Chief photographer job description
Updated March 14, 2024
7 min read
Find better candidates in less time
Post a job on Zippia and take the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.
Example chief photographer requirements on a job description
Chief photographer requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in chief photographer job postings.
Sample chief photographer requirements
- Extensive experience with photography equipment and software
- Ability to operate various cameras and lenses
- Knowledge of lighting and composition techniques
- Excellent photo editing skills
- Ability to work in various locations and environments
Sample required chief photographer soft skills
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with others
- Strong attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to adapt to changing situations and work under pressure
- Passion for photography and a desire to continuously improve skills
Chief photographer job description example 1
Nexstar Media Group chief photographer job description
KSNT 27 News is looking for a chief photographer. We need someone with broadcast experience to oversee the technical and production values of our content across all media platforms. This is a position for someone who loves news and can routinely shoot content in the field, manage our equipment and be trained to operate our drone, the Sky Tracker. We produce 45+ hours of local content on the NBC, FOX and ABC stations in a competitive news market. We operate out of a state-of-the-art studio and equip staff with top-notch equipment.
Topeka is located between two major division one colleges, University of Kansas and Kansas State University. We are one hour west of Kansas City in a thriving city that is focused on recruiting younger professionals and families to the area.
Job Description:
+ Trains employees in the use of all newsroom equipment, including cameras, microphones, and lights
+ Provides timely technical operations support for news broadcasts and other live and recorded programs
+ Monitors broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station quality standards, policies and regulations, and recommends improvements as needed
+ Maintains all photography technology and equipment for the station
+ Acts as a liaison between the engineering and news departments
+ Performs photographer duties as required by business demands, including setting up, composing and executing video shots
+ Operates live microwave truck in remote situations
+ Ability to obtain FAA Drone license and operate station drone
+ Helps maintain station compliance with FCC broadcast rules and regulations
+ Performs other duties as assigned
Requirements & Skills:
+ Technical degree in Digital Electronics, Broadcasting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
+ Fluency in English
+ Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
+ Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
+ Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills
+ Strong PC/MS Office experience
+ Proficiency with broadcast equipment and production environments, including cameras, control boards, audio equipment and editing systems
+ Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
+ Experience establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them
+ Strong PC/MS Office experience
+ Experience with video recording equipment and camera technology
Topeka is located between two major division one colleges, University of Kansas and Kansas State University. We are one hour west of Kansas City in a thriving city that is focused on recruiting younger professionals and families to the area.
Job Description:
+ Trains employees in the use of all newsroom equipment, including cameras, microphones, and lights
+ Provides timely technical operations support for news broadcasts and other live and recorded programs
+ Monitors broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station quality standards, policies and regulations, and recommends improvements as needed
+ Maintains all photography technology and equipment for the station
+ Acts as a liaison between the engineering and news departments
+ Performs photographer duties as required by business demands, including setting up, composing and executing video shots
+ Operates live microwave truck in remote situations
+ Ability to obtain FAA Drone license and operate station drone
+ Helps maintain station compliance with FCC broadcast rules and regulations
+ Performs other duties as assigned
Requirements & Skills:
+ Technical degree in Digital Electronics, Broadcasting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
+ Fluency in English
+ Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
+ Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
+ Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills
+ Strong PC/MS Office experience
+ Proficiency with broadcast equipment and production environments, including cameras, control boards, audio equipment and editing systems
+ Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
+ Experience establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them
+ Strong PC/MS Office experience
+ Experience with video recording equipment and camera technology
Post a job for free, promote it for a fee
Chief photographer job description example 2
Fox News chief photographer job description
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Fox TV Stations
Fox Television Stations is one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 29 stations in 18 markets and covering over 37% of U.S. television homes. This includes seven duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Seattle.
JOB DESCRIPTION
PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FUNCTION:
Oversee all aspects of the photographer and editor team including coaching, scheduling, equipment and fleet maintenance. Work independently with minimal oversight to train, critique, and communicate goals and assignments to photographer and editor team. Perform all essential duties and responsibilities of the Photographer position as assigned by performing the following duties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Lead innovation among the team of photographers and editors. Constantly look for new technologies that can push the boundaries of the profession and streamline our processes to make workflow easier and smoother.
* Produce consistent quality photography that serves as an example to duties performed by the photojournalism staff.
* Consistently demonstrate a professional work ethic that creates a positive work environment and sets an example for the photojournalism staff.
* Effectively train and coach photographers to ensure a creative, reliable, high quality video and audio product, as well as basics of lighting, use of tripod, shot composition, shot sequencing, etc.
* Effectively train and coach photographers to ensure creative, reliable, high quality video and audio product during live shots.
* Critique the photographer staff's daily product and regularly give feedback. Think creatively to help photographers find imaginative ways to communicate information within newscasts.
* Manage all scheduling duties for photographers and editors
* Manage and maintain all photography and editing equipment, including working with the News Ops Manager on purchasing of new equipment
* Maintain and manage all vehicles in the news department fleet
* Work in conjunction with news managers in terms of daily news coverage and long term projects.
* Conduct regular safety training classes for new hires and existing photographer staff.
* Conduct regular workshops for photojournalism staff to train/improve skills on lighting, shooting, editing, new techniques and safe driving with approval and under the direction of VP/News.
* Research changing technology and play an active role in improving workflow and quality of work
* Complete documentation for employee performance appraisals as assigned
* Must have valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record.
* Notify News Operations Manager and VP News of any personnel issues relating to problems with equipment.
* Notify the VP News and News Operations Manager of any accident involving personal injury, no matter how minor. Any motor vehicle accident or incident in a company vehicle must be reported immediately and documented on an accident report by all employees involved within 24 hours of the incident.
* Attend daily story meetings as schedule permits.
* Contribute story ideas.
* Seek news contacts within the community and stay informed of current events
* Operate camera for live transmission of news event to studio.
* Operate all newsgathering and editing equipment used by Fox35 Photographers.
* Stay abreast of new equipment and techniques. Be a champion of emerging technology as it relates to news gathering.
* Stay knowledgeable and familiar with procedures associated with remote news production.
* Maintain issued equipment in top working order.
* Take appropriate precautions for personal safety and to protect station equipment and vehicles against theft, damage and danger.
* Must be able to lift and carry equipment, traverse walking distances, up and down stairs, and rough terrain, to complete essential job functions.
* Regularly bend, stoop and crouch to arrange, lift and transport photography related equipment.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Other duties as assigned.
* Regular attendance.
* Complete exempt time sheet completely, accurately and on deadline.
* Work varied hours, holidays, weekends and during severe weather situations as needed and/or scheduled.
SUPERVISION:
* Photographers
* Editors
JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
* Positive Attitude
* Problem Solving and Decision Making
* Commitment to Excellence
* Initiative
* Teamwork
* Job Skills
* Integrity
* Communication Skills
TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:
Regularly stand; walk, sit, reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
QUALIFICATIONS: Self-motivated, creative storyteller with strong photography and editing skills and a full understanding of live truck operations. Ability to effectively coach and critique photographer and editor staff.
EDUCATION: College degree in communications/journalism or related field preferred.
OTHER: Working knowledge of: DVC Pro/P-2 camera systems and AVID edit systems, lighting and sound equipment, and newsroom computer systems.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
At FOX, we foster a culture and environment where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent across our company. We live in a diverse world, with different ideas and different perspectives that come together to spark new ideas and make great things happen. That means reflecting the diversity of the world around us is critical to our company's success. We ensure that our viewers, communities and employees feel heard, represented, and celebrated both on screen and off.
Click here to learn more about the diverse communities of people behind our brands.
Fox TV Stations
Fox Television Stations is one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 29 stations in 18 markets and covering over 37% of U.S. television homes. This includes seven duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Seattle.
JOB DESCRIPTION
PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FUNCTION:
Oversee all aspects of the photographer and editor team including coaching, scheduling, equipment and fleet maintenance. Work independently with minimal oversight to train, critique, and communicate goals and assignments to photographer and editor team. Perform all essential duties and responsibilities of the Photographer position as assigned by performing the following duties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Lead innovation among the team of photographers and editors. Constantly look for new technologies that can push the boundaries of the profession and streamline our processes to make workflow easier and smoother.
* Produce consistent quality photography that serves as an example to duties performed by the photojournalism staff.
* Consistently demonstrate a professional work ethic that creates a positive work environment and sets an example for the photojournalism staff.
* Effectively train and coach photographers to ensure a creative, reliable, high quality video and audio product, as well as basics of lighting, use of tripod, shot composition, shot sequencing, etc.
* Effectively train and coach photographers to ensure creative, reliable, high quality video and audio product during live shots.
* Critique the photographer staff's daily product and regularly give feedback. Think creatively to help photographers find imaginative ways to communicate information within newscasts.
* Manage all scheduling duties for photographers and editors
* Manage and maintain all photography and editing equipment, including working with the News Ops Manager on purchasing of new equipment
* Maintain and manage all vehicles in the news department fleet
* Work in conjunction with news managers in terms of daily news coverage and long term projects.
* Conduct regular safety training classes for new hires and existing photographer staff.
* Conduct regular workshops for photojournalism staff to train/improve skills on lighting, shooting, editing, new techniques and safe driving with approval and under the direction of VP/News.
* Research changing technology and play an active role in improving workflow and quality of work
* Complete documentation for employee performance appraisals as assigned
* Must have valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record.
* Notify News Operations Manager and VP News of any personnel issues relating to problems with equipment.
* Notify the VP News and News Operations Manager of any accident involving personal injury, no matter how minor. Any motor vehicle accident or incident in a company vehicle must be reported immediately and documented on an accident report by all employees involved within 24 hours of the incident.
* Attend daily story meetings as schedule permits.
* Contribute story ideas.
* Seek news contacts within the community and stay informed of current events
* Operate camera for live transmission of news event to studio.
* Operate all newsgathering and editing equipment used by Fox35 Photographers.
* Stay abreast of new equipment and techniques. Be a champion of emerging technology as it relates to news gathering.
* Stay knowledgeable and familiar with procedures associated with remote news production.
* Maintain issued equipment in top working order.
* Take appropriate precautions for personal safety and to protect station equipment and vehicles against theft, damage and danger.
* Must be able to lift and carry equipment, traverse walking distances, up and down stairs, and rough terrain, to complete essential job functions.
* Regularly bend, stoop and crouch to arrange, lift and transport photography related equipment.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Other duties as assigned.
* Regular attendance.
* Complete exempt time sheet completely, accurately and on deadline.
* Work varied hours, holidays, weekends and during severe weather situations as needed and/or scheduled.
SUPERVISION:
* Photographers
* Editors
JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
* Positive Attitude
* Problem Solving and Decision Making
* Commitment to Excellence
* Initiative
* Teamwork
* Job Skills
* Integrity
* Communication Skills
TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:
Regularly stand; walk, sit, reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
QUALIFICATIONS: Self-motivated, creative storyteller with strong photography and editing skills and a full understanding of live truck operations. Ability to effectively coach and critique photographer and editor staff.
EDUCATION: College degree in communications/journalism or related field preferred.
OTHER: Working knowledge of: DVC Pro/P-2 camera systems and AVID edit systems, lighting and sound equipment, and newsroom computer systems.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
At FOX, we foster a culture and environment where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent across our company. We live in a diverse world, with different ideas and different perspectives that come together to spark new ideas and make great things happen. That means reflecting the diversity of the world around us is critical to our company's success. We ensure that our viewers, communities and employees feel heard, represented, and celebrated both on screen and off.
Click here to learn more about the diverse communities of people behind our brands.
Dealing with hard-to-fill positions? Let us help.
Resources for employers posting chief photographer jobs
Chief photographer job description FAQs
Ready to start hiring?
Updated March 14, 2024