CoPA Student Photographer

Chapman University; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Chapman University’s College of Performing Arts seeks a Student Photographer to document dress rehearsals, live performances, and events. You will shoot unobtrusively in low light, select viable images, and deliver edited files to the Marketing Specialist.

Work hours vary with productions and occur mostly during weeknights and weekends. Editing and culling are paid time, and duties include metadata tagging and file delivery within 48 hours.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled student in good academic standing.
• Demonstrated experience photographing live events; ability to shoot in low light without flash.
• Proficiency with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for culling, basic edits, metadata, and exports.
• Strong file organization skills and attention to detail (naming, backups, consistent workflows).

Responsibilities

• Photograph designated dress rehearsals and performances for theatre, dance, and music productions; work unobtrusively in low light without flash and follow house rules.
• Create a curated set of selects with basic edits (exposure, white balance, contrast, crop/straighten) while preserving lighting design intent.
• Tag files with essential metadata/keywords (show title, director, venue, date, performer names if provided, photographer credit).
• Export and deliver high-resolution JPEGs suitable for print and archival within required deadlines; coordinate with Marketing Specialist on final selections.

Skills

Live event photography

Low-light photography

Adobe Lightroom

Photoshop

File organization

Evenings/weekends availability

Unobtrusive shooting

Tools

Photo Mechanic

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please include a link to your online portfolio/Instagram in your cover letter or work samples (10–12 images; include low-light/live performance work if available).

Student Title Classification Information

Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student?

Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 - $16.90

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Job Description

The Student Photographer supports the College of Performing Arts by photographing dress rehearsals, live performances, and miscellaneous CoPA events, preparing images for marketing and archival use. The role includes shooting unobtrusively in low light, culling images to identify viable selects, and delivering edited files promptly to the College’s Marketing Specialist. This position does not follow a standard weekly schedule. Hours will vary based on departmental productions, with the majority of work taking place during weeknight and weekend music, theatre, and dance dress rehearsals and/or performances. Photo editing responsibilities are included as paid time and may be completed during the student’s own weekday availability.

Responsibilities

Event coverage

• Photograph designated dress rehearsals and performances for theatre, dance, and music productions. Work unobtrusively in low light without flash; follow house rules and stage management directions at all times.
• Capture a strong variety (wide/medium/tight, vertical/horizontal, key moments, audience reactions, behind-the-scenes as assigned) aligned with brand needs for web, social, and print.
• Coordinate with Marketing Specialist on artistic direction and asset priorities.

Culling and editing

• Perform an initial cull to remove non-viable images (out of focus, misfires, duplicates).
• Create a curated set of selects that highlight each production; apply basic global edits (exposure, white balance, contrast, crop/straighten) while preserving the intent of the lighting design.
• Tag files with essential metadata/keywords (show title, director, venue, date, performer names if provided, photographer credit).

File management and delivery

• Name files according to CoPA conventions.
• Export and deliver:
• High-resolution JPEGs suitable for print and archival.
• Upload selects to the shared drive within 48 hours of the shoot, or by agreed deadline.Coordinate with the Marketing Specialist on final selection and any deletion beyond initial rejects.

Coordination and communication

• Proactively confirm call times and shot lists, and check in with stage management for safe shooting locations and movement paths that will not disturb the performance
• Provide availability in advance; notify supervisor promptly if conflicts arise.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled student in good academic standing.
• Demonstrated experience photographing live events or performing arts; ability to shoot in low light without flash.
• Proficiency with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for culling, basic edits, metadata, and exports.
• Strong file organization skills and attention to detail (naming, backups, consistent workflows).
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work evenings/weekends as productions require.
• Professionalism in performance environments; able to remain unobtrusive and follow safety and house rules.

Desired Qualifications

• Portfolio featuring theatre/dance/music performance photography.
• Familiarity with Photo Mechanic for fast culling.
• Experience with digital asset management systems (e.g., Box, Google Drive, SharePoint, Bynder).
• Knowledge of visual branding and shot planning; basic Photoshop skills for minor retouching.
• Comfort collaborating with stage managers, designers, and marketing staff.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include a link to your online portfolio/Instagram in your cover letter or work samples (10–12 images; include low-light/live performance work if available).

Budget Information

Is Federal work-study required? With or Without FWS

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you available to work weekends?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Work Samples

MAIN CAMPUS

One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
[phone]

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS

9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618

© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.