I’ve been thinking about work and working in the photo industry, and how to explain to my “normie” friends what I do for work. I’ve also been looking at shoots and the end products from various scales in production, and the differences in how a small in-house team may operate, to a mostly freelance team working for internationally recognized brands. While this piece focuses on just the role of the tech, I may come back to this teaser in a later date on other roles.
At the risk of repetition, something that keeps coming up is that sometimes our clients, whether photographers themselves or the brands and agencies they work for— aren’t (or weren’t, before hiring our team) aware of the role of a digital tech or why such a position is crucial. And assuredly, that’s perfectly okay. The world of photography is vast, and we don’t know what we don’t know.
Let’s break it down a bit:
First off, think about the precision required in commercial photography—getting the perfect exposure, the colors just right, and making sure every image aligns with the brand’s vision, and often on a strict schedule. A major challenge for any one individual, but this is where a digital tech comes into play. When things are going correctly, one could be forgiven for not even noticing them on a set (though we have our characters as well), working their magic with Capture One, ensuring every shot captured is consistent and meets quality checks. Imagine having someone on set who can instantly adjust exposure, nail the white balance, and tweak colors to perfection. It’s like having an extra set of expert eyes, ensuring everything is picture-perfect from the get-go.
Now, let’s go into the nightmare scenario—losing images to a technical glitch or hardware failure. Just the thought is enough to make you want to throw up. This is where asset security comes in. A digital tech doesn’t just handle the creative side; we’re also your ultimate safeguard against data loss. With a solid backup strategy, encrypting files when applicable, and using secure passwords, we ensure that your irreplaceable images are protected at all costs. Think of us as your personal cybersecurity guard for the valuable assets you’ve captured.
But what about keeping everything organized? We’ve all been there—scrolling endlessly to find that one perfect shot. What’s your time worth? We’ve worked with clients to organize massive shoots done without a tech, and sometimes the process takes hours to correct what could have been done right the first time. A digital tech would use a systematic asset organization system from the start, saving massive amounts of time on the back end when it comes time to handing off selects to creative or retouching. Find every file right where you need it, when you need it, thanks to guidelines that fit your workflow, meticulous keywording and metadata standards.
In today’s world, where remote work is more common, getting timely feedback and approvals can be a logistical headache. It doesn’t have to be. A digital tech can set up cloud-based galleries for real-time sharing, making the review process seamless and interactive. It’s like having your clients and team right there with you, without the need for endless back and forth emails or confusing feedback loops. In the height of the recent health crisis, we’ve had the distinct opportunity to set up “virtual sessions” to provide support to international photo shoots from our headquarters in LA.
Lastly, let’s not forget the importance of keeping up with the latest tech, software, and troubleshooting on set. A digital tech brings invaluable expertise, ensuring you’re using the best and latest tools and equipment, leaving you free to focus on the creative vision without sweating the technical stuff. Our average tech goes through hundreds of thousands of images in a year, pixel-peeping literally millions of frames over the course of a year!
Now, one last point; think about the capital investment a brand may make on a brand shoot, only to face technical issues, data loss, or organizational nightmares. This isn’t scaremongering, only a reality check; the cost of hiring a digital tech company pales in comparison to the peace of mind and value they bring to your shoot. It’s not just an expense; it’s an investment, almost insurance (can’t say that it is, legally) for everything to run smoothly and securing the success of your project.
So, to fellow photographers and creatives, next time you’re planning a shoot, give us a call. Your investment will be well-spent.
-Andrew