Photographer

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Office of Communications, Office Communications and External Relations, Office of Communications Outreach and External Relations, Office of The Librarian.

The position description number for this position is 465774. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to operate various cameras and audiovisual equipment.** Ability to archive, organize and make related photo material accessible.** Knowledge of digital photography and multimedia systems, techniques and technologies.** Ability to plan, manage, and coordinate projects.

Ability to manage special project planning. Ability to use print and web-related software systems. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Major Duties:

The Library of Congress (LOC) Office of Communications (OC) ensures that the image of, and information about, the Library is accurate and reflects the mission of the organization.

It fosters and increases public awareness of the Library, defines and targets audiences for its public-affairs programs and assesses the effectiveness of those programs.

The Photographer position is responsible for capturing images that document and illustrate the events, programs and collections of the Library of Congress and for providing image editing, digital, archival and related services for the Library.

The position is located in the Office of Communications, Office of the Librarian. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Publications.

The incumbent works independently to carry out photography and other Library assignments during and after standard working hours; creates high quality original photographs and text captions; reviews, edits, formats and prepares images for digital upload and use; develops and implements photo concepts for Library publications, presentation materials and other purposes; assists in managing some social media platforms curated by of the Office of Communications; and serves as the archivist for the Office of Communications photography archive.

The incumbent is responsible for taking still or motion pictures of subjects, primarily in color, using advanced photographic skills.

Operates a variety of specialized photographic equipment, such as medium- and large-format cameras and digital cameras, as well as computer software used to manipulate, distribute and archive digital images.

Photographs different types of subjects under varying conditions, ranging from people in action to close-ups of rare books and other materials.

Manipulates images to achieve maximum focus, sharpness, contrast, color range and density or shades of grey, to accentuate the main points of interests with the use of Adobe Photoshop or other image enhancing software.

Makes decisions on the composition of the final photographic products by identifying the important features of the subject in relation to the intended purposes of the photographs.

Assesses and resolves unusual problems related to the enhancement or correction of photographic images.

Develops original concepts for publications, presentation materials and public affairs support such as electronic press kits and photo releases that present to the public the ideas or image desired by the Library, that evoke desired responses from viewers, or that reduce the cost of production, installation, or maintenance of the visual product; transform spoken or written descriptions of items, processes, issues or events into visual representations.

Creates, edits and posts high quality written and graphic content, using a variety of methods and techniques, with input and engagement from subject matter experts, for the Library's Flickr social media account.

Responds quickly to spur-of-the-moment Library news assignments or unscheduled events.

This requires flexibility in work schedule (some events occur after regular hours) and adaptability to unplanned assignments and situations.

This also requires preparations for emergencies, such as keeping cameras loaded with fresh memory cards and batteries charged.