Senior Photographer

Location: Hayward, CA


Salary: $100,000–$115,000 (Full-Time, Exempt )

About Stelle

Stelle is a women-led dancewear and athleisure brand creating thoughtfully designed apparel that helps women and girls move confidently through every stage of life. For over a decade, we have built a loyal customer base through quality, comfort, performance, and timeless style.

As we continue to grow across e-commerce, marketplaces, retail partnerships, and digital channels, we are seeking an experienced and highly creative Senior Photographer to help define and elevate the visual expression of the Stelle brand.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a talented Senior Photographer who combines exceptional technical photography expertise with strong creative vision and leadership skills. This role will lead the execution of elevated imagery across e-commerce, campaigns, lifestyle content, social media, advertising, and brand storytelling initiatives.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience photographing apparel and activewear, directing talent on set, building efficient studio workflows, and collaborating closely with creative, marketing, product, and merchandising teams. They are equally comfortable capturing high-volume e-commerce assets and leading large-scale lifestyle and campaign productions.

This role reports to the Creative Director and plays a key role in shaping how customers experience the Stelle brand across all visual touchpoints.

Responsibilities

Photography & Creative Execution

• Lead and execute high-quality photography across e-commerce, campaign, lifestyle, social, advertising, and marketplace channels.


• Create compelling visual content that reflects Stelle's brand identity and resonates with our customer.


• Photograph apparel, dancewear, activewear, footwear, and accessories using advanced lighting and production techniques.


• Capture both studio and location-based photography as needed.


• Direct models, talent, and crew to achieve desired creative outcomes.


• Collaborate with Creative, Marketing, Design, Product Development, and E-commerce teams to translate business objectives into visual content.

Creative Leadership

• Partner with creative leadership to develop seasonal visual direction, campaign concepts, and content strategies.


• Maintain and evolve visual standards, photography guidelines, and brand consistency.


• Mentor and provide guidance to photographers, stylists, retouchers, freelancers, and production assistants.


• Contribute to creative planning, shot lists, mood boards, and production briefs.

Production & Studio Operations

• Lead all aspects of photo production, including pre-production planning, equipment selection, lighting design, scheduling, and asset delivery.


• Manage multiple shoots simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality and meeting deadlines.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve studio workflows, production efficiency, and asset management processes.


• Ensure proper maintenance and organization of studio equipment and production 
  
  
   resources.

Post-Production & Innovation

• Oversee image selection, retouching direction, color consistency, and final asset quality.


• Partner with internal and external retouching teams to maintain premium image standards.


• Explore and evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-assisted imaging, automation tools, virtual production workflows, and content creation innovations.


• Continuously seek opportunities to improve creative output, production efficiency, and customer engagement.

What We're Looking For

• 7+ years of professional photography experience, with significant experience in apparel, activewear, fashion, or consumer products.


• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in e-commerce, on-figure, campaign, and lifestyle photography.


• Advanced expertise in studio lighting, tethered capture, color management, and digital workflow management.


• Expert proficiency in Capture One, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Creative Suite.


• Experience directing models, talent, and creative teams during photoshoots.


• Strong understanding of visual storytelling, composition, styling, and customer-focused brand imagery.


• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.


• Experience leading productions from concept through final delivery.


• Familiarity with video production, motion content, and social-first content creation is highly preferred.


• Experience with AI-powered creative tools and emerging content technologies is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Photography, Visual Arts, Design, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.


• Experience working within high-growth consumer brands, fashion brands, or retail organizations.


• Experience photographing dancewear, athletic apparel, footwear, or lifestyle products.


• Experience managing freelance photographers, stylists, retouchers, and external production partners.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience


• Paid time off and company holidays


• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• 401(k) plan


• Employee merchandise discount


• Professional development opportunities


• Opportunity to help shape the visual future of a growing consumer brand

At Stelle, we believe diverse perspectives create stronger teams and better ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where every employee feels respected, valued, and empowered to do their best work.