David Michael Padilla

Director of Locations Operations @ Smashbox Studios

About

With over a decade of experience in photography and production, I bring a detail-oriented and solution-driven approach to my current role as Director of Locations Operations at Smashbox Studios. Passionate about delivering seamless and efficient logistics for creative productions, I thrive on helping teams navigate the complexities of location-based shoots. My mission is to support clients by providing innovative, reliable solutions that align with their creative vision and operational needs. At Smashbox Studios, I focus on coordinating logistics, estimating project needs, and supporting location rental services to ensure smooth production workflows. Leveraging my background in advertising photography, I collaborate with teams to source the right tools and services for on-location shoots while maintaining a customer-centric approach.

Country

United States

City

Los Angeles

Industry

Photography

Skill

E-Commerce, Photo Direction, Photo Shoot Direction, Photo Art Direction, Photography Studio Consultant, Advertising photography, Ecommerce Photography, E-Commerce Consulting, Global E-Commerce, E-commerce Optimization, Lighting Technician, Still Photography, Still Life, Digital Technician, Digital Photography, Photo Assisting, Studio Lighting, Photo Shoot Production, Commercial Photography, Canon Cameras

Experience

Director of Locations Operations

Smashbox Studios

2025-5 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

Culver City, CA

Director of Locations Operations at Smashbox Locations. I’ll be your go-to contact for all things related to our location rental services—from sourcing the right gear for on-location shoots to coordinating logistics, estimates, and support throughout your production. My goal is to make your experience as smooth and efficient as possible, and I’m here to help you find creative, reliable solutions for any location-based shoot. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, upcoming projects, or just want to connect. I’m looking forward to working with you and supporting your team however I can.

Photographer

David Michael Padilla Photography, LLC

2015-1 - Present · 11 yrs 9 mos

Greater Los Angeles Area

Still-life, Ecommerce and Advertising Photography www.davidmpadilla.com

Lead Photographer

Forever 21

2014-12 - 2016-6 · 1 yr 7 mos

Greater Los Angeles Area

• Photographing in-house Online & National Campaigns. • In-house ecommerce photographer - on-figure, tabletop and laydown. • Create quality assurance protocols for product photography - on and off-figure • Coordinate Post-Production throughput and Creative Service requests

Assistant Manager, Photography

Forever 21

2013-7 - 2016-6 · 3 yrs

greater los angeles area

• Oversee day-to-day studio operations of In-House Photography and Post-Production Teams. • Creating templates and lighting schematics and establishing image mechanics. • Hire, train, mentor and develop in-house photography and retouching teams. • Set and maintain quality assurance protocols for all web photography assets. Including General Product, Web Campaigns and Look Books. ie…Retouching Markups, Round Approvals and Final File Deliverables. • Coordinate post-production output for Global & Universal campaign assets.

Digital Producer

Milk

2011-2 - 2013-3 · 2 yrs 2 mos

Greater Los Angeles Area

• Met and consulted with clients regarding pre-production, production, crew, cameras, backs, equipment, lighting, post, on-line asset management services, processing protocols and file deliverables. • Managed Milk Digital’s Server and Archiving system content and logs. • Account Manager for WORKFLOW - Milk Digital’s SaaS editing software • In-house Digital Photography Technician

Asst. Studio Manager / Account Executive

Pier 59 Studios West

2008-10 - 2011-12 · 3 yrs 3 mos

Santa Monica, CA

• Negotiated studio package rates and bids for commercial photo projects and special events. • Worked closely with company executives to develop and implement in-house workflow changes to optimize studio efficiency. Coordinated department monthly and annual goals and setting department budgets. • Coordinated production and fulfillment of any and all client requests. Worked with internal teams to coordinate photo shoots and special events including: clients, producers and production support crews to organize photo shoots and manage event build schedules.