JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose:

As a Photographer, you will be responsible for capturing vibrant and dynamic moments during various events and activities across the three campuses (Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway). This involves planning, executing, and editing photographic projects across various platforms.

The Photographer role requires a creative eye, technical proficiency, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Your photographs will contribute to preserving the memories of campus life, showcasing the diversity of events, and supporting promotional efforts.

Responsible to: Sales and Events Manager/ Venue and Events Coordinator/ Commercial Marketing Coordinator

Responsible for: Casual Staff

Department/Service

The Photographer is part of the Greenwich Students’ Union Commercial Services. At GSU, we turn over £1.1m through our not-for-profit commercial services that provide services to students, staff, and the local population. We provide students at the University of Greenwich with social spaces to study, make friends and have fun.

Additionally, the profit generated through our varied income portfolio is invested back into the SU support services for students. We are a Living Wage Employer and a large employer of students putting money back in their pockets to support studying and living costs in London and Kent.

1 Duty and Key Responsibilities

• Capture high-quality, visually appealing images for various purposes, including marketing materials, events, and social media.
• Attend club nights and other events to capture candid and dynamic photographs of guests, performers, and the overall atmosphere.
• Document key moments, emotions, and interactions throughout the event.
• Set up and calibrate cameras, lenses, and external lighting to adapt to different lighting conditions within the venue.
• Ensure all equipment is in working order before the event begins.
• Interact professionally with event attendees, encouraging natural and spontaneous poses for lively, authentic photographs.
• Adapt to fast-paced and dynamic event environments, adjusting photography techniques based on the changing atmosphere and crowd dynamics.
• Deliver high-resolution, unedited photos to clients within the agreed-upon timeframe.
• Maintain a respectful and friendly demeanour while working with event organisers, staff, and attendees.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and new photography techniques.
• Seek feedback on your work and actively look for ways to improve.

Planning and Post-Production

• Collaborate with creative and marketing teams to understand project requirements and objectives.
• Plan and organise photo shoots, including selecting locations, models, and props.
• Develop concepts and themes for photography projects in line with the organisation's branding.
• Edit and retouch photographs to enhance their quality, utilising software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
• Ensure a consistent and cohesive look across all images in a project.
• Collaborate with external vendors and agencies when necessary.
• Manage and organise a digital library of images for easy accessibility.

Finance and Reporting

• Maintain financial controls and ensure the finance department receives all relevant financial information promptly, by GSU’s financial procedures.
• Maintain detailed records of equipment usage, repairs, and maintenance.
• Assist in preparing reports and evaluations of photography aspects for each event.
• Contribute to post-event reviews to identify successes and areas for improvement.
• Provide guidance to clients on creative and technical aspects of photography.
• Report feedback from customers about the events and services to the Sales and Events Manager.

Health and Safety

• Maintain and oversee the care of photographic equipment, ensuring everything is in working order.
• Adhere to health and safety regulations, including working at heights and equipment safety protocols.
• Conduct regular safety checks and risk assessments for photography setups.
• Recommend improvements to enhance the safety and technical aspects of events.

2 General Responsibilities

• Represent and be an ambassador for GSU.
• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position.
• Maintain and improve competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practices.
• Support and promote workplace liberation, diversity and equality of opportunity.
• Treat with confidentiality any personal, private, or sensitive information about individual organisations, clients, staff, and Project data.
• Actively seek better ways to assist GSU in becoming a more sustainable workplace.
• Any other duties commensurate with the accountabilities of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential Attributes

• Able to adapt to varying lighting and crowded conditions typical of club nights.
• Possess a keen eye for unique and visually compelling shots, experimenting with angles and lighting.
• Master photography equipment, especially in low-light environments common in clubs.
• Interact effectively with attendees, performers, and venue staff, fostering a friendly and approachable atmosphere.
• Anticipate and capture spontaneous moments efficiently in the fast-paced event environment.
• Maintain a professional attitude, respecting privacy, and collaborating respectfully with event organisers.
• Sustain focus and energy throughout the duration of lengthy club nights.
• Proficiency in using digital and manual cameras, as well as lighting and photo editing software.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating a range of photographic styles and projects.
• Detail-oriented with a keen eye for aesthetics.
• Time management skills to meet deadlines.

Desirable Attributes

• Proven experience as a professional photographer.
• Degree in Photography, Visual Arts, or a related field.
• Experience in portrait, event, product, and/or commercial photography.
• Familiarity with video production and editing.
• Knowledge of copyright laws related to photography.
• Experience with studio lighting setups.

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements

• All Commercial Services staff may be asked to work at other campus outlets on an ad hoc basis to assist with day-to-day operations and events.
• Innovative and forward-thinking approach to continued improvement.
• Able to travel extensively within the Borough and Region.
• Able to work unsociable hours and stay overnight where necessary.
• Work well in a team with a flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the Organisation

Training Available

• Specialist training relevant to the role.
• Ongoing in-depth support is available throughout the year from the Commercial Marketing Coordinator.

Miscellaneous

• The definition and examples of work included above are not exhaustive – they are illustrative and for guidance only. A particular post holder with this job title may not perform all duties detailed in this job description. Conversely, not all the duties performed will be listed on this document.
• It is the practice of GSU Commercial Services to periodically examine employees’ job descriptions and update them to ensure they relate to the job as then being performed. This will be done with the Senior Manager in consultation with the employee.

CONDITIONS:

Contract Casual

Hours Zero hours per week

£11.99 - £13.46ph + Paid holiday on top of your hourly rate of 12.07% per

Notice period One Week

Benefits: Training opportunity. Personal development opportunities. Building verbal communication skills. Gaining essential knowledge and experience to further your career options. Working as part of a team. Uniform and Meal on duty provided.