GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The PHOTOGRAPHER 2 performs varied photography and film processing work including illustrative, portrait photography, 16 mm motion pictures, photomacrographs, photomicrographs, original and critical color photography used for instruction, medical care or research, engineering, scientific research or publicity, and/or information purposes.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the second level of a two-level series. It is distinguished from the lower level by the responsibility for performing photography assignments that are difficult in nature because of the advanced technical techniques required in the photography and/or film developing process. Employees at this level use independent judgment in the selection of methods to accomplish photography assignments. Employees at this level also provide technical advice and assistance to agency staff on photography problems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Allocation of positions to this class will depend on the total work performed which may include one or a combination of the duties or tasks listed below.

1. Photography. Typical tasks: consults with customer regarding assignment to determine what is needed and best method to achieve desired results; sets up proper lighting equipment; selects correct equipment and film to accomplish photography assignment; sets correct lighting and film exposure; photographs a wide variety of subjects and materials including portraits using still, motion picture and video production cameras; operates high speed, time lapse and sequence cameras; photographs materials using such processes as photomicrography, ultra-violet and infra-red photography, stereography, fluorography and autoradiography; photographs and prepares slides and motion picture film; consults with agency personnel and others on details of work and gives technical advice and assistance to agency personnel regarding photographic problems.
2. Darkroom Work. Typical tasks: mixes and prepares chemicals; processes a wide variety of black and white and color film by loading film onto developing reel and determining correct temperature and processing time depending on type of film used, type of negative wanted and what was photographed; makes slide and paper prints from negatives; duplicates color slides, assuring filtering is correct so color hue can be accurately duplicated; lays out, shoots, and processes lithographic line and half tone screen negatives; uses vacuum frame and point light source to expose photographic films and papers; monitors quality control of all chemicals and film processes.
3. Photographic Print Production. Typical tasks: makes color and black and white photographic enlargements in a variety of sizes; retouches portraits and other prints; opaque negatives to be printed; makes full-tone, half-tone and high contrast enlargements or reductions to a specific scale using proper papers, filters, and developers.
4. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: fills out work requests for photography services; maintains supply inventory and orders supplies as necessary; cleans, adjusts and makes minor repairs to cameras, processing equipment, photo enlargers and other photographic equipment; files negatives and prints; cleans up spills and cleans sinks and tanks; may assign work to student employees, explain how the job can best be done and review completed product for quality and completeness.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have in person or telephone contact with all levels of agency staff to provide photographic services, to take requests for services, to discuss details of work or to provide technical advise and assistance regarding photographic problems. Depending on area of work assignment, employees in this class have regular in person contact with students, patients or feature subjects to take portraits, still or motion pictures. Employees in this class have occasional telephone contact with vendors to solve problems with equipment, research new equipment, or to order supplies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class work under the general supervision of a supervising photographer or other administrative superior. Work assignments are primarily received through written, telephone or in person requests for photography services from the customer. Work is reviewed through meetings, progress reports, review of completed product and both negative and positive comments received from customer. Guidelines are available in the form of professional manuals, Federal copyright laws and department policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision is not a responsibility of this class.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of photographic and film processing experience including illustrative, portrait, original and critical color photography, and 16 mm motion pictures; OR  
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.