Occ. Code 2209100

PHOTOGRAPHER 1, GRADE 8

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

A Photographer 1 performs a variety of routine still and motion picture photography and photographic processing activities. 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 events, and for identification purposes.

Photographer 1 positions are located in the Division of the State Police.

Photographer 1 is the entry level class in the Photographer Series. Incumbents may be the only Photographer at a State facility, or at a facility with a larger program in terms of volume and scope of photographic work produced, incumbents assist higher level photographic positions. Photographer 1 positions are characterized by the performance of a variety of routine still and motion picture black and white and color photography work involving the use of standard cameras and photographic processing techniques. The photography produced by incumbents is for identification, information, record, or publicity purposes. The work of Photographer 1 positions includes such activities as recording accidents, fires, building and grounds construction; photographing events and activities such as graduations, dedications, retirements and celebrations; recording defects in machinery, work and supplies; recording pre and post operative condition of surgical and dental patients; operating camera equipment in taking motion pictures of routine events such as ceremonies, and making videotapes, teaching slides and exhibits; and taking portraits. Characteristically, the subjects to be photographed have been selected and the objectives of the photograph have been determined. Subjects are of such nature that two or three shots can be taken and are not complicated by such factors as wide contrasts in color, depth of field or unusual lighting or equipment problems. Incumbents determine shutter speeds, lens settings and filters, and the type of film to use based on previous experience. As directed, Photographer 1 positions maintain photographic supplies, records and files.

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 for routine events as well as instructional purposes, 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.

Photographer 3 positions supervise and direct a photography unit involved in work of considerable scope and volume, and for performing still and motion picture photography of considerable variety and technical complexity in the planning and production of photographic materials.

Positions classified in the Senior Laboratory Illustrator Photographer or the Medical Illustrator title series are engaged in laboratory or medical illustration and photography portraying laboratory specimens, findings, and procedures by means of photographs and line illustrations. Incumbents of classes in this series are required to have experience in the preparation of illustrations and photographs of medical, laboratory and scientific subjects.

Positions classified in the non-competitive Artist Designer series are engaged in preparing a variety of charts, graphs, diagrams, posters, and mechanical and hand lettering for a variety of informational media such as reports, training and informational materials.

Operating under established guidelines and instructions, and using standard camera equipment, a Photographer 1 performs the following tasks in the production of routine color and black and white photographs, motion pictures, slides, videotapes and film strips.

• Receives assignment including instructions concerning the photographic requirements.
• Secures equipment to include type of camera, type of film and auxiliary lighting.
• Insures that a sufficient amount of film is available for the entire project.
• Loads camera and as necessary arranges lighting to provide desired background.
• Adjusts camera for distance, filter, focus, exposure, and shutter settings for indoor or outdoor lighting conditions.
• Triggers camera to expose film.
• Develops exposed photographic film in darkroom in series of chemical and water baths to produce negative or positive prints.
• Mixes developing and fixing solutions following formulas.
• Immerses exposed film or negative in solutions to develop or fix image and dries prints.
• Makes enlarged or reduced photographic prints according to photographic requirements from original negative using an enlarger.
• May photograph scene of accident or crime to prepare photographic record of perishable evidence for legal purposes.
• May perform routine photography of lab specimens uncomplicated by special lighting or equipment problems, utilizing a photomicroscope.
• As assigned, maintains photographic supplies, standard written records, and files.

Photographer 1 positions have close working relationships with their supervisors and with individuals and groups within a program area or organization for whom photographic services are being performed. Such relationships are characterized by the receipt and discussion of specific assignments. Incumbents occasionally deal with the general public in carrying out certain photographic assignments, and with outside vendors furnishing service and materials to the photograph program.

Photographer 1 is a non-supervisory class. In an organization where the photographic requirements are limited, incumbents generally work under the supervision of an administrative position. Specific requirements including photographic requirements and work schedules are made by the supervisor.

In a program involving photographic activities of greater scope and volume, Photographer 1 positions work under the supervision of a higher level photographer. The supervisor makes assignments, schedules and sets work priorities, and provides information, guidelines and technical advice concerning the requirements and objectives of the photography assignment.

Routine photographic work is performed by incumbents with considerable independence.

Photographer 1 positions used standard photography equipment such as copy cameras, still and motion picture cameras; and photographic processing equipment, materials and supplies including developing and enlarging equipment.

• Working knowledge of standard photographic practices, procedures, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Working knowledge of the various types of cameras and their use and care.
• Working knowledge of the techniques used in taking varying kinds of photographs under differing conditions.
• Working knowledge of photographic developing, printing and enlarging techniques, and the use of enlargers, printers, washers, and dryers.
• Ability to take, develop and print photographs.
• Ability to mix and 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.

One year of satisfactory experience in commercial or institutional photography including taking, developing and printing photographs, and using and maintaining darkroom equipment.

Reviewed: 6/02 

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.