Master Photographer (Premium Studio Photographer)
Position Summary:
The Master Studio Photographer is responsible for creating high-quality portrait photography experiences for guests onboard, capturing memorable moments through professional studio sessions and special events.
This role uses advanced photography, lighting, posing, and image-editing techniques to produce premium portraits that exceed guest expectations.
Key Responsibilities:
Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the PhotoStudio program, reporting to the onboard Photo Manager.
Deliver a premium, by-appointment photography program that elevates the guest experience through a combination of high-end studio and walk-around photo sessions onboard.
Perform portrait photography in the Photo Studio and on location during walk-around sessions.
Provide a unique and memorable guest experience by interacting with every guest, observing and identifying preferences, adjusting service accordingly, anticipating guests’ needs, and engaging in conversation while always showing genuine interest.
Conduct viewing and sales sessions with all clients.
Sell photo images and packages in line with pricing guidelines provided by the department to achieve budgeted sales targets each voyage, using effective sales techniques.
Work with the Photo team to drive bookings.
Manage the scheduling of sessions throughout the voyage with the goal of increasing sales.
Conduct photo sessions following the predetermined look, style, and feel of the entire photo program and in line with training.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
Prior experience working regularly with lighting equipment, including strobes, soft boxes, umbrellas, and flash attachments.
Prior experience working regularly with camera equipment, including digital cameras, tripods, and lenses.
Prior experience working regularly with photography equipment, including backdrops and props.
Prior experience working regularly with post-production software, including Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or equivalent.
Solid interpersonal skills, with the ability to make subjects feel relaxed and interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, including young children.
Solid communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, easy-to-understand instructions to subjects being photographed.
Outstanding social skills and the ability to deliver outstanding service to guests with a friendly and professional demeanor.
Non-Negotiable Requirements:
Minimum of 2 to 3 years’ experience in studio photography.
Experience as a cruise ship photographer.
Candidates are required to provide a portfolio.
Fluent English language skills, both verbal and written.
Strongly Preferred:
Bachelor’s degree in Photography or equivalent.
Contract Details:
6/2 rotation: continual rotations of 6 months onboard followed by 2 months of vacation.
Shared cabin with private bathroom facilities.
- Department
- Photography
- Role
- Master Photographer (Premium Studio Photographer)
- Locations
- Shipboard Worldwide (USA), Cruise Academy - United Kingdom, Shipboard Worldwide (Central America), Shipboard Worldwide (Eastern Europe), Shipboard Worldwide (Western Europe), Shipboard Worldwide (UAE), Shipboard Worldwide (South America)
About Cruise Academy
Straight Talk. Real Experience. No Bull-ship. 🚢✨
At Cruise Academy, we don’t just teach it - we’ve lived it. Founded in 2017 by seafarers for seafarers, we specialize in maritime training and shipboard recruitment for the global cruise industry.
We tell it like it is - the good, the bad, and the downright exhausting. No sugarcoating, no sales pitch - just real, honest insights from those who’ve been there. Because you deserve to know exactly what to expect before stepping onboard.
We are MLC Certified and proudly audited and approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, ensuring the highest standards in training, recruitment, and compliance.
If you're serious about a career at sea, we’ll get you there - the right way.