Summary of the Master Photographer (Premium Studio Photographer) job at Princess Cruises

As part of the Princess family, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, international career pathways, and the unique opportunity to explore some of the world's most breathtaking destinations.



Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the premium Photo Studio program, working closely with the onboard Photo Manager to deliver a high-end, by-appointment photography experience for our guests.
• Plan and conduct portrait sessions in the Photo Studio and on location around the ship during walkaround sessions, creating elegant, flattering, and memorable imagery that reflects the Princess Cruises brand.
• Provide an exceptional, personalized guest experience by confidently engaging with guests, understanding their preferences, and adapting shooting style, poses, and locations to suit their needs.
• Host image viewing and sales sessions with clients, presenting and recommending products and packages in line with department pricing guidelines to achieve or exceed voyage sales targets.
• Collaborate with the Photo team to proactively drive studio bookings, manage the scheduling of sessions throughout the voyage, and maximize utilization of studio and walkaround opportunities.
• Execute all photo sessions in line with the approved visual style, lighting standards, and operating procedures provided during training, ensuring consistency and quality across all images.
• Use approved postproduction software and tools to select, edit, and enhance images prior to sales presentations, following departmental standards for retouching and color correction.
• Maintain the Photo Studio as a clean, welcoming, and well-organized environment, ensuring all backdrops, props, and displays are presented to brand standards.
• Care for, operate, and perform basic troubleshooting on all photographic equipment, promptly reporting any faults and coordinating with the Photo Manager to ensure timely maintenance.
• Support wider Photo department initiatives and shipboard events as required, contributing to a safe, inclusive, and guest-focused team culture.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Minimum 2–3 years of professional studio photography experience, ideally including portrait work in premium or high-end environments.
• Previous experience as a cruise ship photographer or in a hospitality/travel setting is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Photography or a related field, or equivalent professional experience (preferred).
• Proven experience working with professional lighting equipment (strobes, softboxes, umbrellas, flash attachments) and studio modifiers.
• Strong technical skills with DSLR or mirrorless digital camera systems, lenses, and tripods, including confident manual exposure control.
• Hands-on experience with studio backdrops, sets, and props, with a good eye for composition, posing, and styling.
• Proficiency in postproduction software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom (or similar), including color correction, basic retouching, and image optimization for print and digital output.
• Solid interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly build rapport, make subjects feel relaxed, and work confidently with guests of all ages, including families and young children.
• Clear and confident communication skills to provide simple, easy-to-follow direction and guidance during photo sessions and viewing/sales appointments.
• Fluent English language skills, both verbal and written (required and critical).
• Strong guest service mindset, with a warm, professional, and polished demeanor and a passion for creating memorable experiences.
• Motivated, goal-oriented, and comfortable working to sales targets in a fast-paced, service-focused environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, multicultural team and maintain courteous, respectful working relationships.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong portrait photography skills; candidates will be required to provide a portfolio as part of the selection process.
• Willingness and ability to live and work onboard a cruise vessel for contracts of up to 6 months, including working evenings, weekends, and sea days as required.

Job Benefits

• A competitive salary package.
• Your comfortable double cabin - your space to relax and recharge.
• Company-paid travel to and from the ship, so you can focus on the journey ahead.
• Access to exclusive areas and benefits onboard (depending on the rank and occupational group).
• A vibrant recreation and welfare program designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.
• Access to exceptional learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.
• The chance to travel the world, exploring exciting destinations while doing what you love.
• A welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued.