In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Technical Photographer. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Technical Photographer checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Photography team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
Contents
Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Technical 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 Technical Photographer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Technical Photographer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Equipment setup and familiarization: The technical photographer needs to be introduced to the company’s photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and any specialized tools. This task is typically performed by the company’s equipment manager or a senior photographer who is well-versed in the equipment.
2. Software and workflow training: The technical photographer should receive training on the software and digital workflow used by the company. This includes image editing software, file management systems, and any other tools specific to the company’s photography processes. The task is usually performed by the company’s digital imaging specialist or a designated trainer.
3. Understanding company policies and procedures: It is crucial for the technical photographer to be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures, such as safety protocols, data management guidelines, and copyright regulations. This task is typically covered by the human resources department or a designated representative who provides an overview of the company’s policies.
4. Introduction to the company’s style and brand guidelines: The technical photographer needs to understand the company’s style and brand guidelines to ensure consistency in their work. This includes learning about preferred lighting techniques, composition guidelines, and any specific requirements for different types of photography. The task is usually performed by the company’s creative director or a senior photographer.
5. Familiarization with the company’s target audience and industry: The technical photographer should gain an understanding of the company’s target audience and the industry it operates in. This includes learning about the company’s clients, competitors, and market trends. The task is typically performed by the company’s marketing or sales team, who provide relevant information and resources.
6. Shadowing experienced photographers: To gain practical knowledge and learn the company’s specific photography techniques, the technical photographer should spend time shadowing experienced photographers. This allows them to observe and learn from professionals who have a deep understanding of the company’s photography style and requirements. This task is performed by senior photographers or mentors assigned by the company.
7. Collaboration with other departments: The technical photographer should be introduced to other departments within the company that they may need to collaborate with, such as marketing, design, or product development. This task helps foster effective communication and teamwork, ensuring smooth coordination between different teams. The task is typically facilitated by the company’s project manager or team leads.
8. Understanding client expectations: The technical photographer should be briefed on the company’s typical client expectations, including deliverables, deadlines, and any specific requirements for different projects. This task is performed by the company’s account managers or project coordinators, who provide insights into client preferences and project specifications.
9. Safety training: As a technical photographer, it is important to receive safety training to ensure a safe working environment. This includes learning about proper handling of equipment, electrical safety, and any specific safety protocols related to the photography industry. The task is typically performed by the company’s safety officer or a designated trainer.
10. Reviewing past projects and portfolio: The technical photographer should review the company’s past projects and portfolio to gain a better understanding of the company’s style, quality standards, and areas for improvement. This task can be facilitated by the company’s creative director or senior photographers, who provide access to relevant project files and offer feedback.
11. Introduction to post-production processes: The technical photographer should be introduced to the company’s post-production processes, including image selection, editing, and retouching. This task is typically performed by the company’s post-production team or a designated trainer who provides guidance on the company’s specific editing techniques and workflows.
12. Attending team meetings and briefings: The technical photographer should attend team meetings and briefings to stay updated on ongoing projects, discuss upcoming assignments, and collaborate with other team members. This task helps foster effective communication and ensures alignment within the team. The task is typically organized by the team lead or project manager.
13. Building relationships with key stakeholders: The technical photographer should proactively build relationships with key stakeholders within the company, such as the marketing team, designers, or clients. This task involves networking, attending company events, and actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with other departments. The task is performed by the technical photographer themselves, with support from the company’s HR or management team.
14. Continuous learning and professional development: The technical photographer should be encouraged to engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay updated with the latest industry trends, techniques, and technologies. This can involve attending workshops, conferences, or online courses. The task is typically supported by the company’s HR department, who provide resources and guidance on professional development opportunities.
15. Performance evaluation and feedback sessions: The technical photographer should undergo regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions to assess their progress, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for professional growth. This task is typically performed by the company’s HR department or a designated supervisor who provides constructive feedback and guidance
From reading through the items in the example Technical Photographer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Technical 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.
