Job roles of people involved in a studio shoot

When an image is made, it's not always by the handy work of just the photographer,

there are many hands that are needed to create the final 'picture' these are:-

The Photographer, it is not only the role of the photographer to take the image, giving birth to an idea and composing it to its full potential and achieving incredible results, but the job of the photographer isn't as simple as this;

Managing the scene; there are many hands that are used to compose an image, it is the photographers job to order the environment, making sure everyone knows exactly what the job role is, making sure they carry it out to the full. 

Assistant, the purpose of the assistant is, quite simply to bow to every need, wish and desire of the photographer, when a wish is made by the photographer, it is the assistants job role to see this through, not only is it the primary role of the assistant to assist the photographer, whether the needs being to hold a light, reposition the set or equipment, making tea, getting lunch or even to criticise the works of the photographer, give opinions to the photographer and other a different outlook on things. Their secondary role is as second in command of the operations, being the extra eyes, ears, mouth and brains of the photographer, making sure everyone is doing what they should and acting as ambassador for the photographer.

The Client, 'The Boss', as the person funding and for whose interest the image is being composed, it is no doubt as to who is in charge of the overall and final proceedings, the client will have full involvement in the creating of the image, as without the clients approval of whats going on, the photographer and the rest of the production teams fee is set at stake. It is down to the client to have a clear mind, to brief the photographer of full requirements, with clear intentions as to the final image's purpose, portrayal and concepts, otherwise leaving the photography under much heavier strain without sufficient information, the photographer can only blindly attempt at producing the work. Making pre, during and post production communication vital.

Art Director, It is the role of the art director to oversee the workings and actions of the rest of the 'production team', assuring that all is going according to the plans of the photographer and client.

The Stylist, their job is to assure the stylings are in order, this could be the stylings of the entire look of the image, everything from: Hair, Makeup, Set, Clothing and Accessories.

Set Builder, the role of the set builder is to design, compose and build the settings of which the image is to be portrayed.

Make Up Artist / Hair, It is the job of the  to create 'the look' intended by the photographer and client, manipulating the appearance of the model, by styling their hair and makeup of the model in order to achieve the desired look for the image. The stylist, like everyone else, is under the control and whims of the photographer to fit their desired look to suit the theme and aesthetics of the image.

Designer, this would be the person that designs the clothing to be work by the model, the designer would still be present during the shoot to ensure the clothing is worn correctly and fitted perfectly and that any alterations are made if needed.