Yale University Art Gallery
Digital Photographer
Salary Grade: E
Please apply on-line at: http://www.yale.edu/hronline/
Work Site: LSF & Kahn (Work will be divided between two studios, and
staff are expected to provide their own transportation).
General Purpose:
Yale University Art Gallery is seeking a full-time Photographer to
photograph two-dimensional and three-dimensional art objects from
their extensive and diverse art collection using high-end digital
equipment.
Works from the collection include large scale sculpture and
furniture, highly reflective silver objects, as well as traditional
paintings, works on paper and general 3D art works.
Additionally, this position serves to provide color management
support and art handling to the department. This includes processing
new and existing digital photography images in preparation for
publication. The process requires matching hues and tones of digital
files to original objects and approval of images while following
established standards for this process.
Essential Duties:
1. Plan the composition of the photograph; select the appropriate
technical approach, equipment, and accessories to achieve the desired
results.
Evaluate the technical requirements of complex projects. Although
there are accepted techniques used in the digitizing process,
assignments may require innovation to resolve problems that are not
necessarily governed by established procedures.
Exercise a high degree of artistic sensitivity and skill to plan the
composition, lighting, background, and color values of each
assignment so the final product meets museum standards and
achieves assignment objectives.
Judge and correct digital image files for color accuracy,
contrast and density when compared to original objects. Use computer
accessories and techniques to modify the color, color balance, and
contrast of photographic images
Consult with gallery staff including curators, registrars, designers,
educators, and information resources to gather information about
gallery projects and develop an understanding of the technical and
artistic objectives of a project. Determine the most appropriate
techniques and methods as well as time needed to complete assignments
or projects based on this knowledge.
Handle and moves fragile and irreplaceable objects with care so they
are not damaged or destroyed during the set up, production states,
and strike.
Keep apprised of advances in the field and advise supervisor of the
applications for new technology and how this technology will shape
working methods and procedures in the future.
Experience and Training:
Six years of related work experience (photography), four of them in
the same job family at the next lower level, and high school
education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate
degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor degree in a
related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Experience utilizing professional digital camera systems.
Demonstrated ability to discriminate and adjust fine tonal variations
and color fidelity of the digital reproductions against original
objects.
Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop CS2 or CS3 software.
PREFERRED: BA /BFA degree. Art museum/gallery photography experience.
6. Portfolio of work required of all interviewed applicants.
Skills and Abilities:
Must have a broad knowledge of photographic processes, methods and
new technologies.
Candidate must be team-oriented, flexible and able to work
independently and collaboratively in a rapidly changing environment.
Command of a variety of cameras and equipment including large format,
medium format, 35mm, copy stand, electronic strobe, continuous
lighting, and diffusers.
Clean, care for, and store photographic equipment and lenses in
accordance with accepted practices and policies of the department.
Maintain and perform basic repairs on photographic equipment and
perform basic computer repair and maintenance of Macintosh computer
image capture system.
Ability to complete photographic assignments which include using
digital cameras, Macintosh computers and operating system, and
database computer applications to produce digital images of the
gallery?s collections.
Knowledge of the computerized processes and systems that are used to
scan or digitally capture images onto CD?s, DVD?s and other media
such as servers.
Ability to judge and correct digital proofs for color, contrast and
density when compared to original objects or transparencies and to
use computer accessories and techniques to modify color, color
balance and contrast of photographic images.
Knowledge of the computerized processes that are used to scan
photographic media (slides, transparencies, and film) to produce
digital images and the specialized software applications
(Photoshop, Bridge, Toast, Capture One) used to manipulate, print,
and save images.
Ability to use cross platform computers and operating systems and
graphic and imaging applications, including extensive knowledge of
Adobe PhotoShop.
Demonstrated ability to work with DAM databases, or CMS databases.
Demonstrated ability to organize time and schedules efficiently.
Work will be divided between two studios (Hamden-LSF and New Haven-
Kahn), staff are expected to provide their own transportation to and
from studios or remote shoots.
Interview process:
All candidates selected for an interview will be
required to pass an initial portfolio review before being brought
back for a more detailed interview. The review committee will be
comprised of curatorial and Visual Resources staff.
