Michelle (Miki) Vargas
Emeryville
Summary
Highly organized, enthusiastic, motivating individual that can easily collaborate. 9+ years of experience as a photographer for premium brands and innovative branding firms. Experienced working in large scale, high volume, apparel production operation across a variety of product categories. Accustomed to high intensity level of e-commerce studio environment, and ability to thrive under tight deadlines. Self-driven and able to effectively communicate creative ideas and cooperate in a multi-team environment.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lighting Tech and On Figure Photographer
Title Nine Sports
06.2019 - Current
- Set up camera and lighting equipment for on figure set and tabletop set.
- Perform proper maintenance of lighting equipment.
- Perform minor editing and Capture One assistance to in-house stylist.
- Implement new and efficient lighting guidelines for on-figure and tabletop photography to match creative vision.
- Work well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Shoot photographs on-figure in studio maintaining a productive professional relationship with models.
- Utilize various types of camera and lighting equipment to capture best possible shots.
Photographer
Miki Vargas Studio
01.2011 - Current
- Established a recognized freelance photography business MVP photography studio in 2011.
- Direct experience working in large scale, high volume, apparel production operation across a variety of product categories.
- Accustomed to the high intensity level of an e-commerce studio environment, and ability to thrive under tight deadlines.
- Edit and pre-edit images to ensure they are high quality and properly color-corrected.
- Communicate effectively with clients or producers at all times to guarantee satisfaction and client retention.
- Direct assistants to complete administrative duties and provide assistance while fostering their photography skills.
- Plan and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
- Utilize natural and artificial lighting to capture desired images and maintain quality.
- Assist clients in selecting poses, wardrobe and backgrounds to photograph different looks, concepts and locations.
- Assist clients with creative ideas for photography needs.
- Monitor trends in photography to stay current in industry.
- Train new photographers in use of camera equipment and editing software.
- Research new camera equipment and accessories.
- Maintain all studio and camera equipment.
General Photographer Assistant
Gap, Inc.
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Kept photography equipment available, clean and working.
- Collaborated with photographer and art director to assist with daily tasks.
- Carried equipment from one shooting location to next.
- Changed camera lenses and made small light adjustments.
- Supervised studio staff for timely, accurate and high-quality task completion.
- Pleasantly greeted customers and asked open-ended questions to better determine needs.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Performed proper maintenance of lighting equipment, ensuring safety and quality operations.
- Worked with other lighting technicians in set-up and operation of lighting equipment.
- Enforced adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Followed lighting design plan to select fixtures and control settings.
- Handled minor repairs and routine upkeep on lighting equipment by replacing lamps and filters.
- Managed and maintained equipment between productions.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Photography
Skyline College
San Bruno, CACertificate - Graphic Design
Platt College
Oakland, CASkills
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Capture One 23
- Canon EOS MK III, IV, R, R5 & R6
- Strong Exposure Techniques
- Lighting expert
- Equipment Setup and Maintenance
Training
- Capture One Certification - (2019)
- Commercial Photography Lighting Training - Clay Cook - (2019)
- Profoto Academy Fundamentals of Lighting- David Bicho - (2022)
- Profoto Academy Fashion lighting - Lindsay Adler (2022)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Profession Relevant Skills
- Experienced in all different kinds of photography and strong aesthetic sense.
- Technical knowledge of multiple camera technologies and editing programs.
- Extensive communication, cooperation and service skills.
- Critical thinking, analysis and strong attention to small details.
Exhibitions
- "The Handsome Revolution", featuring photographer - (2012)
Certifications and Licenses
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) - (2019)
- Capture One Masters Course - Certification - (2019)
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- Professional Photographers of California (PPC) - (2022)
- Bay Area Photographers Collective - (2021)
- Professional Photographers of America (PPA) - (2021)
Timeline
General Photographer Assistant
Gap, Inc.
01.2022 - 11.2022
Lighting Tech and On Figure Photographer
Title Nine Sports
06.2019 - Current
Photographer
Miki Vargas Studio
01.2011 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Photography
Skyline College
Certificate - Graphic Design
Platt College
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