Job DescriptionPrimary FunctionThe Lead Director of Photography is a creative and craft leader within Intuitive's Studio, responsible for advancing the visual language of moving image, motion, and photography across Brand & Creative.
This is a hands-on role for someone with strong visual instincts, a clear point of view, and the range to move between creative development and execution. They can define how something should look and feel, then step behind the camera and make it happen.
The Lead DP partners closely with designers, art directors, writers, producers, editors, motion designers, and, as needed, strategy and social teams. They contribute as a creative peer to senior creative talent and executive creative leadership, confidently advocating for ideas while remaining curious, adaptable, and open to feedback from anyone.
Moving image is central to the role. The Lead DP also leads the development of Studio's photography practice, creating high-end photography on select projects and elevating standards, practices, and output across the team. This responsibility does not include direct management of photographers.
We're looking for someone who loves making things, brings fresh thinking, shares knowledge generously, and is as willing to do the heavy lifting as they are to lead the room.
What You'll DoDefine and evolve our visual language
- Advance Studio's approach to moving image, motion, and photography in close partnership with Creative.
- Contribute from the earliest stages of development, translating ideas, stories, and brand objectives into distinct visual approaches.
- Bring production craft into the development of ideas, helping shape what we make and how we make it.
- Explore new approaches to shooting, editing, lighting, composition, and motion that strengthen storytelling and help evolve the brand's look and feel.
Lead cinematography and filmmaking
- Serve as lead DP across Studio productions, owning the approach to camera, lighting, lenses, composition, movement, coverage, and image capture.
- Develop treatments, visual references, shot lists, and storyboards, including rough sketches when useful.
- Direct projects, talent, interviews, or scenes when the assignment calls for it.
- Lead camera and lighting crews with clear direction, thoughtful preparation, and sound creative and technical judgment.
- Adapt to changing conditions while protecting the story, creative intent, and quality of the work.
Elevate the photography practice
- Shoot high-end photography on select assignments that benefit from your expertise.
- Establish and continually raise standards for lighting, composition, technique, and execution across photography produced by Studio and its partners.
- Improve photography workflows, equipment practices, and quality standards.
- Guide and mentor teammates and external partners through constructive feedback and shared expertise.
Shape the story through post
- Partner with editors and motion designers to develop new approaches to structure, pacing, rhythm, movement, and sound.
- Bring ideas and constructive creative challenge that help teammates expand how they tell stories.
- Contribute hands-on editing support when needed.
- On larger projects, contribute to casting, music, editorial, color, and finishing, staying engaged through final delivery.
Work independently and collaboratively
- Independently plan and execute smaller shoots, including assignments without a dedicated producer.
- Collaborate effectively within larger teams of creatives, producers, directors, agencies, production partners, and specialized crews.
- Recommend an approach and production scale appropriate to the idea, budget, schedule, and intended result.
- Prepare thoroughly, solve problems resourcefully, and follow through on commitments.
Strengthen the team
- Lead through the quality of your work, the clarity of your ideas, and how you treat people.
- Share knowledge and mentor teammates through the work, helping develop their craft, judgment, and confidence.
- Give useful feedback, welcome different perspectives, and share credit.
- Contribute beyond your own assignments to improve the work and capabilities of Studio and Brand & Creative.
What You Bring
- A strong body of work demonstrating accomplished cinematography, high-quality photography, and thoughtful visual storytelling. Please identify your contribution to each project.
- Deep practical knowledge of cameras, lenses, lighting, composition, movement, exposure, and image capture.
- The ability to connect visual decisions to a story, audience, and creative idea.
- The confidence and judgment to present ideas, lead a shoot, and collaborate as a peer with senior creative partners.
- The ability to communicate visually through references, treatments, shot lists, storyboards, or sketches.
- Working editing proficiency and an understanding of editorial, motion, music, color, and finishing.
- Resourcefulness across small independent assignments and larger productions.
- Curiosity, initiative, reliability, and a commitment to developing both your own work and the people around you.
How You Work Matters
Low ego is essential. You bring conviction without defensiveness, take feedback seriously regardless of its source, and treat everyone with respect. You remain willing to execute the details and do the heavy lifting, regardless of experience or seniority.
We welcome both emerging creative leaders ready for broader responsibility and experienced practitioners eager to contribute and mentor. Your work, judgment, and approach to collaboration matter.
Travel: Approximately 20% travel is expected, depending on production needs.
QualificationsRequired Skills, Experience, and Training
- 12+ years of experience
- Experience working in or closely with Brand & Creative teams.
- A bachelor's degree in film, design, media arts, communications, or adjacent fields; equivalent professional experience is also acceptable.
Additional InformationDue to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target base compensation ranges are listed.
