Junior Photographer

About the Eames Institute

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world. 

With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, an extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses’ philosophy and invite people to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.

About the Role

The Junior Photographer is a key member of the Eames Institute’s photography team, supporting Collections, Creative & Communications, and Experiences. Reporting to the Senior Photographer, this role combines hands-on photography with post-production and image management, helping ensure imagery is thoughtfully captured, processed, organized, and delivered to meet the needs of the organization.

A primary focus of the role is post-production of imagery created by the Senior Photographer, including file organization and naming, retouching, metadata and asset management, and final delivery to internal teams and external collaborators. The Junior Photographer will also independently produce 2D and laydown photography, as well as provide occasional event coverage.

This role is an opportunity for a talented early-career photographer to develop their craft while working across a diverse range of objects, materials, environments, and creative needs. Experience photographing products, objects, or delicate materials is highly valued, along with a strong attention to detail, safety, care, and set hygiene.

Through this work, the Junior Photographer helps the Eames Institute preserve, document, and share its collections and the stories behind them across a wide range of platforms and experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight 

• Assist the Senior Photographer in Photography production. This ranges from physical assistance in setting up photography gear to digital post production and file delivery for projects created by the Senior Photographer as well as independent projects. 
• Support photography workflows and timelines for all projects.
• Serve as the secondary point of contact for all photography-related needs across departments.
• Ensure Photography is retouched, formatted and delivered to collaborators within the EI ecosystem
• assist Collection team in all manners

Collections Photography 

• Create 2D Photography (reproductions and lay downs) of EI Collections materials under the guidance of the Senior Photography
• Digital workflow from filenaming to Photoshop to file delivery,  alerting collaborators upon completion
• Adhere to established standards in place at the Eames Institute for lighting, equipment usage, and capturing objects at consistent angles to ensure accurate representation of artifacts.
• Maintain proper file naming conventions and metadata standards, as informed by the Collections Team.

Creative & Communications Photography 

• Assist in the set up and execution of art-directed photography that supports brand storytelling, exhibitions, and editorial content under the guidance of the Chief Curator.
• Ensure photography aligns with the creative direction and brand guidelines of the organization across a variety of channels, including web, print, and social media.
• Collaborate closely with the Marketing & Communications team to deliver high-quality assets for various media to promote and share the Institute’s stories and offerings. 

Experience & Event Photography 

• Capture events and promotional photography under the guidance of the Senior Photographer.

Organization & Culture

• Contribute to cross-departmental priorities and areas of collaboration.
• Participate in and contribute to the Institute's culture of curiosity and learning.
• Build and share knowledge, appreciation, and curiosity of the history, contributions, and legacy of Ray and Charles Eames.
• Provide expertise and consultation regarding the organization’s ongoing investment in photography equipment and studio space
• Represent the Eames Institute within the broader design community. 

Required education, skills, abilities, competencies:

• Strong technical expertise in studio photography, including lighting, composition, camera systems, color management, and high-resolution image capture, with experience in product, portrait, and event photography; proficiency with Capture One and Photoshop is a must.
• Proficiency in handling collection artifacts and understanding their unique photographic requirements.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to consistently produce high-quality work.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate effectively, and maintain attention to detail under tight deadlines.
• Background in Photography is a must
• Proven product or object photography experience, particularly with delicate or valuable materials, with a strong eye for safety, care, and set hygiene.
• High Proficiency in image editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Capture One).
• Portfolio demonstrating previous work in product photography and projects which feature strong digital processing skills  

Essential Functions:

• The schedule for this role is 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.  This position is expected to be primarily onsite at the Institute’s Richmond location, with occasional travel to the other Institute workplaces in Petaluma and San Francisco. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment.
• Regular use of vision abilities including close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others via phone, video conference, and in person.
• May require occasional travel between office locations or for business meetings.

What We Offer 

• Salary range for this role is $73,500 - $84,425
• The Eames Institute offers a competitive benefits package, including…
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Commuting benefits
• Professional development
• Charitable giving match

Benefits are subject to change at the employer’s discretion.

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.  The Eames Institute may change the job duties, including the location and schedule, at its discretion. 

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The Eames Institute values diversity, inclusion & belonging for all, and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We strive to create a workplace that empowers people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to feel respected, valued, and able to contribute at the highest level.