At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative photography shoots and guide a talented team to produce stunning visuals.
- Company: Join Next, a leading FTSE-100 fashion retailer with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% off products, performance bonuses, and access to fantastic discounts.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence required; flexible working options available.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and innovation in fashion photography.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in a creative studio, expert in fashion photography, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
As a Senior Photographer, you will combine creative vision with professional expertise to consistently produce high-quality imagery for the Next brand. With a strong background in lighting and model photography, you will take a leading role in interpreting briefs, directing shoots, and guiding the visual aesthetic across studio operations. You’ll bring a sharp eye for detail, creative flair, and an innate ability to align visuals with our brand principles and evolving creative direction. Working closely with your Creative Lead, you will offer strategic and creative direction to the wider studio team, ensuring standards are upheld and continually elevated. You’re a focused, proactive, and mature individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with the empathy and communication skills required to lead and develop a team. You will also take ownership of maintaining and evolving studio workflows and structures to support creative output and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver clear, aspirational creative guidance to the studio team, translating brand objectives into compelling photography.
- Direct and support a team of inhouse and freelance photographers, digi ops and assistants to ensure creative consistency and quality across all visual output.
- Lead training sessions, workshops, and day-to-day mentoring to enhance the creative skillset of the team.
- Take responsibility for ensuring studio workflows and operational structures are consistently adhered to, adapting and developing them where necessary to improve efficiency and creative standards.
- Research and stay ahead of emerging trends in fashion photography, lighting, street style, and social media to bring fresh inspiration to shoots.
- Monitor industry and competitor activity to inform and refine creative direction.
- Oversee multiple sets simultaneously, maintaining high standards of quality, creativity, and efficiency.
- Implement and monitor quality control measures across the studio.
- Conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and support the growth of junior team members.
- Work collaboratively with fellow seniors across our model team as well as across other areas.
- Regularly present new test work and concepts to senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment with creative strategy.
- Communicate effectively with your Creative Lead to establish clear, recognisable and achievable goals.
- Travel to other Next studios, external studios, or on-location shoots as required.
- Strong experience in fashion/e-commerce/editorial photography.
About You
- Proven experience in a leadership or management role within a creative studio environment.
- Expert in lighting, model direction, and fashion photography.
- Proficient in Photoshop, Capture One, and MAC.
- Hands-on experience with Canon camera systems and Profoto/continuous lighting kits.
- Strong ability to direct models confidently and constructively.
- Understanding of videography is an advantage.
- Deep knowledge of current visual trends and techniques in lighting and post-production.
- Exceptional planning, organization, and multitasking skills.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Able to inspire and guide a team through feedback, training, and leadership.
- Highly adaptable with a proactive approach to challenges.
- Commercially aware, with a sound understanding of retail fashion and consumer trends.
- Meticulous attention to detail under pressure.
- Full UK driving licence required.
- A strong supporting portfolio or website is essential.
About Us
You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world. So we’ve gone global!
About The Team
- 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria\'s Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
- Company performance based bonus
- Sharesave scheme
- On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
- 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
- Early VIP access to sale stock
- Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
- Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
- Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
- Free on-site parking
- Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
- Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
- Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
- Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
- Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include \'Workplace Adjustments\' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries: Retail
Senior Photographer - Model in Leicester employer: Next
Next is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration among its talented team. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to training sessions, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation in fashion photography. Located in the UK, Next provides attractive benefits such as discounts on products, a performance-based bonus scheme, and access to health and wellbeing services, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Photographer - Model in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the fashion photography industry. Attend events, workshops, or exhibitions where you can meet people who work at Next or similar companies. Building relationships can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in fashion photography and lighting techniques. Follow influential photographers and brands on social media to gather inspiration and understand what’s currently resonating in the industry. This knowledge will help you align your creative vision with Next's brand objectives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a strong portfolio that showcases your best work in model photography. Make sure it highlights your ability to direct models and your expertise in lighting. Tailor your portfolio to reflect the style and quality that Next is known for, as this will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication and leadership skills. Since the role involves mentoring and guiding a team, consider taking on opportunities to lead projects or workshops. This experience will not only enhance your skills but also show potential employers your capability to inspire and develop others.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Photographer - Model in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Portfolio:Ensure your portfolio showcases your best work in fashion and model photography. Highlight projects that demonstrate your expertise in lighting and directing models, as well as any relevant experience in a studio environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of Next's brand principles and how your creative vision aligns with their objectives. Mention specific experiences where you've led teams or directed successful shoots.
Highlight Leadership Experience:In your CV, emphasise any previous leadership roles you've held within a creative studio. Detail your experience in mentoring and training team members, as well as your ability to maintain high standards of quality and efficiency.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Demonstrate your awareness of current trends in fashion photography and retail. Mention any research or insights you've gathered about competitors and how you can bring fresh inspiration to the role at Next.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a strong supporting portfolio that highlights your best work in fashion and model photography. Be prepared to discuss the creative process behind each piece, as this will demonstrate your expertise and thoughtfulness in your craft.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored others in a creative environment. Highlight specific instances where your guidance led to improved outcomes or enhanced team performance.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Research the latest trends in fashion photography, lighting techniques, and social media influences before your interview. Being able to discuss these trends will show your passion for the industry and your proactive approach to staying ahead of the curve.
✨Prepare for Creative Direction Questions
Expect questions about how you would translate brand objectives into compelling imagery. Think about how you can articulate your creative vision and provide clear, aspirational guidance to a team, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
