Torchora
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Image Technician

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

MediaPhotographyE-CommerceDesignDigital Asset Management

🎯 Role Definition

The Image Technician is the guardian of visual quality and consistency within the creative production workflow. This role serves as a critical link between the photography studio and the final published asset, responsible for meticulously refining, retouching, and preparing digital images for a variety of platforms. At its core, this position involves a blend of technical expertise and artistic sensibility, ensuring that every image not only looks flawless but also aligns perfectly with brand guidelines and creative direction. The Image Technician is essential for maintaining the integrity of our visual identity in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, directly impacting how our brand and products are perceived by the public.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Photography Assistant
  • Junior Graphic Designer
  • Studio Assistant
  • Digital Asset Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Image Technician / Lead Retoucher
  • Digital Asset Manager
  • Studio Production Manager
  • Post-Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Graphic Designer
  • Content Coordinator
  • Junior Photographer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute expert-level image retouching, including but not limited to, cleaning up product imperfections, removing props, smoothing skin, and correcting environmental flaws while maintaining a natural and authentic look.
  • Perform intricate clipping paths, masking, and compositing to isolate subjects from backgrounds and combine multiple images seamlessly.
  • Manage color correction and color balancing processes to ensure consistency and accuracy across all images within a product group and alignment with the physical product.
  • Uphold strict quality control standards by meticulously reviewing all images for focus, exposure, color, and composition before final delivery.
  • Process and adjust high volumes of RAW image files from photo shoots, applying initial presets and making foundational edits in software like Capture One or Adobe Lightroom.
  • Crop, resize, and export final images according to detailed specifications for various channels, including e-commerce websites, social media, email marketing, and print materials.
  • Consistently follow and enforce file naming conventions and folder structures to maintain a highly organized and efficient digital workflow.
  • Apply and manage metadata, including keywords, product information, and usage rights, to all image assets within the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system to ensure searchability.
  • Upload, categorize, and archive final approved imagery into the company's DAM or server system, ensuring all assets are correctly filed and accessible.
  • Collaborate directly with photographers and art directors during and after shoots to understand the desired outcome and ensure technical requirements are met.
  • Maintain and calibrate monitors, cameras, and other technical equipment to ensure consistent and accurate color representation throughout the production pipeline.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues that arise related to image files, software, or workflow processes, serving as a technical resource for the creative team.
  • Manage and prioritize a high volume of daily image assets, ensuring all deadlines for product launches and marketing campaigns are met without sacrificing quality.
  • Stay current with the latest retouching techniques, software updates, and industry best practices to continually improve the quality and efficiency of the workflow.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist photographers on set with lighting, equipment setup, and data wrangling as a Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) when needed.
  • Contribute to the development and documentation of post-production workflows, style guides, and best-practice manuals.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to image production volume and turnaround times.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners in marketing, e-commerce, and design to understand their specific image needs and deliver appropriate assets.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the creative production team to align on priorities and deliverables.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior team members or freelancers on technical processes and brand standards.
  • Manage the digital asset archive, performing regular maintenance, purges, and organization to optimize server space and asset retrieval.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert-Level Adobe Photoshop: Mastery of advanced tools and techniques, including layers, masks, adjustment layers, liquify, healing/cloning tools, and complex path creation.
  • RAW Image Processing: High proficiency in software such as Capture One or Adobe Lightroom for processing and adjusting large batches of RAW files.
  • Color Management: Deep understanding of color theory, color spaces (sRGB, Adobe RGB, CMYK), and monitor calibration to ensure color accuracy.
  • Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience using DAM systems for uploading, tagging, and organizing digital assets.
  • Wacom Tablet Proficiency: The ability to use a stylus and tablet with precision and speed for detailed retouching work.
  • Mac OS Environment: Comfortable and efficient working within a Mac-based ecosystem and managing file systems.
  • Scripting & Automation: Basic knowledge of creating Photoshop Actions or simple scripts to automate repetitive tasks is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for identifying the smallest flaws, inconsistencies, and imperfections in an image.
  • Exceptional Organization: The ability to manage thousands of files, complex folder structures, and tight deadlines simultaneously without error.
  • Time Management: Proven ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet critical deadlines.
  • Problem-Solving: A proactive and technical mindset to troubleshoot software glitches, workflow bottlenecks, and quality issues.
  • Constructive Communication: Ability to clearly articulate technical feedback and collaborate effectively with photographers, art directors, and other team members.
  • Adaptability & Receptiveness to Feedback: An open-minded approach to receiving creative feedback and adapting techniques to align with evolving brand aesthetics.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by a certificate or significant coursework in digital photography or graphic design.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Photography
  • Visual Arts
  • Graphic Design
  • Digital Media

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of professional experience in a photo retouching, image production, or digital technician role.

Preferred:

  • Experience within a high-volume commercial studio, e-commerce company, or creative agency environment is highly desirable. A strong portfolio showcasing before-and-after examples of high-end product and/or model retouching is essential.
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