Museum Photographer & Artwork Installer

Utah State University•Logan, UT

About The Position

The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University is hiring a skilled part-time Museum Photographer & Artwork Installer to photograph the museum’s collection, exhibitions, and gallery installations and occasionally assist with artwork installation and deinstallation. The position combines professional studio photography, digital image processing, art handling, and exhibition installation. The successful candidate will create high-quality, color-accurate images for research, teaching, publication, reproduction, and collections management, while ensuring artwork is handled and installed safely according to museum standards. The position works closely with the collections and exhibitions team, including registration, curatorial, and art installers. The role includes photographing two- and three-dimensional artworks and exhibition settings; operating professional photographic equipment; processing, organizing, and archiving image files; and assisting with installation activities. The employee will follow museum and university policies, safety procedures, and professional standards for collection care. The position requires moderate physical effort, including lifting up to 25 pounds, walking, and standing.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience photographing two- and three-dimensional artwork in a professional studio or museum setting.
Proficiency with professional DSLR or mirrorless cameras, macro lenses, studio lighting, strobes, and color-calibration tools.
Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or comparable image-processing software.
Experience handling unique and non-traditional artwork and assisting with exhibition installation and deinstallation, including use of installation hardware and tools.
Knowledge of safe art-handling practices and care of fragile, historical, or valuable objects.
Experience using Capture One Software.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with museum professionals.

Nice To Haves

Degree or formal training in photography, fine arts, museum studies, or a related field.
Experience photographing museum collections or historical artifacts.
Familiarity with collections databases, digital asset management, and archival imaging workflows.
Experience operating lifts or other specialized installation equipment, with appropriate training and authorization.

Responsibilities

Photograph two- and three-dimensional artworks, including paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and mixed-media objects.
Photograph gallery installations, special exhibitions, and artworks in exhibition settings.
Set up and operate professional cameras, macro lenses, studio lighting, strobes, and color-calibration equipment.
Develop lighting and composition strategies appropriate to each object's materials, dimensions, surface characteristics, and photographic requirements.
Coordinate photography schedules and requests with the Director of Exhibitions and Collections.
Troubleshoot image-capture, lighting, and photographic-equipment challenges.
Process images using Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or comparable software for print, digital reproduction, research, and archival use.
Maintain color accuracy and image quality in accordance with museum standards.
Follow digital-imaging workflows, including file naming, metadata entry, quality control, and file organization.
Maintain accurate photographic records and prepare image files for archival storage and authorized use.
Assist with artwork installation and deinstallation for exhibitions, collection rotations, and other museum activities.
Safely handle, move, stage, and position artworks in accordance with museum procedures and conservation standards.
Assist with artwork installation using appropriate mounting hardware, tools, lifts, and other equipment when properly trained and authorized.
Collaborate with the Collections/Exhibitions team to plan and execute installations that meet exhibition requirements and protect artwork.
Identify and communicate potential risks to artwork, personnel, or facilities during handling and installation.
Coordinate assignments and deadlines effectively and perform related duties supporting the museum’s collections and exhibition programs.
Follow NEHMA and Utah State University policies, safety procedures, and professional standards for collection care.