Lead Photographer
Lead Photographer
Would you like to be responsible for the operational management of the Science Museum Photo Studio, delivering high quality photography and digitisation for 2D & 3D collections?
About us
The Science Museum Group (SMG) Photo Studio requires a highly effective visual storyteller who uses their technical expertise to make outstanding and well-crafted photographs. Our vision is to produce images that can weave together extraordinary objects, historical events, and powerful ideas into rich inspiring stories of the innovations and people who have shaped our world.
We are recruiting for a Lead Photographer to join the team on a permanent contract, working full-time, 35 hours per week. This position is based at the Science Museum in London, with hybrid working also available.
About the role
As Lead Photographer you will be responsible for the daily operational management of the Science Museum studio, managing a team of professional photographers as well as providing support to photographers across the group's five studios. You will train the Photography team to maintain consistency and quality in line with SMG's imaging standards across a diverse range of commissions and digitisation projects as well as quality assuring their work on a regular basis.
You will lead on a broad range of photography services for SMG, championing our work and developing systems to maintain the highest standards. This includes delivering high quality photography and digitisation for 2D & 3D collections for acquisitions, loans, exhibitions, research, and digital outputs.
You will work collaboratively with the Collections Services and the group's Photography teams to ensure commissions for projects and exhibitions across the group's sites are delivered on time, within budget.
About you
Joining us, you will have at least 5 years of studio lighting experience for still life and objects within a museum or gallery context. You will have advanced knowledge of 2D imaging techniques (tiling, compositing, scanning for transmitted and reflective light) and the ability to use Capture One and Adobe Suite software.
Crucially, you will have good leadership skills and the ability to represent and advocate for your team. You will have experience of supervising and managing the expectations of photographers and imaging professionals, coupled with an open and professional approach to critical feedback, with good interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate and collaborate well with internal and external stakeholders.
Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.
What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
- Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
- Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
- Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.