Part-Time Photography Assistant

The Conservation Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Conservation Center is seeking a detail-oriented Photography Assistant to support the documentation of artwork and cultural heritage objects throughout the conservation process. Working under the direction of the Director of Digital Media Production & IT, this position is responsible for capturing, processing, organizing, and maintaining high-quality photographic documentation.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in digital photography, excellent organizational skills, and an

Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor’s degree in photography, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Art History, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Foundational knowledge of digital photography, including camera operation, exposure, composition, and lighting.
• Familiarity with DSLR or mirrorless camera systems.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Capture One, or comparable image-editing and processing software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain accurate records.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Willingness to learn specialized photographic documentation techniques and workflows.
• Comfort working around valuable, fragile, and culturally significant objects.
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds with appropriate training and assistance.

Responsibilities

• Capture high-resolution digital photographs of artwork and cultural heritage objects before, during, and after conservation treatment.
• Produce consistent, accurate photographic documentation in accordance with established lab standards and procedures.
• Process, organize, label, and archive image files according to established workflows.
• Upload and maintain photographic records on internal servers and databases.
• Review photographs and scanned images for technical quality, accuracy, and completeness.
• Coordinate with conservators, art handlers, project managers, and administrative staff to manage photography schedules and priorities.
• Prepare camera equipment, backgrounds, lighting, color targets, and object supports for photographic sessions.
• Assist with the safe movement and staging of artwork and objects in coordination with trained art handlers.
• Operate overhead and flatbed scanners to digitize documents, photographs, and other materials as needed.
• Maintain photography equipment and report technical issues or maintenance needs.
• Track and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines and maintaining consistent quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Photography basics

Organizational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in photography, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Art History, or related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Capture One

Job description

The Conservation Center is seeking a detail-oriented Photography Assistant to support the documentation of artwork and cultural heritage objects throughout the conservation process. Working under the direction of the Director of Digital Media Production & IT, this position is responsible for capturing, processing, organizing, and maintaining high-quality photographic documentation. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in digital photography, excellent organizational skills, and an interest in learning specialized photographic techniques used in art conservation.

This is a part-time non-exempt position. The expected hours 16-24 hours per week, depending on project needs.

Responsibilities

• Capture high-resolution digital photographs of artwork and cultural heritage objects before, during, and after conservation treatment.
• Produce consistent, accurate photographic documentation in accordance with established lab standards and procedures.
• Process, organize, label, and archive image files according to established workflows.
• Upload and maintain photographic records on internal servers and databases.
• Review photographs and scanned images for technical quality, accuracy, and completeness.
• Coordinate with conservators, art handlers, project managers, and administrative staff to manage photography schedules and priorities.
• Prepare camera equipment, backgrounds, lighting, color targets, and object supports for photographic sessions.
• Assist with the safe movement and staging of artwork and objects in coordination with trained art handlers.
• Operate overhead and flatbed scanners to digitize documents, photographs, and other materials as needed.
• Maintain photography equipment and report technical issues or maintenance needs.
• Track and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines and maintaining consistent quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor’s degree in photography, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Art History, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Foundational knowledge of digital photography, including camera operation, exposure, composition, and lighting.
• Familiarity with DSLR or mirrorless camera systems.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Capture One, or comparable image-editing and processing software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain accurate records.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Willingness to learn specialized photographic documentation techniques and workflows.
• Comfort working around valuable, fragile, and culturally significant objects.
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds with appropriate training and assistance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with studio, product, reproduction, or other controlled-environment photography.
• Familiarity with color management, color targets, and maintaining consistent lighting conditions.
• Experience with digital image processing, file organization, and image management systems.
• Familiarity with overhead and flatbed scanning or digitizing photographs and documents.
• Experience in a conservation lab, museum, gallery, auction house, artist’s studio, or other cultural institution.
• Interest in art conservation, preservation, and cultural heritage.

The Conservation Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.