an interview with our Head of Photographic Operations
Here at seventy7 we have some of the best photographers and studio space around, but who oversees this? Our Head of Photographic Operations, Helen Woods was kind enough to answer some questions to give you a better insight into what she does and why she chose seventy7.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?
This was a happy accident, I used to work on the same site as Shop Directs Lightbox which is a photography studio. They were recruiting for a Production Coordinator so I decided to apply and luckily got the job.
WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT WORKING IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
The best thing about working in photography for me is the variety. No two days are the same for me with the different shoots we do, and the elements of planning I have to carry out to make it work.
COULD YOU GIVE US A BRIEF SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU DO?
My role as the Head of Photographic Operations means that I oversee the Photographic unit which consists of the Photography & Styling Teams, the Stores Team & the Post-Production Team. It involves overseeing the planning and scheduling of all resource and all potential shoots we carry out, ensuring that all shoots are carried out to budget and that all client SLAs are achieved. It also includes assisting the Sales Team when quoting for new business, mentoring and developing the team and constantly trying to improve the efficiency of the unit.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR CV STAND OUT?
With Photographic CVs you tend to learn more about someone from their portfolio, so firstly always send a portfolio with your CV - otherwise straight away we must go back and ask for one. Within your CV, it’s best to always list your technical skill sets as we use a multitude of software. The most important part is the portfolio though - don't just show all the creative work you do, show everything including product and ecommerce. It’s great to see the creative flair people have but we need to be sure they can carry out the basics like ecommerce to a high standard.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT SEVENTY7?
For me it was time to move on from SDG and try to further my career. When job hunting I came across seventy7, which was actually called Photolink at the time, and I did a bit of research on the company and found it to be quite a big deal with the types of clients it shoots for. The fact it was an agency intrigued me as I came from an in-house background. So I applied, got an interview and it was when visiting I knew I wanted to work for seventy7. I had my interview and a tour of the building. When walking round the facilities I really get a sense of what a fun yet hard working place it is, I came back for a second interview and that’s when I met Jayne Riley CEO. It was around the time of the re brand when I was applying to work here, so when talking to Jayne she explained the sort of culture they as a company were striving to achieve and the opportunities and support you get within the business.
WHAT ADVICE COULD YOU GIVE IN REGARD TO ACEING AN INTERVIEW?
For the interview I believe preparation is key, knowing the role your applying for and the ins and outs of it. Come with questions, whether it’s about the role or the company; be engaged during the interview even if its nodding your head when listening, making notes. Talk through your work and the skill sets you have, be honest about your weaknesses but show you’re keen to learn.
WHAT DO PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING?
For me, I’m looking for someone with a fantastic, positive and proactive attitude. Someone with a varied skill set who is keen to learn new things, but also share their existing knowledge, and someone who has potential leadership skills.
Did you enjoy this? Make sure to keep up to date with our social media accounts as we have some more exciting interviews coming up!
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