Museum Photographer & Artwork Installer

The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (NEHMA) at Utah State University seeks a part-time skilled Museum Photographer & Artwork Installer to document the museum’s collection, exhibitions, and gallery installations and to occasionally assist with the safe installation and deinstallation of artwork.

This position combines professional studio photography, digital image processing, art handling, and exhibition installation. The successful candidate will produce high-quality, color-accurate images for research, teaching, publication, reproduction, and collections management while ensuring the safe handling and installation of artwork in accordance with museum standards. The position works closely with the collections and exhibitions team, which includes registration, curatorial, and art installers.

1. Collection and Exhibition Photography (80%)

• 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 appropriate lighting and composition strategies based on each object’s materials, dimensions, surface characteristics, and photographic requirements.
• Coordinate photography schedules and requests with the Director of Exhibitions and Collections.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges related to image capture, lighting, and photographic equipment.

2. Digital Image Processing and Management (10%)

• Process images using Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or comparable software to prepare files for print, digital reproduction, research, and archival use.
• Maintain color accuracy and image quality in accordance with museum standards.
• Follow established 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.

3. Artwork Handling and Installation (10%)

• Assist with the installation and deinstallation of artworks 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 the installation of artwork using appropriate mounting hardware, tools, lifts, and other equipment, as required and when properly trained and authorized.
• Collaborate with the Collections/Exhibitions team to plan and execute installations that meet exhibition requirements and protect the artwork.
• Identify and communicate potential risks to artwork, personnel, or facilities during handling and installation.
• Coordinate assignments and deadlines effectively and perform related duties in support of the museum’s collections and exhibition programs.
• Follow NEHMA and Utah State University policies, safety procedures, and professional standards for collection care.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 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 the use of installation hardware and tools.
• Knowledge of safe art-handling practices and the care of fragile, historical, or valuable objects.
• Experience using Capture One Software.
• Strong attention to detail,…