School Photographer Onboarding Checklist

School Photographer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new School Photographer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Photography onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new School Photographer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample School Photographer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

School Photographer Onboarding Checklist

1. Equipment setup and training: The school photographer needs to be familiarized with the company’s photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and editing software. This task is typically performed by the company’s equipment manager or a senior photographer who provides hands-on training and guidance on how to set up and use the equipment effectively.

2. Understanding company policies and procedures: It is crucial for the school photographer to be aware of the company’s policies and procedures, such as dress code, safety guidelines, data protection, and client confidentiality. This task is usually handled by the human resources department, which provides the necessary documentation and conducts an orientation session to explain the policies and answer any questions.

3. Familiarization with school schedules and locations: The school photographer needs to become familiar with the schedules and locations of various schools they will be working at. This includes understanding the school calendar, class timings, and any specific events or activities that may require photography coverage. The task of providing this information is typically performed by the company’s scheduling coordinator or project manager.

4. Introduction to the photography team: The school photographer should be introduced to the rest of the photography team, including other photographers, assistants, and editors. This helps foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the team. The task of introducing the new photographer is usually carried out by the team lead or supervisor.

5. Reviewing sample photographs and style guidelines: The school photographer should be provided with sample photographs from previous school shoots to understand the company’s preferred style and quality standards. Additionally, they should be given any specific style guidelines or requirements for school photography, such as posing, composition, and editing techniques. This task is typically performed by the company’s creative director or senior photographers.

6. Training on working with children and school staff: As a school photographer, it is essential to have the skills and knowledge to work effectively with children of different ages and school staff. This includes understanding child safety protocols, building rapport with students, and effectively communicating with teachers and administrators. The task of providing this training is usually assigned to a senior photographer or a designated trainer within the company.

7. Understanding the company’s workflow and processes: The school photographer needs to be familiar with the company’s workflow and processes, from scheduling shoots to delivering the final photographs. This includes understanding how to manage bookings, communicate with clients, organize files, and follow the company’s editing and quality control procedures. The task of explaining the workflow and processes is typically performed by the company’s operations manager or project coordinator.

8. Learning about the company’s sales and marketing strategies: The school photographer should be provided with an overview of the company’s sales and marketing strategies, including how to upsell additional products or services to clients. This includes understanding pricing structures, promotional offers, and any specific sales techniques used by the company. The task of providing this information is usually handled by the company’s sales manager or marketing team.

9. Reviewing safety and emergency procedures: The school photographer should be briefed on safety and emergency procedures, such as fire drills, evacuation plans, and first aid protocols. This ensures their preparedness in case of any unforeseen incidents while working at schools. The task of providing this information is typically performed by the company’s safety officer or designated safety trainer.

10. Shadowing experienced photographers: To gain practical experience and learn the nuances of school photography, the new school photographer should have the opportunity to shadow experienced photographers during actual shoots. This allows them to observe and learn from professionals in the field, understand different shooting techniques, and gain confidence in their own abilities. The task of arranging shadowing opportunities is usually coordinated by the team lead or supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example School Photographer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new School Photographer up to speed and working well in your Photography team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.