Professional Photographer

The Palestinian Museum N.G. المتحف الفلسطيني - جمعية غير حكومية; Palestine (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

The Palestinian Museum is seeking a Professional Photographer to document exhibitions, events, and architectural spaces with high artistic standards. The role requires 5+ years of experience, proficiency in Photoshop, and the ability to work in low-light environments.

Reporting to the Director of Public Programs & Production, you will produce archival quality images, manage metadata, and coordinate with internal teams and external photographers as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in Photography, Visual Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional photography experience, preferably in arts, culture, or museums.
• Experience photographing exhibitions, collections, events, and cultural or architectural spaces.

Responsibilities

• Photograph events and public programs including openings and lectures.
• Photograph exhibitions, spaces, artworks including low-light areas.
• Document museum collections for archiving, publication, and research.
• Photograph conservation and restoration lab as needed, documenting processes.
• Coordinate with museum departments and external photographers as required.
• Deliver high-resolution, publication-ready images per specifications.
• Organize, label, and archive digital files according to the approved system.

Skills

Photoshop

Colour accuracy

Composition

File organization

Communication skills

Flexibility

Education

Photography degree

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Position title: Professional Photographer.

Department: Public Programs & Production.

Reports to: Director of Public Programs & Production

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Employment Contract

Initial Contract Duration: 3 months.

Job Purpose

To produce high-quality professional photographic content and document the Museum's exhibitions, collections, events, and spaces in line with the highest artistic, museum, and archival standards, delivering images suitable for archiving, publication, printing, research, and digital platforms, with the ability to work in low-light or technically complex environments.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Public Programs & Production, the Professional Photographer is responsible for:

• Events and Public Programs: photograph the Museum's events and public programs, including exhibition openings, talks and lectures, cultural and artistic events, educational workshops, school and university visits, and seasonal and community activities, capturing the atmosphere and audience engagement professionally.
• Exhibitions and Artworks:photograph exhibition halls, artworks, and installations, including low-light spaces and rooms containing video works and multiple projections, while preserving true colours and fine detail.
• Museum Collections: photograph the Museum's collections (paintings, sculptures, textiles, artefacts, manuscripts, and small or delicate objects) in line with museum standards, for archiving, publication, and research purposes.
• Conservation Documentation: photograph the conservation and restoration lab as needed, documenting restoration processes, work stages, and tools used in line with professional standards.
• Spaces and Outdoor Photography: photograph the Museum's architecture, gardens, outdoor artworks, natural surroundings, and seasonal scenes.
• Photo Processing and Delivery: produce high-resolution, publication-ready images and deliver them in professional digital formats per the Museum's specifications.
• File Management and Archiving: organize, label, and archive digital files per the Museum's approved system, following folder structure and metadata requirements when required, and preserving original files.
• Coordination: coordinate with various Museum departments and with external photographers when required, and carry out any other related tasks assigned by the direct supervisor.

Technical Photography Requirements

• Ability to photograph in low-light and technically complex conditions, including spaces with multiple light projections.
• Preserve the true colours and fine details of artworks.
• Professional handling of cameras, lenses, and appropriate equipment.
• Produce high-resolution images and deliver them in professional digital formats as required by the Museum.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Photography, Visual Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional photography experience, preferably in arts, culture, or museums.
• Experience photographing exhibitions, collections, events, and cultural or architectural spaces.
• Demonstrated ability to work in technically challenging and low-light environments.

Skills and Competencies

• Professional digital photography and proficiency in Adobe Photoshop or equivalent.
• Strong sense of colour accuracy, composition, and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize digital files and manage metadata and archiving.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, with flexibility for evenings or weekends when required.
• Good communication skills, able to work within a team and independently, with professionalism and reliability.
• Full-time commitment during the contract period and legal ability to live and work in Palestine.

Applicants must submit a professional digital portfolio demonstrating experience in: events, people, exhibitions, artworks, museum collections, architecture, cultural spaces, low-light photography, and small or delicate objects.

Every applicant is also required to visit the Museum and complete a photography session in the actual Museum environment, with the resulting images included in the submitted portfolio.

The quality of the portfolio, including the results of the Museum visit, is a key factor in the selection process.

Working Conditions

Photography takes place inside and outside the Museum, across various locations and times, and may include evenings or weekends when required.

Responsible handling of photography equipment and compliance with Museum policies on collections, confidentiality, and image use.

Supervisionss and Relationships

This position has no direct reports and reports directly to the Director of Public Programs & Production.

Requires collaboration with various Museum departments, and may require coordination with external photographers contracted by the Museum.