PURPOSE SUMMARY:

Photographic stylist assists photographers by styling products, mannequins, models, laydowns and lifestyle photographic images.  The stylist will also source and setup props and other necessary materials, which will form the subject of photo shoots.  Photographic styling involves collecting the necessary materials and props before the shoot from various suppliers, arranging objects in the desired fashion and setting up special effects, if any, e.g. turf, wind or rain.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• Responsible for styling the subject material to meet the photography brief or style guide of the client, capture the artistic intent of the photographer, and ensure we are maintaining a fast pace within our quality standards.
• Ensures smooth and quick transition between articles being shot (model outfit changes, mannequin dressage). Consistency between shots is a measure of success.
• Maintains a consistent quality standard and remains fully engaged (attention to detail, following style standards, predictive improvement) on repetitive projects.
• The stylists should create a comfort with the models to allow them to be positioned, tucked, and straightened in a manner that constantly improves quality and speed of the shoot.  Creates a rapport with models to understand pose requirements, transitions, and a natural presentation.
• Responsible for the timely completion and accuracy of stylist project job forms throughout the lifecycle of the job. (i.e.: production calendar, daily summary, expense sheets, time tracking, and mileage).
• Create written documentation, including visual references if necessary, on how specific styling is done so it can included in client standards such as style guides.  In addition, be able to train fellow team members to those specific standards.
• Contributes improvements in project Pre-Production meetings and Postmortem that relate to styling and stylists.  Including completion and execution of action items assigned to the stylist for the teams success from those meetings in a timely manner.
• Completes Pre-shoot tasks assigned by the Photographer and Project Manager prior to the start of the shoot.  This can includes but is not limited to receiving product, steaming apparel, styling shoes, prop shopping, and setting mannequin stands.
• Ability to seek and acquire contact with various locations outside of the studio for client-driven shoots that would contribute to the client’s aesthetic and budgetary restrictions. After initial contact is made, communication and contract negotiations will pass on to Project Manager. 
• Builds and maintain a wardrobe, coordinating and selecting accessories.  This may include temporary acquisitions from/for clients and coordination of accurate returns.
• Being self-starter in maintaining mannequin inventory and prop inventory and set organization tools in clean, working order.  Identifies and plans repair and replacement needs.
• Responsible for the organization and cleanliness of the style prep areas and on-set zone.
• The stylist is responsible for assisting the overall flow of product in, within and out of the studio as requested by the Project Manager or Shipping/Receiving Manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• The stylist has the ability to see solutions to tricky styling challenges. The stylist is able to style product to maximize its presentation by material, silhouette, and supporting props (including mannequins).
• Requires strong attention to details, the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, with exceptional problem solving skills dedicated to ensure projects meet their requirements and provide adjustments when necessary.  
• Stylist is flexible to rapidly changing schedules
• Communication is in person, via phone or email, which makes it necessary, to balance listening and talking, writing clearly and accurately, influencing others, and keeping others informed.  
• Customer interactions are with both internal and external.    This position requires that we always strive for high customer satisfaction, going out of the way to be helpful, respectful, approachable, and team oriented, building strong and positive working relationships.  Must be able to communicate at all levels in a clear, concise and calm manner.  Must be receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and embrace continuous improvement.
• Organizational skills are necessary.  Must take ownership of the work, doing what is needed without being asked and following through.
• The stylist has the ability to work independently or within a team.  He or she must possess exceptional decision-making skills.  He or she uses discretion and consideration when interacting with others, while creatively thinking of better ways to do things.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Moderate skill with a Mac operating system that also utilizes Microsoft Office software programs, specifically, Excel.  
• Ability to utilize web based database management tools. (Examples: Workhorse, Access, Barcoding software).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates will have a merchandising or photography certificate.  Relevant on the job experience can be substituted.
• 2 years of experience working with as a photographer, photographer’s assistant, apparel visual merchandiser, fashion stylist, or photography stylist.
• Knowledge of digital commercial photography workflow process.
• Creative agency experience or content production experience is desired. 
• Flexible schedule – ability to accommodate long shoot days, early prep shots, and accommodate client schedules as needed.

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job.  Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job and may be changed as deemed necessary by the company.