Photo Retoucher

Reporting to the Creative Content Director and working closely alongside the studio photographer, the photo retoucher manages the output of all photography being created in Steltenpohl Studios, our in-house photo studio.  They are someone with a keen eye for all things product and food photography related and live in the details.  Whether retouching the label of a bottle, comping a swirl into a creamy glass of ice coffee, or color-grading a suite of campaign images, this person is confident in their craft and will be responsible for post-production of world-class imagery on a consistent basis.

In addition to being an expert retoucher, the perfect candidate is curious about studio photography and excited to learn the ins-and-outs of the studio photography process. This role will be required to help support our studio photographer in action as needed.

This hybrid role works in the DTLA Arts District office 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) per week with flexibility to work from home on the other 2 days.

In your resume, please include a link to your portfolio or attach examples showcasing your retouching skills. 

• Retouching/color correcting all photography coming out of our in-house photo studio
• Name and maintain digital asset file/structure organization
• Upload assets to various asset management sites in accordance with delivery calendars
• Perform quality assurance on all images
• Ability to receive creative direction from the Creative team (art directors/creative directors/designers/photographer) and make amends where necessary
• Demonstrate initiative and ideas to constantly improve the service of the photography team
• Manage additional freelance retouchers if/when additional support is required
• Actively involved in driving the production value/look and feel of the brand photographically, namely in post-production
• Photographic content includes but is not limited to website imagery/banners/etc., new product launches, seasonal, yearly website category refreshes, social, Amazon PDP (product description pages), partnership content, design assets, photos for grocery and away from home partners, campaign lifestyle shoots, highly stylized conceptual imagery, and all internal/external requests
• Workflow research and proactive in finding new ways to optimize retouching process
• Photo Project Management
• Support studio photographer with the following:
  • Hands-on help lighting/producing on photo and video sets
  • Helping to build small sets
  • Moving heavy equipment in the studio
  • File management
  • Creative brainstorming
  • Additional production support as needed

Programs/Equipment Used:

• Adobe Suite – Photoshop, Bridge, Lightroom
• Capture 1
• Canon/Nikon Camera Systems
• Studio Lighting / Profoto / Etc.

Secondary Platforms Used:

• Microsoft Suite
• Monday.com
• Miro

• 3+ years’ commercial retouching experience with portfolio of personal product retouching examples, preferably in-line with Califia’s brand photography
• Strong desire and excitement to be around a studio photography environment with heavy concentration on food and beverage
• Keen eye for aesthetics and details 
• Strong compositing skills 
• Strong brand understanding
• Great verbal communications skills to ensure effective team collaboration
• Expert in Adobe Photoshop
• Shows a genuine interest and passion for our category and the work that we do
• Flexible and entrepreneurial spirit to run with fast timelines. Does not get discouraged and can quickly adapt when/if plans suddenly change
• Experience working on set, a photo set is preferred, (e.g., lighting, set design, food styling, etc.)
• Proactively takes initiative and solves problems in real time
• Motivated to manage tasks and meet demanding deadlines
• Highly skilled at managing personal tasks and projects independently to consistently meet deadlines
• Interest in the photography side of shoots (not just post) and willing to lend a helping hand when needed
• Works well (effectively and positively) with team members and others
• Demonstrates leadership qualities, especially in tense situations

The expected salary range for this position is between $70,000 – $90,000 per year based on a full-time schedule. Location, confirmed job-related skills, and experience will be considered in setting the actual salary.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.