Project Photographer/Imaging Specialist

chicago history society; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago History Museum is seeking a Project Photographer/Imaging Specialist to document the collections through digital photography and scanning. This full-time, 12-month term position is based at 1601 N.

Clark Street in Chicago and reports to the Head of Digital Collections Initiatives. Work with the Digital Collections team to deliver archival-grade images, apply FADGI guidelines, and manage workflows from capture to delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional photography experience.
• 3+ years post-processing and image editing.
• Proficient with large format printing and color management.
• Experience handling archival materials safely.
• Ability to follow complex workflows and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide digital photography and scanning services adhering to FADGI guidelines.
• Collaborate with team to implement workflows for archival images.
• Use Photoshop for post-production and batch processing.
• Meet deadlines while maintaining quality control.
• Maintain CHM photography equipment.
• Keep studio organized and track materials as they move.
• Provide excellent customer service and communicate with staff and clients.
• Coordinate with departments to meet imaging needs.

Skills

Photography

Post-processing

Digital imaging setup

Color management

Communication skills

Education

BFA in Photography

MFA preferred or museum experience

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Bridge

Adobe Camera Raw

Capture One

SilverFast

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Project Photographer/Imaging Specialist

Lilly Chicago Sacred Full-time Temp 35 or more hrs per wk Full-Time Chicago, IL, US

Salary: $54,000.00 Annually

Position:Project Photographer/Imaging Specialist (Full-time,12 months)

Department:Collections

Reports to:Head of Digital Collections Initiatives

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location:1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614

The Project Photographer/Imaging Specialist provides digital photography and scanning services to document the Chicago History Museum's collections. Supported by CHM's Lilly Endowment and Save America's Treasures grants, this term position produces digital images that meet cultural heritage industry standards, improving access to the collections, sustaining CHM's role as a research institution, and supporting the Museum's revenue-generating imaging services. The position works as part of a team that includes a Head of Digital Collections Initiatives, Lead Photographer/Imaging Specialist, Rights and Reproductions Coordinator, Digital Asset Specialist, and Metadata Specialist, and coordinates with staff in Collections (Conservation, Museum Collections, Registration, Research Collections, Research Services), Curation & Exhibits, Development, Education, and Communications to meet collection imaging needs.

Core Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are fundamental to the role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.

• Provide digital photography and scanning services adhering to FADGI guidelines and cultural heritage best practices to document collection materials, including manuscripts, books, photographic prints and negatives, broadsides, drawings, and three-dimensional objects
• Work with the Digital Collections Initiatives team and other Museum staff to implement safe, efficient, and effective workflows for creating, editing, managing, and delivering archival and production master digital images and other derivatives
• Use Adobe Photoshop to perform post-production processes (exposure correction, color correction, digital retouching, etc.) and batch processes to automate repetitive tasks
• Meet deadlines while maintaining quality control
• Use safe object handling methods with collection materials, maintain the security of collection materials, and alert appropriate Collections staff to any preservation or conservation concerns identified during digitization
• Maintain CHM photography equipment
• Keep studio areas clean and organized, and track physical materials as they move between offices
• Provide excellent customer service and communication to staff and external clients
• Collaborate with colleagues in Collections, Curation & Exhibits, and other departments to support clear communication and coordinated work across functional areas

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Hold a BFA in Photography (MFA and/or substantive relevant museum experience preferred)
• Have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in digital and studio/on-location photography environments (Assistant, Digital Tech, or Photographer)
• Have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in post-processing and image editing, including exposure adjustment, color correction, clean-up, manipulation, and compositing
• Be proficient in the setup and maintenance of digital imaging equipment, including digital cameras, flatbed scanners, photographic support systems, and lighting equipment
• Understand traditional (film-based) photographic processes and terminology
• Have experience working with original, historical materials in a museum, archive, or library setting
• Be proficient with large format printing, color management, and print proofing
• Have expertise in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, Capture One, and SilverFast
• Have working knowledge of and experience with digital asset management software
• Be able to follow complex workflows to meet production, quality control, and metadata requirements
• Be able to multitask, prioritize, and work accurately, efficiently, and in an organized manner in a deadline-driven environment
• Have excellent visual acuity and attention to detail
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills and communicate effectively with staff and external clients
• Be able to handle archival materials safely
• Be able to lift, carry, and move objects and studio equipment weighing up to 30 lbs, climb step ladders, and stand for prolonged periods
• Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, teamwork, and customer service
• Solve technical and procedural problems creatively

Other Duties

• Create descriptive and administrative metadata for digital assets accurately, following CHM’s cataloging practices
• Notify the Lead Photographer when consumable supplies are running low
• Stay informed of current photographic technologies, techniques, standards, and best practices
• Organize and maintain the legacy image archive
• Other duties as assigned

The expected pay range for this position is $5 4 ,000 per year. Compensation is determined based on experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational needs. CHM offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plans, and other benefits in accordance with CHM policies.

Bargaining Unit Role

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31, Local 1061, and wages, hours, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are covered by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Employment Opportunity Statement

Chicago History Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.