Director of Photography

Position Introduction

The Director of Photography provides strategic and creative leadership for all photography efforts within OU Athletics. Serving as the department's subject-matter expert and primary decision-maker for photographic content, this role exercises independent creative judgment to conceptualize, produce, and deliver original visual storytelling that reflects and advances the OU Athletics brand.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary creative authority for all photography requests across OU Athletics, independently planning and executing studio, practice, competition, and location-based photo shoots from concept through final delivery.
• Create original photographic works that capture the emotion, energy, and defining moments of OU Athletics through artistic composition, lighting, timing, and storytelling.
• Exercise independent creative judgment in determining photographic approach, style, subject matter, and visual narrative for each assignment.
• Edit and finalize images using professional photo-editing software, applying advanced artistic and technical expertise to ensure high-quality, publication-ready content.
• Establish and maintain the department’s photographic style and visual standards, working collaboratively with creative staff to ensure cohesive brand representation across all platforms.
• Provide primary oversight of the department’s digital photography archive, determining best practices for organization, metadata, and long-term asset preservation.
• Manage the photography budget, exercising discretion in allocating resources and collaborating with other departments to support project needs while maintaining fiscal integrity.
• Hire, supervise, train, and mentor a team of student photographers, providing creative direction and feedback to ensure consistent quality and coverage.
• Coverage of athletic events and departmental functions, including regular evening and weekend work.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of high-definition (HD) cameras, videography, and creative lighting techniques.
• Ability to conceptualize and demonstrate skillful storytelling and editing abilities.
• Proficient in photography related software including but not limited to Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Photomechanic and INFLCRetc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree Graphic Design, Photography, Communications, or related field.
• 6 years of professional photographer experience Photography experience must include in-game sport photography and studio or location photoshoots.

Department Preferences

• Ability to produce quality content promoting both our individual players and team brand.
• Experience with DSLR Camera and lighting equipment.
• Understanding of photography composition, camera settings, lenses, and equipment.
• Strong understanding of marketing strategies and social media trends.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Experience in Digital Asset Management systems, knowledge in metadata, organizing and archiving files.
• Knowledge in wireless file transmitting and FTP systems.
• Ability to adhere to University, NCAA and conference rules.