Documentary photographer job description

Documentary photographer job description

In this post, you can ref job description of Documentary photographer in details. A complete job description concludes Documentary photographer key duties/responsibilities, Documentary photographer job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Documentary photographer duties:

         1.            Provides professional graphic design services to produce materials integrated across a variety of media including print, web, video and digital mediums such as info-stations.

         2.            Has strong, solid knowledge of photography and lighting.  Is adept at digital photography and able to cover events with documentary-based, story-driven techniques. Some experience in video production and the use of video in design is also expected. 

         3.            Works as a photography editor – selecting and integrating imagery into all design platforms. Is able to photo edit, retouch and color correct photographic images.  

         4.            Works closely with the Poynter Foundation and the Institute Marketing staff, as well as Institute faculty and administration to produce graphics/imagery for communications aimed at all Poynter constituents.  Understands the target audience and determines which mediums are most strategically appropriate.

         5.            Uses appropriate pixel and vector based images, typography, live text, web-safe colors, and image scanning.  Prepares files with proper resolution for print pieces and web page design.  Performs file conversion for web pages such as jpg, gif, html, etc.

         6.            Collaborates with web master on web design and graphical content.

         7.            Makes design decisions for color (for print, web and other mediums), paper specifications, embossing, foil stamping, die cutting, special finishes/coatings, and other production specifications.  Communicates with printing vendors to work through proofing process.  Creates sample layouts for supervisors and designated faculty and staff.  Reviews final layout and suggests improvements as needed, and presents final layout to supervisors and other designated Institute staff for approval.  Prepares final layout for production/printer via paper, digital file, CD, DVD or FTP site.  Checks proofs and makes press checks to review quality of final product before release to supervisors. 

         8.            Maintains proficiency in industry-current design and imaging software and word processing programs.  Maintains proficiency with latest technologies and industry standards for web-based design, including multimedia, motion graphics, animation, sound, and other technologies for printed and web-based materials.

         9.            Produces illustrations, drawings, charts and graphs for presentations and/or publications using appropriate software and/or mechanical techniques.

     10.            Coordinates the distribution of materials.  Maintains a photo library, digital records, print samples, etc.

     11.            Manages deadline schedules according to needs and priorities.

     12.            Assists in managing the production of in-house printing and other projects.

     13.            Receives subject matter and visual reference material from faculty, students and others and confers with these individuals to plan and prepare graphic design and illustration.

     14.            Meets with printer or photography services to discuss details and problems that may occur and to plan projects production.

II. List of Documentary photographer qualifications

         1.            Expert knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Flash, etc.

         2.            Demonstrated knowledge of making and using design concepts for print design, web design, multimedia, photographs, illustrations, display, environmental graphics, and info-graphics (scale, color, typography, pixel, animation, sound, etc.)

         3.            Demonstrated knowledge of professional photography, including image making, composition, lighting, photo editing and retouching.

         4.            Demonstrated working knowledge of video production and use in design.

         5.            Demonstrated knowledge of advertising, product promotion and services as they relate to a non-profit environment for development, advancement, alumni and professional engagement and fundraising.

         6.            Demonstrated reasoning and problem-solving skills including the ability to trouble-shoot problems, creatively approach problems and analyze various types of information to arrive at the best solution.

         7.            Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently with little direct supervision.

         8.            Ability to analyze needs and requirements when designing products, determining the best tools and equipment needed to do the job and testing processes and evaluating results.

         9.            Excellent oral and written communication skills.

     10.            Knowledge of HTML and CSS.

     11.            Experience in design, photography and new media (multimedia, Flash, web, etc.).