Graduate Assistant for Photography

Job Description:

The Graduate Assistant for Photography will support the University Photographer by capturing high-quality images for various university events, marketing materials, academic projects, and social media platforms. This role is ideal for a graduate student with a strong background in photography and an interest in applying their skills in a dynamic academic environment.

• Attend and photograph university events such as lectures, workshops, sports events, and special ceremonies. 
• Ensure all photos are high quality, capturing key moments and maintaining a consistent style.
• Collaborate with the design team to create visually appealing images for brochures, websites, and social media.
• Help maintain our asset management platform

Major activities the GA will be involved with and evaluated on:

Asset Management

• Activities: Organize, catalog, and maintain the university's photographic assets. Ensure images are properly archived and easily accessible for future use.
• Evaluation: Effectiveness in managing the digital asset library, accuracy in cataloging, and responsiveness to asset retrieval requests.

Ability to Step in for the University Photographer

• Activities: Cover assignments in the absence of the University Photographer due to scheduling conflicts or unforeseen circumstances.
• Evaluation: Quality and consistency of photographs taken during these assignments, ability to follow briefs and meet deadlines.

Assist the University Photographer for Major University Events

• Activities: Provide support during significant university events, including setup, coordination, and taking supplementary photographs.
• Evaluation: Level of support provided, ability to handle equipment and logistical tasks, quality of supplementary photographs.

Strong Attention to Detail

• Activities: Ensure precision and accuracy in all aspects of photographic work, including editing, tagging, and archiving.
• Evaluation: Accuracy and thoroughness in tasks, ability to identify and correct errors.

Excellent Organizational and Time Management Skills

• Activities: Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Evaluation: Efficiency in task completion, ability to manage time effectively, adherence to deadlines.

1. Ability to Work Independently and as Part of a Team

• Activities: Execute tasks autonomously and collaborate effectively with team members during projects and events.
• Evaluation: Demonstrated initiative and reliability in independent work, and positive contributions to team projects and events.

Good Communication Skills

• Activities: Interact and communicate effectively with university staff, faculty, and students to understand requirements and provide updates.
• Evaluation: Clarity and professionalism in communication, ability to build and maintain positive relationships.

Qualifications:

• Describe the type of graduate degree program related to the Assistantship being requested:

A Photography Graduate Assistantship is typically associated with degree programs that focus on advanced studies in photography and related fields. Here are some relevant degree programs that would align well with the responsibilities of a Photography Graduate Assistant:

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography

• Description: This program focuses on the artistic and technical aspects of photography. Students develop advanced skills in various photographic techniques, explore conceptual and theoretical frameworks, and engage in creative projects.
• Relevance: Provides in-depth knowledge and skills essential for high-level photography work and prepares students for professional and academic careers in photography.

Master of Arts (MA) in Photography

• Description: An MA in Photography typically emphasizes both practical skills and critical analysis. Students engage in advanced photographic practices, critical thinking, and research.
• Relevance: Equips students with a blend of practical skills and theoretical knowledge, making them well-suited for roles that require both creative and analytical abilities.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Arts

• Description: This program offers a broader scope, encompassing various visual arts disciplines, including photography. Students may have opportunities to specialize in photography while gaining exposure to other visual media.
• Relevance: Provides a well-rounded artistic education with a focus on visual storytelling, which is valuable for a photography-focused career.

Master of Arts (MA) in Visual Communication

• Description: Focuses on the role of visual media in communication. Students learn about visual design principles, media theory, and the impact of visual content on audiences.
• Relevance: Prepares students for roles that require strong visual communication skills, useful for working in diverse photographic contexts.

Master of Arts (MA) in Journalism with a Photojournalism Concentration

• Description: This program focuses on the principles of journalism with a specialized track in photojournalism. Students learn to capture and convey news stories through compelling photographic narratives.
• Relevance: Ideal for those interested in documentary photography and working in media-related fields.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Digital Media

• Description: This program explores the intersection of traditional photography and digital technologies. Students work on projects that combine photography with digital media, such as video, animation, and interactive installations.
• Relevance: Provides cutting-edge skills in digital media, preparing students for modern photography roles that incorporate various digital techniques.

Master of Arts (MA) in Arts Administration

• Description: Focuses on the management and administration of arts organizations. Students learn about marketing, fundraising, and managing creative projects.
• Relevance: This is beneficial for those who want to combine their photography skills with arts management, especially if involved in managing photography departments or projects.

These degree programs provide the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a Photography Graduate Assistantship, supporting the development of both creative and professional competencies in the field of photography.

• Completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in:

Photography | Marketing/Advertising | Film/Media Studies | Fine/Visual Arts

• Experience required:
• Edit and retouch photos using software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Organize and maintain a digital archive of photographs, ensuring all files are properly labeled and easily accessible.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend events
• Ability to lift and carry photography equipment