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TEMPORARY SENIOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER

Los Angeles Metro, Los Angeles, CA, United States


Description This position is temporary (up to 40 hours) with limited benefits. No Qualified Candidate Pool (QCP) will be established. You will only be contacted if there is an interest from the hiring department.

Oversees and executes professional photography, photo retouching, and creative promotional project work in support of communications materials used to inform Metro's patrons and promote the agency's services.

Examples of Duties

Leads the Photography team in planning, coordinating, and executing photography and video projects that deliver high-impact, high-quality images to support Metro campaigns, programs, services, and events on-time and on-budget

Leads the Photography team in interfacing with clients, partners, and colleagues at every level of Metro, and with key outside partners, to accomplish goals for making effective and engaging imagery

Conceptualizes photographic and/or video images for Metro internal and external clients, including communications, marketing campaigns, and documentation of rail, highway, and other construction projects; acquires approval on a project‑to‑project basis

Oversees the execution of or conducts extensive photographic retouching and color model conversions on images prior to final output as print or web pieces

Supervises the editing of video content and assembles complete video files for use across a variety of digital platforms

Oversees workflow of photo and video shoots to comply with schedule

Provides up-to-date information on jobs and scheduling to marketing, design, and production management

Consults with partners, designers, marketing representatives, and clients to complete jobs while satisfying the concepts and goals of a project

Constructs temporary photo studio environments in various locations

Prepares photography for the purpose of training, educating, and informing Metro employees as well as the public

Orders necessary photo and video hardware and software within established budget

Coordinates with digital asset manager and Digital Asset Management (DAM) system for archiving digital library of Metro imagery

Supervises the development of database keywords, tags, and file conventions

Searches image databases to respond to requests for existing photography

Administers license agreements for photographs when required

Advises staff of the possibilities and limitations of photography

Works closely with Directors and Managers to ensure deadlines are met

Monitors color accuracy and image quality

Leads and trains photography Administrative Interns and Transportation Associates; supervises execution of Transportation Associates' photographer projects

Remains up to date on the ever‑changing methods and technology for achieving the most efficient and highest quality of imagery

Minimum Qualifications May be required to perform other related job duties.

Required A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year‑for‑year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Photography, Photojournalism, or a related field

Experience

Three years of relevant experience professionally photographing and retouching images in a studio or agency setting; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment; strong photography portfolio preferred

Certifications / Licenses / Special Requirements

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job‑related essential functions

Preferred Qualifications

Experience creating impactful marketing and editorial photography, delivering high‑quality imagery that aligns with brand strategy and enhances integrated campaigns across print, digital, and social media

Experience capturing live events and photojournalistic moments that authentically reflect the energy and diversity of public spaces and community engagements

Experience operating professional camera systems, managing lighting setups, and executing post‑production workflows in Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent software to deliver publication‑ready imagery

Experience conceptualizing and executing visual narratives that humanize transit operations, emphasize community impact, and strengthen brand identity

Experience collaborating with marketing, communications, and public affairs teams to deliver cohesive visual and strategic outcomes under tight deadlines

Essential Knowledge

Theories, principles, and practices of modern film and digital photography, artificial lighting, portable power, and photo retouching, compositing, and color model conversions

Photography equipment and software

Videography equipment and software

Artificial and natural lighting principles and practices

The structure, services, environments, and purpose of a large public agency, such as Metro, in order to make informed and considered decisions in the creation of representational photographic images and video storytelling

Marketing department workflow and operations

Skill

Photography and photo editing

Videography and video editing

Determining appropriate lighting

Developing appropriate photo direction by evaluating clients' needs and creating appropriate shoots

Constructing temporary photo studio environments in various locations

Organization and efficiency

Analyzing situations, identifying, and solving problems, and/or recommending solutions

Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside vendors

Communicating effectively orally and in writing

Ability

Provide positive and clear communication, e.g., with photo shoot crews, subject individuals, or other vendors

Contribute creatively and produce high‑quality imagery

Lead a team of creative professionals in both studio environments and in the field

Oversee Photography group's workflow, train assigned staff members, and assign photo jobs as needed to meet tight time constraints and deadlines while working on several different projects

Scout photo shoot locations and determine efficient use of lighting

Utilize natural light or apply artificial lighting systems and appropriately position models

Spot photo related defects and perform complex retouching and color model conversions

Complete project goals and execute on department goals

Manage databases

Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

This classification is at‑will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors

Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Working Conditions

Typical office situation

Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required

Sitting at a desk or table

Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium (Occasionally)

Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer‑based functions

Standing

Walking (distance 5' to 100')

Communicating through speech in the English language required

Good distance vision and/or depth perception to judge distances

Color recognition (e.g., distinguishing wires, resistors, containers, light signals, etc.)

Equal Employment Opportunity Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with Fair Chance hiring practices.

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