There is so much joy from being a part of someone’s wedding day. Not only are you capturing some of the biggest milestones for a couple and their families, but you’re preserving the intimate, one-time only moments. Wedding days come with all sorts of emotion, and being there to document it gives us the chance to make people feel beautiful as we step alongside of them on one of their best days.
A wedding photographer plays several roles, all of equal value. There is so much more to it than capturing a beautiful portrait. They need to be a calming presence that can also take charge and keep everyone on schedule. On a wedding day they wear the hat of not only a photographer but a friend, director, dress holder, organizer, crowd herder, compliment giver, teeth checker, parent calmer, joke maker, and timeline manager. There is so much they are responsible for and it’s necessary to manage it all well with a joyful spirit. Here at Clay House, we believe a wedding photographer’s goal is to help create an environment where a couple can genuinely enjoy their day, knowing that they will later get to relive it through photos.
As Clay House Photography continues to grow, we are now looking to hire another associate photographer. We currently have five photographers - Raegan, Sam, Holyn, Abigail & Kristen. Certain team members anticipate big life changes in 2025 that will limit their workload, and is why we are hoping to find someone else who can serve Midwest couples with us.
We have put YEARS into building a business & brand that gives people a beautiful experience and leaves them walking away as not only a pleased client but also a new friend. As a full-time wedding photographer, I have had to learn how to not only be a good photographer, but a good business owner. Although I am constantly learning and growing in my role, there are many areas I feel extremely confident in now. Many photographers don’t make it full time because they don’t have the desire and/or tools to pour into the business side. Between marketing, accounting, expanding education, editing, networking, and managing client relationships each year, while also booking for the next calendar year, there are so many roles played by a full-time wedding photographer.
But guess what? That’s not for everyone and that’s okay! Some people love weddings and can take beautiful photos, but don’t have the time or interest in creating and sustaining their own business, and that’s who we are looking for. Our team members all have something else going on (another job, raising kiddos, school) but still love utilizing their creative side with weddings throughout the year. We want to give someone the opportunity to still live out their passion for wedding photography without having to worry about the business side of things. If this sounds like you please keep reading!
Associate Photographer Job Description
We are looking for an experienced photographer who has their own professional camera equipment. Specifically, we are looking for a Lead Photographer, who may also act as a second photographer to Raegan and the other associates. Ideally, this photographer has photographed at least 20 weddings, preferably as the lead photographer. No matter your experience or knowledge there will be extensive training and shadowing to ensure that our brand and the experience we want all clients to have is represented properly and efficiently. We will build off of your current photography knowledge and train you in our style over time. Images captured by associate photographers are exclusive property of Clay House Photography and will be edited by Clay House Photography. Associate photographers may not use images for their own portfolio without textual credit to Clay House Photography. Pay is dependent on your previous experience in the wedding photography. This is a part time job but there are several opportunities for growth.
This job is for you if you..
Live in the Midwest (most of our clients are Indianapolis couples but we also work in Northern Indiana/Chicagoland)
Love to take photos, but you don't want to run the "business side" of things
Thrive at observing emotions & dynamics in others
Are creative & social & know how to make others feel valued and beautiful
Are comfortable second shooting with someone else & are receptive to feedback
Enjoy eating tacos and drinking coffee
Have your own equipment and/or are willing to invest in the gear needed
Can commit to wedding dates a year in advance, ideally 10-15 weddings a year
Believe that the couple’s wedding day experience is WAY more important than just getting pretty photos
Can communicate periodically throughout the week about potential bookings and/or other work related items
NOTE: All associate photographers will photograph weddings under the Clay House Photography brand, and will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (not as scary as it sounds, you can still shoot on your own!).