Gladson Chakkalayil Joseph
Ernakulam,india
Summary
Experienced cruise photography professional with strong expertise in guest engagement, photography operations, retail sales, and team leadership onboard international cruise ships. Skilled in managing photography teams, delivering high-quality guest experiences, and achieving operational and sales targets. Passionate about photography, hospitality, and customer satisfaction.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Photo Manager
Tempest Travel Photography
Ventura
07.2025 - Current
- Managed onboard photography operations, supervising staff to enhance team efficiency and service delivery.
- Trained and mentored team members in photography techniques and customer service to elevate service quality.
- Ensured exceptional guest experiences, maintaining high service standards to drive customer satisfaction.
- Monitoring sales performance and supporting retail photography operations.
Level 1 Photographer
Tempest Travel Photography
Ventura
04.2023 - 05.2025
- Captured professional guest portraits and event photography, enhancing guest experience onboard Ventura.
- Provided exceptional customer service while upholding professional photo standards, contributing to positive guest interactions.
- Facilitated photo sales during events, increasing revenue opportunities and enhancing guest satisfaction.
Photo Expert
Marella Cruises
02.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered exceptional photography services to enhance guest experiences onboard cruise ships.
- Supported guests during photography sessions and highlighted premium photo packages to maximise sales opportunities.
- Serviced photography equipment to ensure optimal performance and consistently high-quality image delivery.
Assistant Photo Manager
Crystal Cruise Line / Paragon Pixels
, California
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Coordinated daily operations of onboard photo department, ensuring quality service delivery.
- Streamlined workflow processes in photo department to promote operational efficiency.
- Supported staff supervision and guest service management, enhancing guest satisfaction.
Photographer
The Ship Photographer
Southampton
12.2020 - 10.2021
- Captured guest portraits onboard cruise ships, enhancing guest experience through memorable photography.
- Supported retail photography operations and provided customer service, ensuring seamless transactions and client satisfaction.
- Managed editing and retouching of photographs to enhance their overall appeal.
- Planned photoshoots based on specific client briefs.
- Set-up professional cameras, equipment and accessories in outdoor locations.
Hotel Assistant
P&O Cruise Line under Carnival Corporation
04.2018 - 10.2019
- Supported hotel operations, delivering high-quality guest service to enhance overall experience.
- Collaborated with team members to address guest needs and improve satisfaction.
- Managed front desk operations, greeting guests upon arrival and facilitating swift check-in procedures.
- Assisted in restaurant activities, including serving food, taking orders and preparing drinks.
- Assisted front desk operations, helping with tasks including welcoming customers, taking phone calls and checking in guests.
Trainee
KTDC Tea County Munnar
08.2017 - 02.2018
- Completed hospitality and hotel management training, gaining foundational knowledge in industry standards and practices.
- Supported guest service operations in hotel, enhancing guest experiences through effective communication and problem-solving.
- Shadowed daily activities of office staff to gain understanding of scope of work.
- Maintained organised and updated file systems for easy staff use.
- Contributed to project management tasks, tracking progress and coordinating with team members for timely completion.
Crew Member
McDonald’s
07.2016 - 04.2017
- Managed customer service and daily restaurant operations to ensure consistent quality and satisfaction.
- Fostered collaboration among team members to streamline processes and optimise service delivery.
- Delivered fast, accurate service for positive customer experience.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth service during peak times, demonstrating strong teamwork skills.
- Handled customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, working to resolve issues quickly.
Education
BSc - Hotel Management and Catering Science
Chavara Institute of Management and Media Studies
ErnakulamPlus Two - Science Electronics
Panangad HSS
Ernakulam10th Standard -
St. Alberts HS
ErnakulamSkills
- Photography
- Guest Engagement
- Team Leadership
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Retail Sales Operations
- Cruise Hospitality Operations
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Photography techniques
- Guest engagement
- Time management
- Brand promotion
- Administrative support
Certification
- Indian CDC
- Bermuda CDC
- Bermuda ID
Languages
English
Upper Intermediate
B2
Malayalam
Proficient
C2
Visa
Valid US Visa until 2031-01-19
Hobbies and Interests
- Travelling
- Photography
- Exploring Different Foods
- Learning New Skills
Timeline
Photo Manager
Tempest Travel Photography
07.2025 - Current
Level 1 Photographer
Tempest Travel Photography
04.2023 - 05.2025
Photo Expert
Marella Cruises
02.2022 - 01.2023
Assistant Photo Manager
Crystal Cruise Line / Paragon Pixels
01.2021 - 01.2022
Photographer
The Ship Photographer
12.2020 - 10.2021
Hotel Assistant
P&O Cruise Line under Carnival Corporation
04.2018 - 10.2019
Trainee
KTDC Tea County Munnar
08.2017 - 02.2018
Crew Member
McDonald’s
07.2016 - 04.2017
BSc - Hotel Management and Catering Science
Chavara Institute of Management and Media Studies
Plus Two - Science Electronics
Panangad HSS
10th Standard -
St. Alberts HS