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- Tasks: Lead the Science Museum Photo Studio, managing a team and delivering high-quality photography.
- Company: Join the Science Museum Group, a world-leading museum dedicated to inspiring futures through innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, health insurance, flexible work policies, and great discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organization that values diversity and offers career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of studio lighting experience and advanced knowledge of imaging techniques required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; we encourage applicants with transferable skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
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.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
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Lead Photographer employer: Nationalmuseums
Contact Detail:
Nationalmuseums Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Photographer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your leadership skills in your interactions. Since the role requires managing a team of photographers, demonstrating your ability to lead and mentor others will be crucial. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the Science Museum Group's collections and their imaging standards. Understanding their specific needs and how you can contribute to their mission will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the Science Museum Group. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in studio lighting and object photography. Since the role emphasizes high-quality imagery, having a strong visual representation of your skills will be essential in making a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Photographer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Lead Photographer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially focusing on studio lighting experience and knowledge of imaging techniques.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, highlight your relevant experience in photography, particularly in a museum or gallery context. Be specific about your technical skills with Capture One and Adobe Suite, as well as your leadership abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for visual storytelling and how you can contribute to the Science Museum Group's mission of inspiring futures.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that showcases your best work, particularly images that demonstrate your ability to create high-quality photographs of 2D and 3D collections. Make sure to explain the context of each piece and your role in the projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nationalmuseums
✨Showcase Your Visual Storytelling Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work as a visual storyteller. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to weave together objects, events, and ideas into compelling narratives, as this aligns with the Science Museum Group's vision.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've managed teams of photographers. Highlight specific instances where you provided training or feedback, ensuring consistency and quality in photography projects.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Technical Requirements
Brush up on your knowledge of 2D imaging techniques and software like Capture One and Adobe Suite. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these tools in past projects, especially in a museum or gallery context.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, showcasing your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively will be crucial during the interview.
