Photo Studio Lighting Technician

WANTABLE PHOTO STUDIO SUPPORTS: WANTABLE, 4 PRIVATE BRANDS and WANTABLE CAFE

MISSION: 

To ensure the highest quality of lighting for Wantable's photo shoots, enhancing the visual presentation of products and contributing to the overall aesthetic and brand identity. This role focuses on achieving precise and consistent lighting setups that bring out the best in every shot.

Job Description: 

The Photo Studio Lighting Technician at Wantable will be responsible for setting up, maintaining, and adjusting lighting equipment for both in-studio and on-location photo shoots. This role involves close collaboration with photographers, art directors, and other members of the creative team to ensure optimal lighting conditions for every shoot. Additionally, the role includes photo assistant and digital technician (DigiTech) responsibilities, as well as assisting with flat-lay sets.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in flat lay and on-figure photography, with a keen eye for detail and composition. You will have an innate ability to work nimbly and efficiently, staying ahead of trends, possess an understanding of retail/apparel and digital marketing and will deliver top-quality visual content across all marketing channels. You will also utilize data-driven insights to integrate and iterate new and innovative ideas.

Responsibilities:

Lighting Setup:

• Set up and configure lighting equipment according to the requirements of each shoot.
• Ensure proper lighting placement, intensity, and color balance to achieve the desired visual effect - knowing how to fluctuate between on-figure and off-figure. 
• Adjust lighting to fit the mood/vibe of each campaign as well as to compliment and highlight important attributes either on the model and products. 
• Adjust lighting setups as needed during shoots to accommodate changes in composition or creative direction.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Maintain all lighting equipment, ensuring it is in good working order and ready for use.
• Troubleshoot and repair lighting equipment as necessary.
• Keep an inventory of all lighting gear and manage the checkout and return process.

Photo Assistant Duties:

• Assist photographers with equipment setup and adjustments.
• Help with lighting, reflectors, and other technical aspects of the shoot.
• Manage file organization and backup during the shoot.

Digital Technician (DigiTech) Responsibilities:

• Manage the digital workflow, including capturing and processing images.
• Ensure images are correctly exposed and color-balanced.
• Provide immediate feedback on image quality and technical issues.

Flat-Lay Set Assistance:

• Assist in setting up and styling flat-lay sets.
• Ensure products are properly arranged and photographed with optimal lighting.

On-Location Support:

• Travel to various locations for on-site photo shoots, ensuring that lighting setups are effectively implemented in different environments.
• Adapt lighting techniques to suit the specific challenges of on-location shoots.

Innovation and Experimentation:

• Stay updated with the latest lighting techniques and equipment.
• Experiment with new lighting setups and techniques to keep Wantable’s photography innovative and engaging.

Expected Outcomes:

• Lighting Quality: Achieve consistently high-quality lighting that enhances the visual appeal of Wantable's products.
• Efficiency: Streamline the lighting setup and adjustment process to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
• Innovation: Introduce new lighting techniques and approaches to keep the visual content fresh and dynamic.

Requirements

• Location: Based in Milwaukee with the ability to work at the Wantable photo studio and various shoot locations as needed.

• Experience: Proven experience as a lighting technician, preferably within the fashion or retail industry.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with a variety of lighting equipment and techniques.

• Experience with photography and digital workflow management. Google business tools and basic digital marketing expertise is required. 

• Soft Skills: Excellent organizational, communication,  collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of lighting equipment, setups, and techniques.
• Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve lighting issues quickly and efficiently.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt lighting setups to different environments and creative directions.

Qualifications:

Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in the fashion retail sector.

Portfolio: Demonstrable experience in achieving high-quality lighting for photography.

Availability: Available to work in Milwaukee, M-F, with flexibility for occasional travel.

This role reports to the Studio Production Manager

About Wantable:

Wantable is a next-generation fashion brand delivering high-quality products through personalized experiences. Founded in 2012, we believe in empowering customers to look and feel their best.

Benefits

Wantable team members enjoy free food, coffee, and drinks in our HQ's beautiful new Wantable Cafe. We have a laid-back, casual environment in a state-of-the-art new HQ in Walkers Point.

We offer flexible schedules, paid parental leave (mothers AND fathers), and a private room for nursing mothers.

Even more exciting: paid vacation and seven paid holidays per year, plus a 50% discount on all merchandise. You’ll be eligible for the discount on your first day.

Important, but maybe less thrilling: we have ample parking, we offer medical (traditional and high deductible), dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401K (both pre-tax and Roth options).