TO be rated one of the top three photo shops in a world-renowned hotel chain that has over 20 resorts spanning seven Caribbean countries is something to brag about. Yet one will quickly notice that Ira Chin, SnapShots manager at Sandals Negril is not the boasting type; nor is he one to take all the credit, as whenever mention is made of his department’s achievements, he promptly points out, “we did it as a team”.

Photography has always been one of Chin’s favourite hobbies, and having earned a bachelor’s degree in management studies, when a vacancy became available for a photo shop manager at Sandals Negril in 2009, he saw it as a perfect opportunity to follow one of his passions.

“I practically taught myself the art of photography. I have to immerse myself in it to be able to lead a team that is proficient at what they do,” he shared.

Since managing the department, he has led his team to attaining the Department of the Year award in 2011 at the resort’s annual staff awards, a first for a SnapShots team in the history of Sandals. He has also managed to help his team maintain consistency in being one of the top three SnapShots in the Sandals group to have the highest revenue earnings per guest for the past three years. Chin attributes these accolades to each employee knowing the ‘recipe for success’ and working hard at attaining it.

“We are all goal-oriented and very self-motivated. Each person knows what is expected of them and tries to exceed those expectations; in the end, it is really as a result of excellent team work,” he maintained.

According to Chin, the recipe for success includes maintaining a high image capture by ensuring the department has enough photographers who are keen on meeting their individual targets; customising their photography based on their clientele and ensuring they have the right tools. He believes, however, that another key ingredient is motivation.

“Photography is an art and if the artist isn’t happy or motivated, he or she will not produce quality art,” Chin said. It is for this reason that he endeavours to foster a good relationship with his staff.

“I try to be a good role model and also be the type of leader anyone can comfortably talk to about personal and work related matters.”

The department also has various activities such as staff trips and incentives for the top performer and most creative photographer, which helps build team spirit.

Chin highly values his team, which he describes as being very diverse and driven, despite the challenges they sometimes experience.

“Even though our main role is capturing guests’ memories and aspects of Jamaica’s beauty, in today’s technologically advanced world it is always a challenge to capture images for guests who most times have their own tools (cameras, phones, tablets) to do so themselves,” he pointed out, noting that the rapport which his photographers build with guests goes a long way.

For Kadian Forest, SnapShots sales representative who has worked with Chin for the past five years, the team is like family, very loving and supportive. This camaraderie, she shares, extends to the guests.

“We treat the guests like our friends, so they feel at home and are comfortable in supporting our services.”

“I have no doubt that we will remain on top,” said Chin. “I see the SnapShots team as a true example of what individuals can achieve when they work together towards a common goal.”