Lead Photographer

CADY; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

CADY is looking for a Lead Photographer to guide the Photography Operations team at events and studios, ensuring high-quality results and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities include leading teams, capturing brand-consistent images, and providing coaching. The position demands regular travel, strong communication skills, and a passion for excellent customer service.

Candidates must have a high school diploma and be able to work in dynamic environments, both indoors and outdoors.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and out of high school.
• Must pass a satisfactory background check.
• Ability to learn quickly and produce quality output.

Responsibilities

• Lead photography teams during studio sessions and on-location events.
• Serve as the primary on-site liaison with school administrators.
• Capture high-quality images by applying CADY photography standards.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Team Leadership

Coachable

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

CADY Lead Photographer will act as the team lead of the Photography Operations team at various school events and at our studios to ensure all photography procedures and guidelines achieve our premier standard. Primarily responsible for leading the photography team in achieving our premier photography quality standard and providing outstanding customer service to all Cady clients in various photography environments.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and direct photography teams during studio sessions and on-location events to ensure operational excellence and client satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary on-site liaison with school administrators and event contacts to ensure smooth session execution.
• Provide real-time coaching, feedback, and support to photographers to drive performance, quality standards, and team engagement.
• Capture high-quality, brand-consistent images by applying CADY photography standards, training, and creative direction.
• Deliver an engaging, welcoming, and memorable client experience that reflects CADY’s service standards.
• Travel regularly to schools, studios, and event venues within the assigned territory, which may include early mornings, evenings, and peak seasonal schedules.
• Ensure operational readiness by setting up, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining photography equipment prior to each session.
• Execute and monitor company workflows to ensure accurate image capture, data integrity, and timely session completion.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with photographers, studio teams, and operations partners to ensure efficient event execution.
• Actively participate in ongoing training, skill development, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Support additional operational initiatives and responsibilities as business needs evolve.

Essential Driving Requirements

• This position requires regular and frequent travel to schools, studios and other assigned locations during the workday. Photographers are expected to drive personal vehicles as part of this role.
• Use of a personal vehicle during your entire working shift.
• Timely travel to multiple job sites throughout the workday, sometimes on short notice.
• Willing to drive to off-site locations for photography events and sessions as assigned.
• Safely transport photography equipment using personal vehicles or company vans in accordance with safety and asset-protection guidelines.
• Drive lawfully and safely using personal vehicle and CADY vans.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Valid automobile insurance.

Scheduling Expectations

• Availability for early mornings, evenings, and weekends during peak seasons.
• Weekly hours will vary based on event schedule and business needs.

Job Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age and out of high school.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must pass a satisfactory background check.
• Able to work well within a team setting and independently.
• Amazing customer service and communication skills.
• Coachable with an ability to learn quickly and produce a quality output.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• This role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting equipment up to 40 lbs.
• Able to bend or stoop.
• Work indoors or outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Able to ascend or descend a ladder.
• Able to read, write and speak in English.
• Able to verbally communicate with customers and team members.
• Significant noise and other potential sensory stimulants (i.e., busy retail environment with camera flashes, music, and sometimes crowded areas).
• Team members must be comfortable working in fast-paced, high-energy environments with music, crowds, and lighting equipment.