Photographer & Retoucher

About the role

Aprés Nail, creator of Gel-X, is launching a new brand and seeks a Photographer & Retoucher to capture and finish product and lifestyle imagery for marketing, e-commerce, and packaging. This role demands a strong technical foundation in lighting and camera work, an exacting eye for color and product accuracy, and fluency in modern retouching and AI-assisted image workflows. The ideal candidate is independent, creative, and comfortable owning a shoot from setup through final delivery while collaborating closely with the Creative team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Photography
  • Plan and execute product and lifestyle photography for marketing campaigns, product launches, promotions, and brand activations.
  • Set up and manage lighting, camera equipment, and staging to align with brand guidelines and creative direction.
  • Accurately capture true-to-life product color, texture, size, and finish, with attention to nuances like gel polish shade, shine, and application quality.
  • Direct or coordinate models, props, and set styling to match the intended creative vision.
  • Develop shot lists from creative briefs, translating campaign objectives into a clear, organized shooting plan without step-by-step direction.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Graphic Designer and broader Creative team to interpret briefs, mood boards, and creative direction into finished imagery.
  • Maintain consistent brand photography style across shoots and product lines, applying learned standards independently.
  • Adapt quickly to shifting priorities, reshoots, or last-minute creative changes without compromising quality or timelines.
• Retouching & Post-Production
  • Perform heavy retouching and compositing, including removing dust, scratches, and debris; correcting shadows and reflections; fixing lighting or exposure errors; and compositing multiple exposures or elements.
  • Retouch and finish photography to meet brand standards, ensuring color accuracy and authentic product representation.
  • Incorporate AI-assisted tools into post-production workflows while applying critical judgment to correct inaccuracies (e.g., distorted product shape, incorrect color).
  • Perform quality checks comparing final images against physical product samples, CAD references, or approved swatches.
  • Composite images onto templates, marketplace layouts, or packaging mockups as required.
  • Maintain consistent color calibration and post-production standards across all images.
• Creative Execution & Innovation
  • Stay current on emerging photography, retouching, and AI image-generation technologies, proactively integrating new tools into workflows.
  • Identify opportunities to automate repetitive retouching or compositing tasks without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
  • Contribute creative ideas during pre-production, shoot concepting, and post-production review while adhering to budget and timelines.
  • Balance efficiency gains from new technology with the judgment needed to ensure brand-true product representation.
• Organization & Asset Management
  • Maintain organized, clearly labeled photo and retouching files, including raw captures, working files, and final exports.
  • Tag and catalog images (e.g., by SKU, shade, size, or product line) for easy retrieval and reuse.
  • Document retouching standards, shot specifications, and workflow updates, communicating changes to cross-functional teams.
  • Independently manage tasks in Asana (or equivalent), updating timelines and maintaining records of feedback and revisions.
  • Ensure all shoots and final assets are delivered on time and meet project deadlines.
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of photography equipment, tracking condition, location, and repair needs.
  • Perform routine maintenance and care of equipment, coordinating repairs or replacements as needed.

Requirements

• 3+ years of professional experience in photography and retouching, ideally within beauty, lifestyle, or consumer goods industries.
• Demonstrated experience with studio lighting, camera equipment, and shoot logistics.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, including heavy retouching and compositing techniques.
• Ability to independently build shot lists from creative briefs and apply brand photography standards with minimal direction.
• Working knowledge of AI-assisted image generation and retouching tools, with the judgment to correct inaccuracies.
• Exceptional eye for detail, able to catch small inconsistencies in color, proportion, or size.
• Strong understanding of brand guidelines and ability to maintain visual consistency across images and product lines.
• Independent and self-directed, able to own a project from concept through final delivery.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven team environment.
• Organized and methodical approach to file management, version control, and documentation.
• Proactive in maintaining studio equipment inventory, condition, and upkeep.
• Passion for beauty and nails, with an understanding of what makes product imagery feel authentic and appealing.
• Enthusiasm for incorporating new technologies into the creative process while prioritizing accuracy and craft.
• Primarily works in a studio/office environment; involves standing, kneeling, or moving around set for extended periods during shoots.
• Ability to lift and move photography equipment, props, and product samples.
• Regular use of camera equipment, lighting gear, and color-calibrated computer/monitor(s).

Pay

The pay range for this role is $75,000–$85,000 USD per year.