FIRST PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSISTANT

A unique opportunity for an experienced Photographic Assistant who is looking for an exciting career move and who would like to join us in our thriving and fast-paced studio. 

Located in London, RANKIN work with world-class and emerging talent across film, photography and publishing. 

As the First Assistant you will work towards facilitating the best possible shoot environment so that the photographer can concentrate on the task at hand. Your goal is clear, to ensure a successful and smooth-running shoot achieved through preparation, communication, problem solving, attention to detail and hard work.

You will be monitoring the whole operation, ranging from technical aspects of the shoot to the performance of the Photographic team, the overall co-ordination with the Production desk and the needs of the client. In this pivotal role you will build strong working relations across the business whilst helping members of their team to learn and develop their skills. 

At RANKIN you will be able to be part of a fun and friendly work environment and you will benefit from some of the best career prospects in the industry.

Come and join this unique organisation and its bunch of talented people who thrive in delivering spectacular work time and time again. 

At RANKIN we want to change the world, would you like to join us?

About us

The RANKIN Group is Rankin’s new hybrid cultural company encompassing creative services, contract publishing, production, editorial verticals/platforms, and talent representation. 

We are a fast growing, thriving cultural community creating great short and long form content on an hourly basis. 

We are a team of creatives, directors, photographers, researchers, strategists, producers and editors who collaborate with brands ranging from luxury to FMCG, charities, editorial platforms, beauty, fashion & automotive.

We help brands be culturally relevant through creative communication, campaigns, brand building & content creation.

We create work that is bold, brave & beautiful. 

Your day to day at RANKIN

• Lead the photographic team on set ensure everyone is performing to a high standard.
• Working in tandem with the digital technicians to constantly monitor every technical aspect of the shoot.
• Manage the photographic assistants during prep days and travel days including freelance assistants where necessary. This will include the schedules of each member of the team, allocating daily tasks and co-ordinating travel arrangements. 
• Pre-empt the photographer’s needs and anticipate any likely issues ahead of the shoot. 
• Attend pre-production meetings to understand all elements of any planned shoots. 
• Maintain a constant flow of communication and co-ordination with the Production team.
• Provide lighting suggestions and solutions for the different creative briefs. 
• Ensure camera and lighting equipment is maintained suitably and the appropriate equipment is available for every shoot.
• Liaise with the Studio Manager and the Production team prior and during shoots to ensure resources are in place for each shoot. That includes studio assistants, transport and all the necessary equipment.
• Work closely with the Set Design Manager to plan lighting set-ups, studio layout and sequencing of shots.
• Shoot tests and castings.
• Location recce’s. 
• Ensure that the needs of the client and the talent are met throughout the shoot  and communicate any issues to the Production team as soon as they arise.
• Maintain a safe working environment for everyone on set, both in studio and on location.
• Other duties as assigned.
• *DISCLAIMER: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Company reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Knowledge, experience, skills and personal attributes

• Minimum 2 years of experience of high-level assisting with in-depth knowledge of lighting, camera and equipment.
• In addition to freelance experience, a successful candidate may have had experience as a 1st Assistant previously or 2nd/3rd Assistant with notable photographers. 
• The ability to manage teams on set in fast-paced environments
• Experience using and ability to troubleshoot Hasselblad systems, Phase One 645 and Phase One backs, both P+ and IQ series.
• Experience of using Canon DSLR’s Canon 1D, 5D, etc. 
• Solid working knowledge in CaptureOne + Chronosync.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop.
• Strong attention to detail at all times and especially to the needs of the photographer, clients and other stakeholders.

Essential Competencies/Skills 

• A positive ‘can do’ attitude to all aspects of the job.
• The ability to maintain an excellent rapport with the photographer.
• The ability to communicate effectively with the members of the Photographic team by providing leadership and giving clear instructions and direction.
• The ability to maintain strong working relationships with the Production team by providing technical photographic support and advice.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and to problem-solve on set efficiently.

Preferred Competencies/Skills 

• Experience of working internationally both in studio and on location with international clients.
• Accustomed to work in a mixed stills and film environment by co-ordinating between both teams. 
• Working knowledge of Adobe Bridge and InDesign. 

Qualifications 

• Photographic or related degree 
• UK driving license