Assistant Photographer

(Full-time)
Responsibilities: 

The Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for the position of Assistant Photographer. A critical member of the Imaging & Rights department, the Assistant Photographer creates digital images of rare materials in the Morgan’s collection, which spans from Ancient Western Asian seals and tablets to contemporary drawings and photography. The resulting images are used by scholars worldwide, on the Morgan website, and in publications, exhibitions, and special projects. The position also occasionally assists with technical photography and capturing the institutional life of the Morgan.

The Assistant Photographer will create high-resolution, archival-quality digital images of rare collection materials and attach existing metadata to the images using the Phase One camera system and Capture One processing software.  The Assistant Photographer will also prepare image files for the Morgan’s Digital Assets Manager, and work closely with curators and conservators to optimize digital image capture without compromising rare material safety. The Assistant Photographer will perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 
  • Minimum 2 years of proven experience in the cultural heritage imaging community or related field and experience
  • BA, BS, or BFA, preferably in photography, or a field related to the Morgan’s holdings.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated experience photographing rare archival bound and unbound materials using high-resolution digital imaging platforms and network storage devices
  • Knowledge and demonstrated experience with color-managed workflows that adhere to cultural heritage standards, including profiling cameras, monitors, and printers  
  • Knowledge of safe handling practices of priceless rare materials
  • Knowledge of studio lighting equipment and techniques
  • Demonstrated ability to perform complex post-capture image adjustments and processing as required, including file stitching for oversize materials and digital manipulation when necessary
  • Demonstrated experience using RAW workflow software such as Capture One and Adobe LightRoom
  • Strong eye for color, value, composition, and visual accuracy
  • Demonstrated ability to work under deadlines in a production-oriented environment
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a variety of Morgan staff, internal and external designers, vendors, and printers
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Enthusiasm and creativity
  • Video and editing ability and knowledge of photogrammetry and/or 3D photography a plus, but not required
Compensation: 

$55,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience; excellent benefits.

To apply: 

Interested applicants should email their resume and a cover letter that describes their experience in the areas cited above, along with their salary requirements to: imagingandrightsjob@themorgan.org 

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the position using the e-mail address indicated above.

The Morgan Library & Museum receives many applications and inquiries for employment. Unfortunately, we are not able to respond to all of them. Due to the high volume of applicants, we can contact only those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs

Important to note:

Vaccination Requirement
To ensure the overall health and safety of the Morgan Library & Museum campus, all staff of the Morgan are required to be fully vaccinated and have received booster vaccines against the virus that causes COVID-19, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with applicable laws.

EEO Statement
The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.