Photographic and Video Support Specialist

Job Description: Photographic and Video Support Specialist

Location: NSWC PCD Photography and Video Studio
Security Clearance: SECRET level DoD security clearance required
Job Type: Full-Time

Job Overview:

The Photographic and Video Support Specialist provides comprehensive photographic and video services to support various technical and administrative projects within the NSWC PCD Photography and Video Studio. This role involves the production of high-quality still and motion pictures, including technical photography, videography, editing, and post-production, under demanding and sometimes harsh environmental conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Photographic Production:
• Produce stills and motion pictures using standard, high, and ultra-high-speed photography and video techniques.
• Capture specialized still photography and video as required for various projects.
• Consider audience needs and project goals when creating and presenting photographic content.
• Equipment Management:
• Select and operate appropriate cameras, lenses, filters, lighting, and backdrops to ensure effective photographic results.
• Plan photographic coverage by determining the necessary equipment, angles, and setups for each assignment.
• Set up and operate photographic equipment in harsh or unstable environments such as helicopters, ships at sea, and other difficult locations.
• Post-Production and Editing:
• Utilize mainstream editing hardware and software including digital still/video cameras, broadcast cameras, NewTek TriCaster, Adobe Creative Suite, AfterEffects, CorelDRAW, Apple Final Cut Pro, and Apple Motion for editing, processing, and manipulation of media.
• Catalog and archive photographic and video content for future reference.
• Collaboration and Planning:
• Work closely with project leaders and technical teams to devise photographic setups that accommodate unique environmental challenges.
• Collaborate on ensuring photographic and video support aligns with the project’s objectives and technical requirements.
• Plan and execute technical and administrative photographic tasks, managing both within the same project when needed.
• Field Work:
• Travel and provide photographic support in commercial aircraft and aboard vessels at sea, sometimes for extended hours or overnight stays.
• Maintain readiness for spontaneous or short-notice photography tasks, including passport photos and ceremony coverage.
• Administrative Photography:
• Arrange groups and individuals for optimal artistic representation during ceremonies, re-enlistments, retirements, and other official events.
• Perform studio portraiture, including passport photography, ensuring equipment and setup are ready for efficient execution.
• Maintenance and Equipment Readiness:
• Ensure that all photographic and video equipment is maintained in optimal working order, with no delays for reloading cameras, replacing batteries, etc.
• Specialized Assignments:
• Participate in specialized photography projects that require knowledge of both technical subjects and artistic principles.
• Handle unique, one-time photographic opportunities with the understanding that certain tasks cannot be replicated.
• Miscellaneous Tasks:
• Dry-mount, matte, and frame images and posters when necessary.
• Perform both technical and administrative photography duties as required, adapting to urgent needs in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Education: Associate degree in Photography, Videography, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional, full-time experience in technical photography and videography.
• Skills:
• Proficient in using mainstream photographic and video equipment (digital cameras, broadcast cameras, etc.).
• Expertise in video editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite (including AfterEffects), Final Cut Pro, and CorelDRAW.
• Knowledge of lighting, scene setup, and composition for both still and video photography.
• Ability to perform in challenging environments, including aerial and maritime settings.
• Familiar with managing time-sensitive and high-pressure assignments.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to work long hours (up to 16 hours a day) in potentially challenging environments, including aboard vessels or helicopters.
• Ability to operate effectively under physically demanding or unstable conditions, such as high seas or airborne environments.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET level DoD security clearance.
• Contractor use of Government equipment requires possession of a valid Government-issued Property Pass for off-premises use.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact technical and creative projects, while ensuring the operational success of NSWC PCD's photographic and video needs.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person