SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Our Resident Photographer & Content Creator produces original photography and video content that brings Royal Malewane Lodges to life and supports The Royal Portfolio's wider marketing objectives. Based on property, the role combines wildlife and luxury hospitality photography, filmmaking and creative storytelling to capture the people, places and experiences that define the brand. Working closely with the Executive Head of Marketing and lodge management teams, the role delivers a consistent flow of content for social media, websites, digital campaigns, advertising, public relations and editorial use. Beyond showcasing the African wilderness, the focus is on authentic storytelling that communicates Royal Malewane's exceptional hospitality, guiding expertise, conservation efforts and unique sense of place. MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Photography & Visual Content Production Produce high-quality, original photography aligned with The Royal Portfolio’s visual identity and brand standards. Capture wildlife, landscapes, lodge interiors and exteriors, architecture, food and beverage, wellness, guest experiences, staff and behind-the-scenes moments. Create lifestyle imagery that conveys the atmosphere, emotion and finer details of the Royal Malewane experience. Produce seasonal and topical content reflecting wildlife activity, lodge experiences and special occasions. 2. Videography & Film Production Conceptualise, film and edit short-form social media videos, interviews, experience-led films and longer-form storytelling content. Capture wildlife footage, safari experiences, lodge environments and personal interactions. Film interviews and personal stories featuring guides, trackers, chefs, conservationists and lodge teams. Manage the full production process: planning, filming, audio recording, editing, colour grading and final delivery. Collaborate with the Social Media & Content Specialist on Reels, Stories, TikTok and other platform-specific content. 3. Creative Storytelling, Social Media & Digital Content Identify content opportunities with the Marketing Team that align with the brand’s storytelling and marketing strategy. Develop authentic stories that differentiate Royal Malewane from other luxury safari destinations, highlighting the guiding team, wildlife encounters, conservation initiatives and the guest journey. Contribute creative concepts, storyboards, shot lists and filming plans for campaigns and special projects. Maintain a consistent supply of fresh content for content calendars, campaigns, seasonal promotions, new experiences and brand announcements. Proactively capture timely opportunities from wildlife sightings, lodge activities and staff stories, and provide background information and storytelling insights to support publication. Stay informed about emerging content formats, filmmaking techniques and platform developments. 4. Content Planning, Asset Management & Delivery Develop and maintain a structured content production schedule with the Marketing Team and lodge management. Work from agreed briefs, shot lists and marketing priorities while independently identifying creative opportunities. Deliver edited photography, completed videos and usable raw footage within agreed timelines. Maintain an organised digital library following established naming, metadata and filing conventions in accordance with Marketing SOPs. Implement backup procedures to safeguard original and completed content. Identify gaps or outdated material in the content library and prioritise new content accordingly. Make all assets available to The Royal Portfolio in the required formats and in accordance with company intellectual property policies. 5. Collaboration & On-Property Engagement Build strong relationships with lodge management, guides, trackers, chefs, spa therapists and operational teams. Stay informed about new guest experiences, conservation initiatives, lodge developments and special events. Coordinate filming and photography to minimise disruption to lodge operations and the guest experience. Exercise discretion when photographing guests, ensuring appropriate permissions are obtained and privacy is respected. Support visiting photographers, filmmakers, media representatives and creative partners when required. Assist with content requirements across other Royal Portfolio properties when requested and operationally feasible. 6. Equipment, Safety & Professional Standards Take responsibility for the care, maintenance, security and organisation of photography, video and audio equipment. Maintain high technical standards across photography, filming, sound recording and post-production. Keep abreast of developments in equipment, editing software and production techniques, exploring efficiencies without compromising brand quality or authenticity. Adhere to lodge safety protocols, wildlife viewing regulations, conservation principles and operational guidelines. REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS A relevant qualification in photography, film production, visual communication or a related field (advantageous) SACAA Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) for drone operation (advantageous) Minimum two years’ professional experience in photography, videography or content production , supported by a strong portfolio Demonstrated experience in still photography, video production and professional post-production Experience in wildlife, travel, luxury hospitality or lifestyle content creation (advantageous) Proven ability to develop creative concepts and produce content across multiple platforms and formats Highly creative, with a strong visual eye and natural storytelling ability Genuine passion for wildlife, conservation and travel, with an appreciation for luxury hospitality and the ability to capture authentic, emotionally engaging experiences Proactive and self-motivated; identifies creative opportunities independently Collaborative, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills Receptive to creative direction, feedback and evolving brand requirements Professional, discreet and respectful of guest privacy and lodge operations Comfortable working in a remote safari environment and adapting to changing conditions Organised and reliable; able to manage multiple projects and deadlines at once Plans shoots end to end, from brief and shot list through to delivery Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to exceptional quality Strong digital asset management, file organisation and backup discipline Advanced proficiency with professional photography and videography equipment, including interchangeable-lens camera systems Strong understanding of composition, lighting, exposure, movement and visual storytelling Proficiency in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro or equivalent editing software Strong skills in video editing, colour grading, sound editing and photographic retouching Experience with audio recording equipment, stabilisation systems and related production tools Sound understanding of digital formats, resolutions, aspect ratios and delivery specifications Drone photography or videography experience, with appropriate licensing (advantageous) It is important that the candidate is able to work as part of a team and is a good cultural fit for The Royal Portfolio. South African citizenship is advantageous. A valid work permit is essential if you are not in possession of a South African ID document. Please note it is a condition of employment on the Thornybush Nature Reserve, that all staff undergo a pre-employment polygraph test.
