Photographer and art director

Location: Somerset West (In-office, Full-time).

Experience Level: Mid-level (3+ years).

Languages: English & Afrikaans proficiency required.

Remuneration: Competitive, market-related salary

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced, highly creative, and organised Photographer & Art Director to join the team at Local Truth Studio.

This role is for someone who can do far more than simply take good photos.

We’re looking for someone who understands visual storytelling, can confidently lead shoots, direct talent, build strong shot lists and creative plans, and ensure content is captured strategically for both organic social media and paid advertising campaigns.

You’ll work closely with our Creative Director, social media team, editors, and clients to bring campaigns to life across a wide range of industries and brands.

At Local Truth Studio, we move fast, think creatively, and care deeply about creating content that actually performs – not just content that looks good.

If you’re passionate about photography, creative direction, social-first content, and leading productions from concept to execution, we’d love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

Photography & Content Production

  • Capture high-quality photo content across:

  • Studio shoots

  • Lifestyle shoots

  • Product photography

  • Corporate content

  • Hospitality & restaurant content

  • Campaign shoots

  • Social-first content

  • Lead and direct shoots from start to finish

  • Ensure all key deliverables and campaign requirements are captured

  • Work efficiently in fast-paced shoot environments

  • Adapt shooting style based on client, platform, and campaign goals

  • Maintain high creative and technical standards across all content

Art Direction & Creative Planning

  • Develop detailed shot lists and creative plans before shoots

  • Assist with campaign ideation and creative direction

  • Direct talent, clients, influencers, and models confidently on set

  • Ensure visual consistency and alignment with brand identity

  • Guide photographers/videographers and creative teams during productions

  • Understand how content needs to perform across:
    - Meta Ads
    - Instagram
    - TikTok
    - LinkedIn
    - Websites
    - Organic social media

  • Assist in conceptualising social-first and ad-focused content ideas

Editing & Post-Production

  • Edit and deliver high-quality imagery using:

  • Adobe Lightroom

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Strong understanding of:
    - Colour grading
    - Retouching
    - Image selection
    - Composition
    - Visual storytelling
    - Exporting and formatting content for multiple platforms

Video (Advantageous)

  • Experience shooting video content would be highly advantageous

  • Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro is a strong plus

  • Understanding of short-form video content and social media editing styles is beneficial

Project & Shoot Coordination

  • Assist with shoot scheduling and production planning

  • Coordinate with creatives, clients, stylists, venues, and talent

  • Ensure productions run smoothly and efficiently

  • Help manage timelines, deliverables, and content workflows

  • Assist with gear preparation and studio organisation where needed

Key Qualities

  • Creative thinker

  • Strong visual eye

  • Organised

  • Detail-oriented

  • Calm under pressure

  • Team player

  • Adaptable

  • Self-motivated

  • Reliable

  • Good communicator

  • Solution-driven

  • Passionate about content and storytelling

  • (Over) eager to learn and grow

Requirements

  • Minimum 3–5 years experience in photography and/or creative production

  • Strong portfolio showcasing a range of photography styles

  • Proficiency in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop is essential

  • Own transport is advantageous

  • Experience in agency or commercial content environments is highly advantageous

Verrrry important!

Applicants MUST live in or close to Somerset West, as they will need to commute to the office daily.


Our Ideal Hire Will:

  • Have strong experience in both photography and creative direction

  • Be confident leading and directing shoots

  • Understand how to capture content strategically for social media and paid ads

  • Be highly organised and detail-oriented

  • Be able to build structured shot lists and creative plans

  • Have strong experience with Lightroom and Photoshop

  • Understand lighting for both studio and natural environments

  • Be adaptable across multiple photography styles and industries

  • Be proactive, solution-driven, and calm under pressure

  • Have strong communication and client-facing skills

  • Be confident working independently while collaborating with a team

  • Stay up to date with photography, content, and social media trends

  • Understand fast-paced agency workflows and deadlines

Bonus Skills

  • Videography experience

  • Premiere Pro editing

  • Drone experience

  • Experience directing UGC creators or influencers

  • Experience with social media strategy or content planning

Join Our Team

Join Our team

Join our team

Join Our Team Join Our team Join our team