photography often requires waiting for the right moment, dealing with challenging lighting conditions, or setting up complex shots. Patience is necessary to capture the perfect shot, while perseverance is important to keep practicing and improving despite setbacks.
5. People skills: Many photographers work with clients, models, or subjects, so having good interpersonal skills is valuable. The ability to communicate effectively, make subjects feel comfortable, and direct them during photo shoots contributes to successful collaboration and the creation of captivating images.
6. Adaptability: Photographers encounter various shooting environments, subjects, and lighting conditions. Being adaptable allows them to quickly adjust their techniques, equipment, and creative approaches to deliver excellent results regardless of the situation.
7. Post-processing skills: Post-processing plays a significant role in modern photography. Familiarity with editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, enables photographers to enhance their images, adjust colors, fine-tune exposure, and apply other creative effects to achieve their desired aesthetic.
8. Business and marketing acumen: For professional photographers, business skills are essential. This includes knowledge of contracts, pricing, copyright laws, client management, marketing, and networking. Building a strong brand and effectively promoting one’s work are critical for success in the industry.
9. Continuous learning: Photography is an evolving field, with new techniques, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. A willingness to learn and adapt to these changes is important to stay current and push the boundaries of one’s skills and creativity.
10. Passion: Above all, a genuine passion for photography is vital. Passion fuels dedication, motivates continuous improvement, and inspires photographers to push themselves creatively. It helps to sustain enthusiasm and enjoyment in the art of capturing images.

While these skills and qualities are important for photographers, it’s worth noting that individual styles, preferences, and areas of specialization can influence the specific skills emphasized by different photographers.

What education and certification are required to become a Photographer?

Unlike some professions that have strict educational or certification requirements, photography does not have a standardized set of prerequisites. However, acquiring formal education and certifications can certainly enhance your skills, knowledge, and credibility as a photographer. Here are some common educational paths and certifications pursued by photographers:

1. Formal education: Pursuing a degree or diploma in photography or a related field can provide a solid foundation in the technical and creative aspects of photography. Many universities, colleges, and specialized art schools offer programs in photography at various levels, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
2. Photography workshops and courses: Short-term workshops and courses are an excellent way to gain specific skills or learn from experienced professionals. These programs can cover various topics, such as lighting techniques, portrait photography, photo editing, or business aspects of photography.
3. Online courses and tutorials: Numerous online platforms offer photography courses and tutorials, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning have a wide range of photography courses taught by industry professionals.
4. Apprenticeships and assisting professional photographers: Working as an apprentice or assistant to an established photographer can be a valuable learning experience. It provides hands-on training, exposure to different shooting scenarios, and insights into the business side of photography.
5. Professional certifications: While not mandatory, obtaining certifications can help establish credibility and demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of photography. Some organizations, such as the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), offer certification programs that require passing exams and meeting certain criteria.
6. Self-learning and practice: Photography is an art form that allows for self-learning and experimentation. Many successful photographers are self-taught and have honed their skills through consistent practice, studying photography books, attending exhibitions, and seeking inspiration from other artists.

It’s important to note that while education and certifications can provide valuable knowledge and credentials, the most crucial aspect of becoming a photographer is building a strong portfolio that showcases your skills, style, and versatility. Clients and employers often evaluate photographers based on the quality of their work rather than their formal education or certifications.

Who can apply to this job?

The employer accepts applications from:

• Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada.
• Other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.

How to apply

What is the work environment like for Photographer?

The work environment for a photographer can vary widely depending on their specialization, style of work, and individual circumstances. Here are some common work environments that photographers may experience:

1. Studio: Photographers who work in a studio have a controlled environment where they can set up lighting, backdrops, and props to create specific scenes or capture portraits. Studio photographers may specialize in areas such as product photography, fashion photography, or portrait photography.
2. On-location shoots: Many photographers work on-location, which could be outdoors, at events, or in clients’ homes or businesses. On-location shoots offer a dynamic and ever-changing environment, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for capturing diverse subjects, landscapes, or moments.
3. Travel: Some photographers specialize in travel photography or photojournalism, which often involves traveling to different locations, both domestically and internationally. These photographers have the opportunity to explore new places, document cultures, and capture stunning landscapes.
4. Freelance: Freelance photographers have the flexibility to work in various environments depending on their clients’ needs. They may work from home, have a dedicated home studio, or rent studio space when necessary. Freelancers often have the freedom to choose their projects and manage their own schedules.
5. Weddings and events: Photographers who specialize in wedding and event photography typically work in fast-paced and sometimes challenging environments. They need to be skilled at capturing candid moments, managing different lighting conditions, and working under time constraints.
6. Post-processing and editing: A significant portion of a photographer’s work is often dedicated to post-processing and editing. This aspect of the job is typically done on a computer, either in a dedicated editing space or at home. It involves using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance, retouch, and finalize images.
7. Collaboration and client interaction: Photographers frequently interact with clients, models, or subjects, especially in portrait or commercial photography. They may communicate to understand clients’ needs, provide guidance during photo shoots, or conduct meetings for discussing project details.
8. Outdoor and adventure: Some photographers specialize in outdoor and adventure photography, capturing landscapes, wildlife, or extreme sports. These photographers often work in challenging and adventurous environments, requiring physical endurance, outdoor skills, and a passion for exploration.
9. Working alone or in a team: Depending on the project or assignment, photographers may work independently or as part of a team. Collaborating with assistants, stylists, makeup artists, or other professionals is common in commercial photography or large-scale productions.

It’s important to note that the work environment can be diverse, and photographers may experience a combination of the above scenarios based on their specialization, clientele, and personal preferences. Adaptability and the ability to work in different settings are valuable traits for photographers.