Student Photographer: Art and Art Events

University of Denver - DU - College of Arts, Humanities & Social Science - CAHSS

and the job listing Expires on October 10, 2026

The Student Photographer:
Art and Art Events supports the University Art Collections and University of Denver Art Galleries by creating high-quality digital photographs of collection objects, exhibitions, installations, and public events for documentation, research, teaching, communications, and other uses.

This position is primarily based at the Hampden Art Study Center (HASC), a professionally managed art collections facility in Lakewood, approximately a 20-minute drive from the University of Denver campus. Occasional on-campus photography will also be required, primarily in the Shwayder Art Building, home to the Vicki Myhren Gallery and Davis Gallery, as well as at other campus locations featuring works from the University Art Collections.

During weeks when on-campus photography is needed, scheduling priority will be given to completing and editing those assignments.

The student in this position will receive training and gain hands-on experience in art handling, collections management systems, high-resolution object photography, studio lighting, digital image editing, and metadata management.

A work-study award is required for this position.

• Create high-quality digital photographs of objects from the University Art Collections in coordination with the Collections Manager and/or curator.
• Prepare collection objects for photography, including safely moving objects to and from the photography studio under the direction of collections staff.
• Set up and adjust photography equipment, studio lighting, backdrops, and related materials appropriate to different types of objects.
• Edit and process digital image files using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Apply and maintain appropriate metadata and file-naming conventions for digital images.
• Upload and associate digital images with collection records in Catalog It, the University Art Collections’ collections management system.
• Photograph exhibitions, installations, galleries, and other indoor and outdoor campus spaces featuring art.
• Photograph gallery openings, lectures, receptions, and other public programs as needed.
• Organize, store, and make completed image files accessible to collections and gallery staff.
• Maintain photography equipment and work areas in an organized and professional manner.
• Perform other photography and collections-related duties as assigned.

• Interest in and developing knowledge of digital photography, including composition, exposure, focus, and lighting.
• Ability to learn techniques for photographing artworks and collection objects accurately and consistently.
• Ability to learn and follow established procedures for the safe handling and movement of artworks.
• Ability to learn and use digital cameras, studio lighting, and related photography equipment.
• Ability to learn and use Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Catalog It, and other digital tools associated with photography and collections management.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in image editing, file organization, and metadata management.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to manage multiple photography assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures and staff direction.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with collections and gallery staff.
• Care and good judgment when working around original artworks and collection objects.

• Current University of Denver undergraduate or graduate student.
• Work-study award for the applicable academic year.
• Interest in…