What made you realise there were legs in running CE Photo as a bona fide business? Clare- When I first started out as freelancer( still based in Dahab) I tried my hand at anything and everything to make it work. I explored all kinds of photography but my passion was in water sports and it wasn’ t long before I was working with local centers on a regular basis. On the whole, the photos were really well received and towards the end of the summer I approached Neilson Holidays to see if I could provide the inhouse photography at one of their Greek resorts. It seemed like the obvious next step; more variety in terms of activities to capture, one large location where I could easily communicate what I was doing and lots of willing models( the kids club). After a rather busy first couple of seasons, we took on other photographers and expanded to more hotels.
How is CE Photo structured and how does it actually work on the ground in resort? Lee- The nature of active holidays means that most guests take part in all sorts of activities that often don’ t allow for capturing images of themselves that easily. Our mission is to capture every guest taking part in every activity in an unobtrusive and natural way that compliments their holiday memories. Our photos are uploaded each day to our in resort photo kiosk where guests can view and select under no obligation to buy and then decide what photos they’ d like to take home via high resolution digital download at the end of their stay.
Do your photographers need to be involved with SUP to get those killer shots? Clare- There is no need to have any experience in SUP to capture images of it; the pace of most paddle boarding means our photographers can easily move around participants on a powerboat to get the best shots. They also shoot with telephoto lenses from the shore which enables them to get photos that your iPhone just won’ t get close to.
How much training do you give prior to a new team members heading out to their seasonal location? Lee- Our goal is to invest in their creative talent to enable them to become successful at action and portrait photography. We also train them in how to deliver great service levels to facilitate the actual selling of photos to clients- a big gap usually missing from even the best new photographers. Training can be done pre-season in a classroom style format or in a structured on the job process depending on when the photographers are available to travel out.
As far as staff recruitment goes how do you get bods involved? It seems a unique( and great) way for potential recruits to combine their passion with overseas work? Lee- We recruit skilled new freelance photographers to cut their teeth in the various hotels that we operate to capture and deliver photos to our kiosk. We work closely with several universities to ensure that we are reaching the right audience.
What are the perks from working as a photographer within CE Photo’ s organisation? Clare- Well apart from the training package and opportunity to work abroad for 3 to 6 months, we offer accommodation and food on top of a competitive pay structure. We also allow use of photos( where we have model release) in professional portfolios. Plus they get the chance to try out the various guest activities including stand up paddle boarding.
Is this ongoing in terms of support? If so what are the points you usually work on? Lee- We have Team Leaders in each resort, plus a photography coach that continues the training and upskilling process throughout the contract. Each photographer is different and specialises in a different style of photography. This means their needs are varied and we definitely tailor coaching in a bespoke way. Having said that, the biggest area for development is usually fast image processing and getting shots right in camera – the last thing we want is photographers spending hours post production.
In terms of heading to resort yourselves how often is that undertaken? Clare- We get out when we can. Last year we spent around 6 weeks across the resorts along with our toddler, but this year we have a 10 week old as well so it’ s not quite as practical to work around. We’ ll most definitely be having a few holidays though.
Do you get involved in photography once there or is it merely to help CE Photo staff and liaise with other resort staff? Clare- I am still passionate about my own photography and use every opportunity I get to take photos. The abundance of natural light in the various Neilson Beachclub resorts makes it a photographer’ s dream. Neilson do often require us to support them with marketing photos and we oblige – it’ s definitely fun to do with such stunning hotels and locations.
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