Visual Imaging Specialist at Princeton University
Job Title: Visual Imaging Specialist
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Princeton, NJ
Overview
The Princeton University Art Museum welcomes applications for the role of Visual Imaging Specialist, a key position involving imaging works from the collections of one of the world’s most excellent comprehensive museums in an academic setting, non-art and event photography, and all studio operations in support of Museum programming. Reporting to the Manager of Visual Resources / Photographer, the Visual Imaging Specialist will capture images of artwork in a state-of-the-art museum photography studio as well as on campus and offsite locations. The Visual Imaging Specialist will be engaged in developing and deploying a photo studio in the new Museum opening in late 2024.
About the Museum:
With a collecting history that extends back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, with collections that have grown to include more than 113,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary art and spanning the globe. Committed to advancing Princeton’s teaching and research missions, the Art Museum also serves as a gateway to the University for visitors worldwide.
To learn more about the Princeton University Art Museum, visit artmuseum.princeton.edu.
Responsibilities
The Visual Imaging Specialist will be responsible for digital photography of works of art, managing metadata, image files, studio equipment, and other duties in support of the department. The Visual Imaging Specialist will have an understanding of or practical experience with the following: metadata standards, publication grade photography, color editing and color management, as well as computational imaging, including still digital capture, IR/UV lighting, RTI, photogrammetry, and video.
The Visual Imaging Specialist will also provide direct support for Museum programming, including off-site and on-call photography of events, visitors, and installations. This position additionally supports Museum publications by providing imaging expertise, managing imaging and data deliveries, and providing quality control and proofing service.
This position is responsible for supporting and maintaining existing workflows and processes in response to image requests both externally and within the University community; and for research and development, particularly as the photography studio prepares for the opening of a new Museum building.
Primary Responsibilities:
Production
- Photograph three-dimensional works of art and cultural collection objects. Photograph two-dimensional works of art, photographic prints, and ephemera meeting Museum standards using a copy stand mounted medium format digital camera.
- Capture methods include a variety of photographic and computational imaging techniques, including still digital capture, IR/UV lighting, RTI, photogrammetry, and video.
- Plan the composition of the photograph; select the appropriate technical approach, equipment, and accessories to generate preservation-grade images.
- Possess knowledge of art objects in order to minimize risk while collections pieces are being photographed and in temporary storage in the studio.
- Possess experience utilizing professional digital camera systems. Highly skilled in studio strobe lighting setups. Demonstrated ability to discriminate and adjust fine tonal variations and color fidelity of the digital reproductions against original objects. Effective knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Capture One software platforms.
- Color manage and edit digital image files for color accuracy, contrast and density when compared to original objects. Use computer accessories and techniques to modify the color, color balance, and contrast of photographic images.
Museum Support
- Support Museum programming by delivering images of art installations, Museum activities, gallery views, and other collection-related photography tasks outside the studio.
- Support Museum publications by providing imaging expertise, managing deliveries, and providing quality control and proofing service.
University and External Scholar Support
- Respond to internal and external image requests, and work in conjunction with other departmental staff to accomplish the same.
- Support and maintain existing workflows and processes in response to image requests both externally and within the University community.
Research and Development
- Participate in the design phase of the photography studio and research and development during building closure as the photography studio prepares for the opening of the new museum building.
- Contribute to the data and output innovation as well as product development and integrating workflows.
Requirements
Qualifications
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated image editing and deployment experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of object photography and style decisions.
- Expert knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom CC with advanced ability to evaluate and correct color and density in digital images.
- Working knowledge of image metadata.
- Portfolio/website of current photography.
- Expert level of Mac OS.
- Color management experience.
- Fluency with strobe lighting systems, light shaping tools and equipment.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Relevant direct capture, tethered photography experience.
- Cultural Heritage experience.
- Technical Photography experience.
- Art collection photography experience.
- Digital Asset Management experience.
- Portfolio/website of current art collection object photography.
- Working knowledge of computational imaging (Photogrammetry and Reflective Transmissive Imaging).
- Fluency with color management techniques and relevant workflows-including knowledge of Metamorphoze and Fadgi protocols.
- Expert knowledge of the medium format, digital SLR and mirrorless camera systems
TO APPLY:
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW