Lead Luau Photographer
About the Role
Hawaii Family Portraits is looking for a Lead Luau Photographer to run our photography program at the Royal Kona Resort luau. You'll be the face of HFP at this partner property, capturing high-quality images of guests, leading a small team of photographers on-site, and driving luau photo package sales that keep this resort partnership thriving. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who loves shooting in a challenging, fast-paced, guest-facing environment and can mentor other photographers to shoot and sell at a high standard. The company provides all equipment.
Does this sound like you? Apply today!
You live in Kailua-Kona, or you can reasonably commute to the Royal Kona Resort. You enjoy working hard. You're a problem solver. You have integrity and can take on responsibility. You prefer a challenge that will stretch you. You have the mindset of constant improvement. You want to be rewarded for your outcomes, not just your time.
What You'll Do
- Shoot professional-quality portraits and candid photos of guests at the Royal Kona Resort luau
- Lead and coach a small team of luau photographers on shooting technique, guest interaction, and sales approach during live events
- Drive on-site photo package sales, hitting per-event and monthly revenue targets
- Maintain consistent image quality, lighting, and composition standards across the team
- Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for Royal Kona Resort staff, resolving day-of issues quickly and professionally
- Set up, break down, and troubleshoot HFP-provided equipment (cameras, lighting, printers/kiosks) before and during events
- Cull & edit, and print photos quickly while maintaining a high-quality standard.
- Track attendance, sales performance, and guest feedback; report trends back to HFP leadership
- Help train new photographers joining the Royal Kona luau photo team.
- Field customer inquiries about photos, packages, and orders (before, during, and after the luau) via phone, email, or text, and follow up promptly on unanswered guest messages
What We're Looking For
- 2+ years of professional photography experience, ideally in events, portraits, or hospitality settings
- Prior experience leading, training, or mentoring other photographers or staff
- Strong sales instincts and comfort upselling in a live, guest-facing setting
- Excellent people skills. Warm, patient, and quick on your feet with guests of all ages
- Reliable and organized; comfortable managing gear and event logistics without close supervision
- Comfortable using or learning to use AI-assisted workflows. (Claude, Imagine, Aftershoot, etc.)
- Must work evenings and holidays.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to the Royal Kona Resort
Compensation & Benefits
- On Target Earnings (OTE):$50,000 - $60,000/year (base + commission + tips)
- Part-time 24-32hrs/week, year-round position
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person at Royal Kona Resort in Kona, HI.