Karl Ferguson
Creative Director / Photographer
Brooklyn
Summary
A dynamic Creative Director and Professional Photographer with a proven track record at media, I excel in creative team leadership and strategic direction. My expertise in client relations and media industry knowledge has significantly enhanced brand visibility and engagement. Skilled in both creative vision development and acute problem-solving, I consistently deliver compelling, high-quality photographic content.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Director /Professional Photographer
Karl Ferguson Jr. Photography
12.2009 - Current
- Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering high-quality photographs for various commercial projects.
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Captured captivating images for marketing campaigns, boosting brand visibility and engagement.
- Contributed creative input in collaborative projects with designers, stylists, and other professionals.
- Provided excellent customer service and account regulation, strengthening client relations and boosting revenue.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision, resulting in tailored photography services.
- Conducted pre-production meetings with clients to establish goals and expectations for each project.
- Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
- Scheduled and booked locations for photo shoots, working collaboratively with clients and contacts.
- Generated cost-effective solutions for client's photography needs.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their brand identity and deliver compelling creative solutions.
- Directed photo shoots for print and digital media, reviewing each element against client standards and expectations.
- Oversaw implementation of editing, color correction and other post-production processes.
- Increased client satisfaction by delivering tailored design solutions that exceeded expectations.
Contributing Photographer
Vibe Media
05.2010 - 06.2023
- Served as photographer for entertainment events including red carpets, concerts/performances, fashion shows and private galas to each brand under the company umbrella - Vibe, Blackbook and Uptown Magazine.
- Maximized event coverage by efficiently managing time and resources during fast-paced assignments, capturing key moments effectively.
- Supported editorial team by providing custom imagery tailored to specific article themes and narratives.
- Contributed to increased reader engagement through captivating photographs that complemented written pieces.
- Improved brand recognition by consistently producing on-brand imagery for marketing materials and social media platforms.
- Expanded portfolio diversity by exploring various photography styles and techniques, showcasing versatility in skillset.
- Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
- Scheduled and booked locations for photo shoots, working collaboratively with clients and contacts.
- Assisted clients with creative ideas for photography needs.
Power Plant Technician
Verizon
10.2008 - 09.2022
- Generated detailed reports on equipment status for management review, enabling informed decision-making regarding maintenance priorities.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to implement modifications for improved power plant performance.
- Established effective communication channels between departments for smooth coordination during daily operations or emergency scenarios.
- Improved plant safety by implementing and enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures.
- Maintained accurate records of equipment performance, work orders, and inventory levels to support efficient operations.
- Supported annual outage planning and execution, coordinating the inspection, repair, and replacement of essential components as necessary.
- Conducted thorough root cause analysis for recurring issues, implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Collaborated with procurement teams to acquire necessary spare parts and consumables, minimizing delays in addressing equipment repair or replacement needs.
- Monitored operations to spot and report on issues for quick resolution.
- Performed routine preventative maintenance on power plant equipment.
- Trained personnel on operation and maintenance of power plant equipment.
- Promoted interdepartmental communication with employees, increasing speedy issue resolution.
- Kept plant areas clean and ready for inspections to maintain high audit and compliance scores.
- Coordinated delivery of services and supplies to meet operational needs of power plant.
Contributing Photographer
Emmis Communications Corp
06.2012 - 06.2021
- Specializing in portrait photography for talent and station personalities serving as an intricate part in marketing and promotion for the station.
- Still photography for numerous live music performances/concerts, including the stations largest annual music concert, Summer Jam.
- Photography coverage during station driven interviews and sponsored events with countless industry celebrities/personalities.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail, ensuring client satisfaction upon delivery of final products.
- Maintained high standards of image quality across all projects, ensuring consistency in style and tone throughout the portfolio.
- Delivered high-resolution images under tight deadlines, ensuring timely publication of articles and other content.
- Promoted brand awareness through strategic use of social media channels, showcasing photography work to potential clients and collaborators.
Central Office Manager - Frame Department
Verizon
05.2007 - 10.2008
- Assisted 1st Level Management with all day to day activities (i.e. paperwork, correspondence, application and business briefings)
- Managed a large workforce of technicians and helped to coordinate their daily tasks
- Applied years of technical experience and know-how to better assist with trouble shooting during projects
- Coordinated with various internal departments and third party agents to better facilitate project completion
- Implemented numerous creative alternatives for task completion (i.e. improved filing systems, management/employee relationship and achieving quarterly objectives)
Central Office Technician
Verizon
05.2000 - 05.2007
- Contributed to customer satisfaction by promptly addressing any reported issues related to central office equipment performance.
- Assisted in training junior technicians on proper maintenance techniques, fostering a skilled workforce within the team.
- Successfully installed new hardware as part of network expansion projects, contributing to increased coverage for clients.
- Optimized network performance by conducting regular maintenance and troubleshooting on central office equipment.
- Reduced downtime by quickly identifying and resolving technical issues in a timely manner.
Education
BBA - Marketing And Management
Baruch College
New York, NY 05.2001 -
No Degree - Audio Engineering
SAE Institute of Technology
New York, NY 05.2001 -
Skills
Media industry expertise
Creative team leadership
Strategic direction
Marketing expertise
Resource coordination
Staff recruitment
Creative vision development
Concept pitching
Acute problem-solving
Client relations
Vendor negotiation
Websites
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of producers at Netflix in the development of the web-based documentary series "Strong Black Lens". The project would go on to win the collective two Webby Awards in 2023.
- Creative directed and photographed numerous magazine cover spreads for the likes of Vibe Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard, to name a few.
- Co-own a studio space called 'The Grand' in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. Our objective being to provide affordable studio rentals as well as community outreach seminars to help support up and coming black and brown creatives.
Timeline
Contributing Photographer
Emmis Communications Corp
06.2012 - 06.2021
Contributing Photographer
Vibe Media
05.2010 - 06.2023
Creative Director /Professional Photographer
Karl Ferguson Jr. Photography
12.2009 - Current
Power Plant Technician
Verizon
10.2008 - 09.2022
Central Office Manager - Frame Department
Verizon
05.2007 - 10.2008
BBA - Marketing And Management
Baruch College
05.2001 -
No Degree - Audio Engineering
SAE Institute of Technology
05.2001 -
Central Office Technician
Verizon
05.2000 - 05.2007
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