How hiring works.

1. 1

   Apply

   Fill out the short form on the role you want. Tell us where you’re based, when you’re available, and what you do for fun. Photographers: send your work. We reply to every applicant.

2. 2

   Phone screen

   A real conversation, not a script. What do you do now and why? Why us? What makes a great host? Where in Michigan do you want to work and how far will you travel? Nights, weekends, weekdays? Do you have black-tie and business clothes? Can you stand for 6+ hours and lift 80 lbs? Valid license and a reliable car? Camera knowledge is a bonus, not a requirement.

3. 3

   References

   If we like the conversation we ask for three references from current or past coworkers, and we actually call them: what was it like to work with you, and would they hire you again?

4. 4

   Offer, in writing

   Role, responsibilities, and pay rate, in writing. You sign the offer in Gusto and get your onboarding packet.

5. 5

   Training, paid

   Watch the training videos and take notes within two weeks, then pass the quiz. Then a hands-on day at the studio: you set everything up yourself from the written guides and videos, in a low-pressure room, with a lead nearby. Training time is paid.

6. 6

   Sign The Standard

   Read it, agree to it, sign it. You sign before your first event.

7. 7

   Ten events

   Events 1 to 3: with a lead, learning hospitality and how we treat guests. Events 4 to 6: you own the setup and the tech with a lead nearby. If it hasn’t clicked after six events, we part ways. Events 7 to 9: building confidence, at least one solo. Event 10: content training, good shots versus bad shots.

Principles

• Go with your gut.
• Make it hard to get hired. High standards now mean less stress later.
• Provide clear growth tracks.
• You are only as good as your worst team member.
• We hire personality. We can teach the setup.

What we ask you to do

Real tasks, not hypotheticals.

• Reply to this client email. Here’s the info you need. We look at how you think and how you write.
• Fix these camera settings so the photo looks right. Good versus bad, and how to get to good.
• Hosts: interview, in-person training, then three events with a lead to see if the personality is real.