YCBA Museum Photographer

Yale University; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Yale University’s Yale Center for British Art (YCBA) seeks a Museum Photographer to create high-quality images of museum, library, and archive collections. You will photograph objects, facilities, exhibitions, programs, and events for archival and promotional use, both independently and with a team of photographers and technicians.

You will verify object handling, ensure safety, and apply color management and post-processing workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two years of related work experience
• Document 2D/3D collection objects using photography techniques
• Meet cultural heritage digitization guidelines and color matching to originals

Responsibilities

• Plan compositions, camera positions, and angles to produce desired effects
• Evaluate technical requirements and timelines for projects
• Select and assemble equipment for each shoot
• Provide color management support; match hues to originals
• Maintain and monitor equipment and software used to capture, edit and view images
• May perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Communication skills

Photography documentation

Color management

Camera equipment

MacOS proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Hasselblad H series

Phase One

Phocus

X-rite color management

Job description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

Reporting to the Head of Imaging and Intellectual Property, the Museum Photographer creates high-quality images of museum, library, and archive collections at the Yale Center for British Art (YCBA). The photographer also undertakes photo and video documentation of YCBA facilities, exhibitions, programs, and events for archival and promotional use.

The photographer works both independently and as a member of a team of department photographers and technicians to meet imaging objectives. The photographer fulfills routine work orders according to established procedures. The photographer also evaluates and carries out projects, consulting with staff to develop an understanding of aesthetic, technical, logistical, and scheduling requirements.

The photographer transports objects to and from studios independently or with the assistance of collections staff when appropriate. They verify object identification, handle objects on set, and practice safe lighting and support methods according to museum conservation protocols. They ensure security of objects from pickup or arrival in the studio until release.

The photographer captures, evaluates, and adjusts digital image files for quality and accuracy, including exposure, gray and color balance, sharpness, contrast, and density. They maintain color management standards and workflows, creating custom ICC color profiles for a variety of capture settings and regularly monitoring settings for software and hardware used to capture, edit, and view images. They undertake post-processing of digital image files, including verification of objects or subjects photographed; file naming; applying technical or administrative metadata; editing or versioning digital files manually or using actions/scripts, including rotation, straightening, cropping, and appending digital color bars; checking files against work orders; and verifying transfer of image files from capture workstation to servers. The photographer also assists staff and supervises students working on ancillary digitization projects.

This position works at multiple sites, including both the museum (located at 1080 Chapel Street) and West Campus. Standard work hours are M–F 8:30 am–5 pm; occasional evening and weekend hours may be substituted to meet operational needs.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Excellent written/verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team, meet deadlines, and adapt to change. Track record of diligent performance, reliability, accuracy, and attention to detail, supported by references.
• Ability to document 2D and 3D collection objects using a variety of still and analytical photography techniques, including but not limited to visible light photography, reflected and transmitted infrared photography, and ultraviolet photography.
• Demonstrated ability to meet established cultural heritage digitization guidelines in production. Ability to discern subtle variation in tone and color and to adjust digital images and print output to match target values and originals. Comprehensive understanding of digital image file parameters.
• Demonstrated command of photographic equipment and systems, including medium-format digital, DSLR, and modified cameras; strobe and continuous lighting; filters; and diffusers. Ability to troubleshoot equipment, hardware, and software, and to solve routine as well as novel technical issues.
• Excellent computer skills. Expert skill with industry-standard tools and systems to capture, edit and print digital images. Proficiency with MacOS; familiarity with Windows OS and Microsoft 365. Keeps current with technological developments and innovations in cultural heritage digitization.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Experience using Hasselblad H series or PhaseOne camera systems, Flexcolor or Phocus capture software, and strobe lighting systems.
• Experience with X-rite, Basiccolor or GoldenThread color management systems.
• Coursework or experience in scientific, conservation, or computational photography.
• Experience imaging museum, library, or archive collections.
• Video experience.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift 50 lb., push object carts, carry heavy items, reach high shelves, climb ladders, stand or sit for long periods of time, and tolerate frequent exposure to high-intensity flash and strobe lighting equipment.

Principal Responsibilities

• Views subjects and settings and plans compositions, camera positions, and camera angles to produce desired effects.
• 2. Evaluates the technical requirements of complex projects. Determines the most appropriate techniques and methods as well as time needed to complete assignments or projects. (Assignments may require innovation to resolve problems that are not necessarily governed by established procedures.)
• 3. Selects and assembles equipment according to subject material, anticipated conditions, and knowledge of function of various types of cameras, lenses, films, and accessories.
• 4. Provides color management support; matches hues and tones of digital files to original objects.
• 5. Maintains and monitors condition of equipment and software used to capture, edit and view images.
• 6. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two years of related work experience in the same job family; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre‑employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco‑free campus.