Occ. Code 2209300

PHOTOGRAPHER 3, GRADE 15

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

A Photographer 3 supervises other photographers and performs still and motion picture photography and videotaping of considerable variety and technical complexity requiring artistry and creativity in the planning and production of photographic materials.

The purpose of this activity is to impart information about the activities and programs of an organization for instructional or public relations purposes; to record various activities and events; to record and document research findings, laboratory specimens and medical subjects; and for identification purposes.

Photographer 3 positions are located in several agencies with the largest number in the Department of Economic Development, the Education Department and in the State University.

A Photographer 3 is typically the highest level photographer position in an agency with responsibility for the supervision and direction of a photography unit involved in work of considerable scope and volume, and for performing highly specialized photographic activities in such areas as medicine, research and commerce. Incumbents take motion pictures and edit film, produce videotapes for television and photographic slides for education training and public relations purposes. Photographers 3 use such techniques as photomicrography, ultraviolet and infrared lighting, fluorography, endoscopic motion picture photography, autoradiography, aerial photography and such specialized equipment as high speed cameras and motion picture production cameras and video cameras. Such activities require the adaptive and creative use of photographic equipment and represent a substantial regularly recurring part of the work of the position. Photographer 3 positions work closely with and consult with agency administrators and others concerning the planning and organization of the photographic aspects of the project and of ways to improve the effectiveness of the photographic material produced. Photographer 3 positions must understand the ideas and concepts to be interpreted. An incumbent may operate motion picture or videotape equipment requiring the incumbent to conceive and plan the effects desired in terms of the composition, lighting, exposure and camera angles, to edit film or tape, and to recommend improvements to original ideas in light of potentials and limitations of equipment and process used.

Photographer 4 supervises and directs a Department’s photographic program which has extensive and varied photographic requirements and a staff performing highly specialized photographic activities, whose photographic product has nationwide impact in furthering the Department’s objectives.

Photographer 1 is the entry level class in the Photographer series characterized by the performance of a variety of routine still and motion picture photography work involving the use of standard cameras and photographic processing techniques. The photography produced by positions in this class is primarily for identification, information, record, or publicity purposes.

Photographer 2 positions are characterized by the use of a greater variety of photographic techniques and equipment and the use of artistic abilities in the planning and conduct of photographic activities that will best illustrate the specific objectives of the assignment. Illustrative photographic activities and technical processes performed by incumbents are typically used for teaching, public relations, scientific, medical and legal purposes and include taking motion pictures, aerial photography, videotapes, and photographs often requiring the use of special staging and lighting techniques. Such activities require the incumbent to understand the ideas and concepts to be interpreted and are a substantial, regularly recurring part of the work of the position. Incumbents may supervise and train a small staff engaged in photographic activities and recommend photographic techniques to the client that will present the subject matter most effectively.

Incumbents supervise the activities of a subordinate staff and direct a photographic program.

• Confer with agency administrators and others to determine their photographic needs based on the objectives of the project.
• Conceive most effective photographic presentation and techniques to follow.
• Determine work priorities and establish schedules.
• Assign projects and provide necessary instructions and technical guidance and assistance to staff in the performance of specific tasks.
• Provide instruction and training on the use of photographic equipment.
• Periodically evaluate staff performance.
• Review work prepared by staff for technical adequacy and adherence to instructions.
• Prepare requests for photographic equipment, materials and supplies.
• May recommend budget needs for photography program.
• Maintain photographic equipment and supplies and insure that perishables are kept in usable condition.
• Prepare standard written progress and other reports for photography programs.
• Maintain photographic records and files.

Consult with and advise agency and program staff on such matters as the most effective use of photographic equipment and techniques and methods of presentation, and recommend ways to improve the photographic material produced.

As a motion picture camera person, incumbents operate motion picture cameras and video cameras in the studio and on location, and edit motion picture film.

• Shoot scenes in accordance with a shot list or shooting script, determining composition, lighting exposure and camera movements.
• Select best camera angles for continuity of the film production, and improvise and make effective use of camera accessories.
• May select individuals to be used in films, request their participation and obtain necessary releases from them.

Edit and adapt motion picture film and videotape in accordance with the script.

• Organize film or tape production and arrange shots to produce desired pictorial effect.
• Edit original camera footage in script scene sequence.
• Cut and edit workprints and matches original footage to workprints.
• Prepare film or tape for laboratory processing of prints.
• Match narrative sound and effects tracks to original footages and assemble such material as sound effects, music tracks and narration needed for completion of the film.

Photographer 3 positions may also perform the activities and tasks listed in the Classification Standard for Photographer 2, Occ. Code 2209200.

• Make photographs of a variety of medical and research subjects, including laboratory specimens, usually requiring special lighting and photographic techniques; and of clinical subjects for documentary and training purposes.
• Perform black and white and color photography utilizing a variety of photographic techniques and equipment to record and document events and findings for instructional, informational, legal, public relations and identification purposes.
• Photograph sites from airplanes in flight, usually using a hand-held camera.
• Develop exposed black and white and color photographic film in a darkroom in a series of chemical and water baths to produce negative or positive prints.
• Make enlarged or reduced photographic prints from original negatives determining such factors as type of paper, tone and contrast, and other special printing requirements according to the needs of the client, using an enlarger.

Photographer 3 positions have close working relationships with individuals and groups for whom photographic work is being prepared and with staff contributing to the project in coordinating activities and providing technical direction and assistance in producing photographic material. Incumbents meet and confer with vendors, and with technical specialists, program administrators, and others furnishing advice, information, service and materials to the photographic program in determining needs, and recommending methods that would most effectively achieve the photographic objectives.

Incumbents in this class are supervised by a Photographer 4 or administrative positions who assign and schedule work, and as required, provide information and advice concerning the requirements and objectives of the assignment. Assignments are carried out by incumbents with technical independence. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of objectives.

Photographer 3 is characterized by the responsibility for supervising the activities of a staff of photographers and others as a lead worker.

Incumbents use standard and specialized photographic equipment such as still, motion picture and copy cameras, video cameras, and photographic processing equipment, materials and supplies including developing and enlarging equipment.

• Good knowledge of standard and specialized photographic practices, procedures, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Good knowledge of the advantages and limitations of the various types of still and motion picture cameras.
• Good knowledge of the techniques and methods used in taking various kinds of photographs under different conditions including infrared, ultraviolet illumination, and the use of special film.
• Good knowledge of photographic developing, printing and enlarging techniques and the use of enlargers, printers, washers and dryers.
• Working knowledge of the agency’s goals and objectives as they apply to the photography program.
• Working knowledge of the methods of supervision.
• Ability to take, develop and print photographs.
• Ability to properly use the chemical solutions and equipment used in photographic processing work.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to visually distinguish fine variations in color.
• Ability to visualize and interpret ideas through photographic means.
• Ability to produce quality photographic work.
• Artistic ability in selecting, arranging and lighting subjects; and in printing, enlarging, cropping or retouching prints.
• Ability to supervise a group of employees.

One year of permanent service as a Photographer 2.

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.

Reviewed: 6/02