YCBA Museum Photographer
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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.
To be considered, please submit an electronic portfolio at the time of application. This can be a web link listed on your resume or a separate PDF attachment. Cover letters are strongly encouraged.
Required Skills and Abilities
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
1. Experience using Hasselblad H series or PhaseOne camera systems, Flexcolor or Phocus capture software, and strobe lighting systems.
2. Experience with X-rite, Basiccolor or GoldenThread color management systems.
3. Coursework or experience in scientific, conservation, or computational photography.
4. Experience imaging museum, library, or archive collections.
5. 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
1. 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.Job Posting Date
09/17/2026Job Category
TechnicianBargaining Unit
L34Compensation Grade
Labor Grade ECompensation Grade Profile
Hourly Range
$0.00 - $0.00Time Type
Full timeDuration Type
StaffWork Model
On-siteBackground 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.
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Note
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