Summary

In this episode of the E-commerce Content Creation Podcast, host Daniel Jester speaks with Joe Lamb, former Director of Technology and Platforms for Nike, about the intricacies of content production in e-commerce. They discuss the importance of building a robust content production system, future-proofing studios against disasters, and the significance of team wellness and safety. The conversation also delves into business continuity planning, evaluating technology for resilience, streamlining onboarding processes, and balancing documentation with agility. The episode emphasizes the need for data-driven decisions and building strong internal relationships to ensure success in creative operations.

takeaways

• Future-proofing involves considering people, places, and technology.
• Natural disasters can disrupt studio operations; planning is essential.
• Team wellness and safety should be prioritized during crises.
• Business continuity planning is crucial for creative operations.
• Evaluate technology for both efficiency and risk management.
• Onboarding processes should be streamlined for new team members.
• Documentation is vital but should not hinder agility.
• Data plays a key role in measuring creative success.
• Building internal relationships is essential for operational success.
• Advocating for creative teams is necessary for resource allocation.

Takeaways

• Photography can be a form of escapism and creating a world different from reality.
• Post-production and retouching are important aspects of photography, and each photographer has their own process and style.
• File management and communication with clients are crucial for a successful photography business. It is crucial to back up and protect digital files to ensure their safety and accessibility.
• Using a combination of hard drives and online platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox can provide redundancy and easy access to files.
• Clear communication with clients is essential for a successful working relationship and project outcome.
• Setting expectations upfront, including pricing and retouching services, helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures fair compensation.
• Photographing women can be a transformative experience, allowing for deep connections and the discovery of their true essence.
• Monica is planning an in-person photography workshop in Los Angeles, focusing on pre-production, photo shoots, and post-production.

Credits

This podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel Jester

Visit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication

Summary

Jordan Petsy, a former photography manager at Kendra Scott, shares her career journey and recent move to New York. She discusses the challenges of managing product photography for a large assortment of jewelry and the lack of technology and systems in place at the time. Jordan also talks about her current focus on working with smaller, mission-driven, sustainable brands and her social media efforts to showcase these brands and her photography skills. She emphasizes the importance of ethical production practices and fair wages in the fashion industry. In this conversation, Jordan Petsy and Daniel discuss the importance of customer experience and creativity in the fashion industry. They highlight the value of having relevant experience and building trust with clients. They also touch on the challenges of pricing and the role of AI in the creative process. Jordan shares her experience in creative production and her passion for building long-term relationships with brands. They emphasize the importance of vulnerability and connection in the creative industry.

takeaways

• Managing product photography for a large assortment of jewelry can be challenging, especially without the right technology and systems in place.
• Jordan Petsy has moved to New York to work with smaller, mission-driven, sustainable brands in the fashion industry.
• She uses her social media platform to showcase these brands and her photography skills, while also educating her audience about ethical production practices and fair wages.
• The mid-tier, direct-to-consumer brands are driving innovation in technology and imaging in the fashion industry. Customer experience is crucial in the fashion industry and can be a key differentiator for brands.
• Having relevant experience and building trust with clients can open doors to new opportunities.
• Pricing can be a challenge in the creative industry, and it's important to find a balance that is fair for both parties.
• AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can be valuable for ideation, visual ideation, and post-production tasks.
• Building long-term relationships with brands and being part of their growth can be fulfilling for creative professionals.
• Vulnerability and connection are essential in the creative industry, and sharing personal experiences can help build trust and authenticity.

Summary

In this episode Daniel starts off by sharing a cautionary tale about a legendary brand that has fallen on hard times, followed by an interview with Everard Williams Jr. Head of the photo and imaging department at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Ca.

Takeaways

• Miscommunication and lack of understanding about photography processes are common challenges within brands.
• The shift towards agencies and commercial studios can provide more support and creative freedom for photographers.
• Technology has made photography more accessible, but expertise and specialization are still important.
• Advocacy and connections play a crucial role in the success of photographers.
• Integrating high-quality brand imagery is crucial for effective marketing.
• Finding inspiration and staying connected to creativity is essential for photographers and creatives.

• Takeaways
• The creative job market is experiencing both busy and slow periods, with some creative teams being dismantled due to layoffs.
• There is a need to change the way we think about and value creative teams in the industry.
• Daniel Jester plans to offer a podcast playbook ebook and consulting services for those interested in starting a podcast.
• He has been working with studios to improve their processes and efficiency, focusing on areas such as workflow mapping and technology implementation.
• Daniel's upcoming podcast mini-series, The Flash Drive Files, will explore the relationship between photography and retouching teams and how it has evolved over the years.
• The Flash Drive Files is sponsored by Very Busy.io, a review and approval technology platform.
• Daniel invites listeners to meet him at Henry Stewart and teases the first episode of The Flash Drive Files.

Takeaways

• The relationship between photographers and retouchers is crucial for creating cohesive brand imagery.
• Clear communication and transparency are key in the creative process.
• Having a trusted retouching team can help navigate tight timelines and limited budgets.
• Collaboration and mutual respect are essential for producing high-quality photography. The modern digital studio allows for fast and high-quality work, but it can also be demanding and exploitative.
• E-commerce retouching is a valuable skillset that requires efficiency and attention to detail.
• Advancements in technology, such as Zoom and Frame.io, have facilitated remote work and improved communication in the industry.
• Building strong relationships and collaborating effectively are essential for success in the industry.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work and highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background

06:07 How the Team Came Together

12:55 Involving Retouchers in the Creative Process

16:04 Ideal Circumstances for Working Together

23:12 The Modern Digital Studio: Speed and Quality

25:03 Advancements in Technology for Remote Work

29:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry

Credits

This podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel Jester

Visit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication

Takeaways

• Flash sale sites like Haute Look played a significant role in shaping the modern e-commerce creative production industry.
• The early days of e-commerce product photography involved high-volume shooting and the need for a balance between speed and quality.
• Consistency in imagery, including background color and lighting, became a crucial aspect of e-commerce photography.
• Retouchers played a vital role in identifying equipment issues and collaborating with stylists to ensure accurate and high-quality images. E-commerce photography presents unique challenges, such as time constraints and the need for efficiency.
• The demanding nature of e-commerce photography has led to the recognition of the importance of creativity in the industry.
• The evolution of technology has greatly impacted the way e-commerce photography is conducted, allowing for more efficient workflows and collaboration.
• Training programs for retouchers should focus on establishing standards and autonomy, while utilizing technology to aid in the training process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:17 Early Days at Haute Look

03:22 Challenges of E-commerce Product Photography

05:27 Impact of Flash Sale Sites on E-commerce Creative Production

09:47 Transition to In-house Studios

12:50 Digital Workflows and File Management

18:19 Retouching Challenges and Standards

21:49 Importance of Consistency in E-commerce Imagery

25:05 Color Accuracy and QA Process

29:15 Role of Retouchers in Identifying Equipment Issues

31:34 Collaboration between Retouchers and Stylists

32:40 The Challenges of E-commerce Photography

36:21 The Impact of E-commerce Photography on Creativity

39:48 The Evolution of E-commerce Photography

45:40 The Importance of Communication in E-commerce Retouching

48:30 Training Retouchers and Autonomy

53:53 The Role of Technology in E-commerce Photography

59:02 Building a Training Program for Retouchers

01:04:46 The Future of E-commerce Photography

Credits

This podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel Jester

Visit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication