What are the responsibilities and job description for the Photography Assistant (Contract) position at Build-A-Bear?
The Photography Assistant supports the in-house photography team across product shoots, campaign shoots, and content capture. This role helps ensure shoots run smoothly, assets are organized, and the creative team has what they need to deliver polished, on-brand imagery across ecommerce, retail, social, and marketing channels.
The Photography Assistant is detail-oriented, proactive, and excited to grow within a creative environment.
Responsibilities:
- Assist photographers during studio and lifestyle shoots
- Help set up and break down lighting, backdrops, props, and product styling
- Prepare plush, accessories, and merchandise for photography
- Maintain a clean, organized studio environment
- Support art direction execution by props and styling elements
- Assist with product handling and placement during shoots
- Organize digital files and ensure accurate naming and storage of assets
- Assist with image selection, basic retouching prep, and file exports as needed
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to track shot needs and deadlines
- Help maintain studio equipment and supplies
- Track and manage product samples for upcoming shoots
- Ensure props and seasonal materials are properly stored and cataloged
Required Qualifications:
- 1-3 years of photography and retouching experience
- 1-3 years experience in a photography studio, creative production, or related environment
- Familiarity with photography equipment and studio workflows
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Comfort working in a fast-moving, hands-on environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Experience with ecommerce or product photography
- Experience in retail, toys, lifestyle, or youth-focused brands
- Comfort operating in a seasonal, campaign-driven business model
Behavioral Traits for Success:
- High conscientiousness and follow through
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Preference for structure, clarity, and defined expectations
- Steady, calm, and consistent work pace
- Cautious decision making
- Supportive, cooperative team orientation
- Strong commitment to routine and mastery of specialized tasks
- Thoughtful, deliberate problem-solving
Working Environment:
- Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
- Corporate Office located St. Louis, MO
Your Performance Will Be Measured On:
Your performance will be measured by your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following:
- Decision-making, judgment, and execution
- Clear and thorough communication
- Timeliness and follow-up
- Problem solving and removing obstacles
- Planning and organization
- Tenacity and commitment to tasks
- Stakeholder feedback
This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent an expressed or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter your at-will employment, and Build-A-Bear, Inc. reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as may be deemed appropriate.