Photography Assistant Job Description
Updated draft with role-specific HR recommendations
Position Title
Photography Assistant
Department
Photo Day / Operations
Reports To
Lead Photographer, Manager, or Owner
FLSA Classification
Non-exempt / Hourly
Employment Type
Part-time, seasonal, or event-based as assigned
Work Location
Studio and assigned on-location photo sites
Schedule
Varies by photo day, client needs, and seasonal demand
Prepared For
Orendorff Studios
Position SummaryThe Photography Assistant supports the successful execution of Orendorff Studios photo days, youth sports sessions, studio sessions, and on-location shoots. This role helps keep photo day organized, efficient, safe, and positive for athletes, families, coaches, clients, and the Orendorff Studios team.
The Photography Assistant assists with setup, participant flow, posing support, scanning, camera/laptop support, equipment handling, and customer-facing communication. This role requires reliability, attention to detail, comfort working around children and families, and the ability to remain active and engaged in fast-paced photo environments.
Essential Job Functions- Assist with setup and breakdown of photo stations, including lights, backdrops, tables, signage, equipment, and related materials.
- Help organize and arrange props, accessories, photo slips, barcodes, and other session materials.
- Keep assigned materials organized, accounted for, and securely packed before, during, and after each event.
- Assist with athlete, team, parent, and coach flow to help photo sessions run on schedule.
- Provide clear, respectful instructions to athletes, parents, and coaches regarding positioning, pose options, and the photo day process.
- Support posing by helping subjects understand where to stand, how to position themselves, and when to move through the photo station.
- Use handheld scanners or other assigned technology to scan subject barcodes or photo slips accurately.
- Assist with camera/laptop workflow as assigned, including confirming subjects are ready, looking toward the camera, and positioned appropriately before photos are taken.
- Monitor equipment function during the shoot and alert the lead photographer or manager if lights, scanners, laptops, cameras, or other tools are not working properly.
- Take additional photos when instructed or when needed to support photo quality and workflow.
- Communicate promptly with the lead photographer, manager, or designated point person regarding missing slips, equipment concerns, participant issues, delays, safety concerns, or client questions.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional photo station.
- Represent Orendorff Studios professionally when interacting with athletes, minors, parents, coaches, school staff, league representatives, and community partners.
- Follow all Company policies, safety procedures, photo day workflows, and instructions from the lead photographer or manager.
- Perform other related duties as assigned based on business needs, client requirements, and photo day operations.
Professional Conduct Around Minors and FamiliesBecause Orendorff Studios frequently works with youth athletes, students, and families, Photography Assistants must maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times. Communication with minors must remain respectful, appropriate, visible, and related to the work being performed.
- Use clear, professional, and age-appropriate communication.
- Avoid inappropriate joking, personal comments, unnecessary physical contact, or private side conversations with minors.
- Follow Company procedures for working around minors, families, schools, leagues, and community partners.
- Immediately report any concern involving safety, conduct, inappropriate behavior, or participant wellbeing to management.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Strong reliability and ability to report to assigned locations on time.
- Ability to follow instructions and photo day procedures.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy during repetitive tasks.
- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with children, parents, coaches, clients, and coworkers.
- Ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work as part of a team and respond quickly to direction.
- Comfort working in high-energy environments with groups of athletes, families, and coaches.
- Basic comfort using handheld scanners, laptops, wireless triggers, or other assigned technology.
- Ability to remain professional and calm during busy or time-sensitive photo sessions.
- Willingness to learn Orendorff Studios photo day workflow and quality standards.
Preferred Experience- Previous experience in customer service, events, youth sports, schools, recreation programs, or photography support is preferred.
- Photography experience is helpful, but not required.
- Experience working around children, families, or youth sports environments is helpful.
Physical RequirementsThe physical requirements listed below are representative of those needed to perform the essential functions of this role, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Stand and remain actively engaged for the duration of scheduled photo sessions, up to six (6) consecutive hours.
- Walk, bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, and move between stations or locations.
- Lift, carry, push, pull, or move equipment and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Assist with setup and breakdown of photo areas, including carrying equipment from vehicles, storage areas, or staging areas.
- Work in fast-paced environments requiring movement, attention, and responsiveness.
- Work indoors or outdoors depending on the location and type of shoot.
For shifts longer than six (6) hours, breaks will be provided in accordance with Company policy and applicable law.
Work EnvironmentPhotography Assistants may work in a variety of environments, including the studio, schools, gymnasiums, recreation centers, athletic fields, sports complexes, community venues, or other client locations.
- Indoor and outdoor settings;
- Uneven ground, grass, turf, pavement, stairs, or bleachers;
- Weather-related conditions such as heat, cold, wind, or light rain;
- Noise, crowds, and frequent movement of athletes, families, coaches, and staff;
- Tight schedules and high-volume participant flow;
- Locations where parking, staging areas, or restrooms may be some distance from the active photo area.
Team Members may need to carry equipment or materials between vehicles, fields, buildings, and photo stations.
Team Members are permitted to use the restroom as needed and are expected to coordinate with the lead photographer or manager when stepping away so shoot coverage and participant flow can be maintained.
Schedule and AvailabilityWork hours vary based on scheduled photo days, studio sessions, client needs, and seasonal demand. Most work occurs during scheduled sessions, which may include weekday late afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
Photography Assistants are expected to manage their availability responsibly and communicate scheduling conflicts as early as possible.
Transportation and Location RequirementsPhotography Assistants may be assigned to work at the studio or at off-site photo locations, including schools, athletic fields, sports complexes, and community venues. Team Members are expected to have reliable transportation to report to assigned work locations within Orendorff Studios normal service area as scheduled.
Technology, Cell Phones, and Focus ExpectationsPhotography Assistants are expected to remain focused, attentive, and engaged during active shoots. Personal cell phone use during active shoots should follow Company policy and management direction. When approved exceptions are needed for urgent personal circumstances, the Team Member should discuss the need with management before the shoot begins whenever possible.
Performance Expectations- Arrive on time and prepared for assigned shoots.
- Follow photo day setup, workflow, scanning, posing, and breakdown procedures.
- Communicate professionally with athletes, families, coaches, clients, and coworkers.
- Maintain accuracy when using scanners, slips, wireless triggers, laptops, and related tools.
- Protect equipment, materials, and photo day records from loss, damage, or disorganization.
- Stay calm, responsive, and helpful during high-volume or fast-moving sessions.
- Accept coaching and apply feedback promptly.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries and professional conduct around minors and families.
- Use good judgment regarding safety, site awareness, restroom breaks, and shoot coverage.
Reasonable Accommodation StatementOrendorff Studios will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances in accordance with applicable law.
AcknowledgmentI acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an employment contract. Job duties may be modified based on business needs.
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