Visual Resources Photographer The Wolfsonian - Florida International University
The Wolfsonian - FIU is seeking a full-time Photographer to capture images of two and three-dimensional art objects from its extensive and diverse collection using high-end digital equipment. The photographer's work is essential to the mission of the institution and is central to our ambitious digitization plans to bring this unique and one-of-a-kind collection out into the world. Using various types of modern digital capture equipment (e.g., large format digital camera, digital Single Lens Reflex camera (SLR), etc...), the photographer will capture images from a wide spectrum of materials including but not limited to furniture, sculpture, architectural elements, small and large objects in a wide variety of materials, early and contemporary photographs (including negatives and slides), modern manuscripts and works on paper, rare printed materials, books and artwork. The Wolfsonian-Florida International University is a museum, library, and research center that uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design, to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, historical, and technological changes that have transformed our world. The collections comprise approximately 120,000 objects from the period of 1885 to 1945-the height of the Industrial Revolution to the end of the Second World War-in a variety of media including furniture; industrial-design objects; works in glass, ceramics, and metal; rare books; periodicals; ephemera; works on paper; paintings; textiles; and medals. Essential Duties: * Serve as a high-level source of information to staff regarding digital photographic and related computer hardware/software techniques. * Consult with staff including curators, registrars, designers, educators, and information resources to gather information about 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. * Work with fragile and irreplaceable objects with care so they are not damaged or destroyed during the set-up, production states, and strike. * Complete photographic assignments of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works using aforementioned professional digital capture systems in order to produce high quality digital images. * Work closely with other photographers both on-staff and contract to assure consistent, high-quality results and seamless adherence to established workflows. * Evaluate the technical requirements of complex projects. Resolve problems that are not necessarily governed by established procedures. * Plan the composition of photographs; select the appropriate technical approach, equipment, and accessories to achieve the desired results as defined by the project manager. * Relying on a thorough knowledge of color theory, judge and correct digital scans and proof of color, contrast and density when compared to original objects or transparencies. Use computer accessories and techniques to modify the color, color balance, contrast and background of photographic images. * Create, duplicate and manipulate digital media. * From a daily operational standpoint, monitor and maintain specialized software applications to capture, manipulate, and save images. * As appropriate during daily operations, work with hardware/software vendors to triage and troubleshoot problems related to equipment; immediately involve the manager if problems threaten production goals. * Perform additional functions incidental to photographic activities that may include the proper handling and movement of collections within the studio and organization of the flow of materials into and out of the studio. * Keep apprised of advances in the field and advise manager of the applications for new technology and how this technology will shape working methods and procedures in the future. * Maintain clear and open communication with the Manager regarding project status, issues and/or problems as well as technical and/or workflow questions. * Perform other related duties as required. Experience and Training * Six years related work experience in the same job family and a Bachelor's degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of experience and education. * Experience in large format studio photography using DSLR and Digital Camera Backs. * Must be familiar with digital capture of two-dimensional work using a copy stand as well as three-dimensional work under studio lighting conditions. * Thorough knowledge of color theory as it relates to digital capture and printing. * Preferred: Demonstrated experience in Art, Art History, Humanities, or special collections. BA in photography. Three or more years experience as a photographer in a gallery, or library. Demonstrated ability to color calibrate monitors and create custom profiles. Skills and Abilities * Excellent organizational skills. * Ability to work collegially in an interdisciplinary team setting. * Demonstrated ability to discriminate fine tonal variations and color fidelity of the digital reproductions in order to match digital surrogates to the originals. * Must have demonstrated skill in using Mac OS X computers and Adobe Photoshop software. * Must have experience handling photographic materials. * Demonstrated ability to work accurately in a detail-oriented and production environment. * Demonstrated ability to learn and use new scanning and photography technology skills. The submission of a digital portfolio will be required of candidates whose resumes have been referred and reviewed. These candidates will be contacted by the hiring supervisor, and an in-person interview will be scheduled with those candidates whose portfolios have been reviewed and selected. Offer is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Annual Salary: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 For more information or to apply, please visit us on-line at http://jobsearch.fiu.edu and reference position number 504010 FIU is an EE/EO/EA Employer & Institution Derek Merleaux<mailto:derek at thewolf.fiu.edu> Digital Asset Manager<mailto:derek at thewolf.fiu.edu> The Wolfsonian<http://www.wolfsonian.org/> FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY<http://www.fiu.edu/> 1001 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33139 t 305-535-2643 f 305-531-2133 derek at thewolf.fiu.edu<mailto:derek at thewolf.fiu.edu> www.wolfsonian.org<http://www.wolfsonian.org/>
