Sarah Holliday
Kettering,Northamptonshire
Summary
Experienced onboard photographer with over 13 years in professional photography, including international cruise ship experience with Royal Caribbean International. Degree-qualified in Press and Editorial Photography, with a strong background in guest engagement, sales performance, and delivering high-end imagery in fast-paced, customer-focused environments.
Fully certified for maritime work, holding:
- STCW Certification
- In-date ENG1 Medical Certificate
- Valid U.S. Visa
- Seaman’s Book
- Additional maritime and company-required examinations completed during Royal Caribbean contract.
Adaptable, resilient, and confident working at sea, with proven ability to thrive in high-pressure, multicultural environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Onboard photographer
Royal Caribbean International
Bahamas
2024.11 - Current
As an onboard photographer, I capture professional portraits of couples, families, and groups both in-studio and on location at ports worldwide. I set up and manage studio environments using advanced lighting techniques to produce high-quality, creative imagery that enhances the guest experience and drives onboard sales.
During my contract, I travelled to 17 countries within one year, strengthening my adaptability, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration skills. Working in a fast-paced hospitality environment, I consistently delivered strong sales performance while maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction.
My time onboard has equipped me with:
- Strong guest-facing sales ability
- Target-driven performance mindset
- High energy and resilience
- Experience living and working in confined maritime environments
- Team collaboration within multinational crews
- Flexibility with schedules and port-day operations
Studio Manager and art director
Online Furniture UK Ltd
Corby, Northamptonshire
2018.09 - 2024.11
Managed a commercial photography studio, overseeing set design, styling, lighting, and full shoot production. Led visual merchandising across six retail stores, ensuring brand consistency and commercial impact. Developed strong leadership, organisation, and operational skills that translate effectively into structured cruise environments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Press & Editorial photography
Falmouth University
Falmouth 2010.09 - 2013.05
Diploma of Higher Education - Photography
Tresham College
Kettering 2008.09 - 2010.05
Skills
- Professional studio and location photography
- Guest engagement and upselling
- Sales target achievement
- Multicultural team collaboration
- Adaptability and resilience
- Set design and lighting expertise
- High-volume workflow management
- Professional presentation and guest experience focus
- Client relationship management
Affiliations
- Travel
- Fashion
- Swimming/snorkelling
- Coffee
- Socialising
Accomplishments
• Conceptualised and executed set design, styling and photography for full website campaigns.
• Coordinated visual merchandising across six retail stores to ensure unified brand aesthetics.
• Designed and styled exhibition stands for furniture trade shows including Ideal Home Show and January Furniture Show.
• Planned and executed on-location photoshoots from start to finish, managing logistics, styling and lighting.
• Produced high-quality imagery for brochures, banners, in-store advertising and marketing materials.
Timeline
Onboard photographer
Royal Caribbean International
2024.11 - Current
Studio Manager and art director
Online Furniture UK Ltd
2018.09 - 2024.11
Bachelor of Arts - Press & Editorial photography
Falmouth University
2010.09 - 2013.05
Diploma of Higher Education - Photography
Tresham College
2008.09 - 2010.05