Photographer Job at The Smead Manufacturing Company in Laguna Hills

About Us:

This role is for U Brands, which is a subsidiary of Smead Manufacturing. U Brands is a California-based brand that is shaped by its designers, innovators, and trendsetters —a collective group of individuals who greatly respect the process and blend innovation, self-expression, and flair. U Brands is passionate about providing unique, well-designed products that will leave you feeling inspired. U Brands offers stylish, fashion-forward product lines ranging from stationery, journals, writing tools, presentation boards, and desk organization for your home or office.

Job Summary:

As a Photographer at U Brands, you are a storyteller at heart. You will be responsible for taking high-quality, visually engaging photos that showcase the unique design and functionality of our products. You’ll collaborate with our marketing and design teams to create compelling content that drives brand awareness, enhances customer engagement, and supports business growth. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong technical skills, and the ability to tell our story through your photos.

• Compensation: $68,640 - $80,000 annually
• Office Location: Laguna Hills, CA
• Job Type: Full – Time / Exempt
• Schedule: M-Th 8am-5:30pm & Fri 8am-3pm
• Worksite: Hybrid
  • 3 days in office in Laguna Hills, CA (Tues-Thurs)
  • 2 days work from home (Mon & Fri)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Plan, shoot, and edit high quality product images for ecommerce platforms, ensuring they meet technical requirements for online marketplaces ( e.g., Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Shopify) that align with U Brands' modern, vibrant aesthetic.
• Style and arrange products for studio and lifestyle photography to highlight key features and create consistency across all imagery.
• Collaborate closely with design and marketing teams to ensure visuals align with project vision and brand strategy.
• Develop and deliver assets for digital campaigns, packaging, and marketing materials, driving customer engagement and brand identity.
• Troubleshoot technical photography challenges, from lighting to composition, and continually push for the best results.
• Post-process images using Adobe Suite to retouch, refine, and perfect images, ensuring color accuracy and quality that meets U Brands' standards.
• Stay up to date with photography trends and techniques to innovate and maintain competitive visual storytelling.
• Manage deadlines for multiple projects while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.

Competencies:

• A strong portfolio that showcases your ability to make products shine through high-quality photography and styling.
• Experience with e-commerce and lifestyle photography, especially in consumer goods or retail, is a plus.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.) and other relevant photography tools.
• Strong technical photography skills, including lighting, composition, and editing.
• A solid understanding of color theory, aesthetics, and visual storytelling.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Education/Experience:

• A degree in Photography, Visual Arts, or a related field is a plus but not required.
• 3+ years of proven experience as a product photographer, preferably in consumer goods or retail industries.

Benefits:

• 401k + Company Contribution
• Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance and Wellness programs
• Medical, Dental, Vison, Life Insurance, Critical Illness benefits
• Ongoing opportunities for professional growth and development
• Hybrid work schedule - Work from home Mondays and Fridays
• Fun, fast-paced office environment Tuesday-Thursday
• Company sponsored lunch from a local restaurant every Wednesday
• A company culture that supports work/life balance
• "Summer hours" all year long (M-Th 8am-5:30pm & Fri 8am-3pm)