PHOTOGRAPHER

DEFINITION

This is highly skilled technical photographic work in the production of black and white and color photographs.

The employee in this class is responsible for taking, developing and printing black and white and color photographs. Work also includes making line, halftone, duotone and color separation negatives used in making plates for the offset printing process. Subjects photographed may include medical specimens which would require a high quality picture. Tasks are assigned by a technical or administrative superior who reviews the work for quality and adherence to instruction; however, the employee works with considerable independence on the technical aspects of the assignments.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Sets up photographic equipment and photographs subjects in accordance with purpose.

Receives gross specimens from operations and photographs them in black and white or in color in accordance with the instructions of the physician requesting the work.

Photographs x-ray films and tissue specimens using accepted techniques for members of the hospital staff.

Prepares processing solutions; develops film, makes prints and enlargements and mounts prints; makes film slides in a photographic laboratory.

Operates process camera in obtaining line, halftone and duotone negatives of maps, charts, booklet covers, letterheads, typewritten copy and related material; makes reductions, enlargements and reversals.

Operates color separation enlarger; makes color correction masks which are for use in making color separation negatives; determines reductions, enlargements, composition and proper color balance through the use of filters.

Operates various densitometers and applies theories of photographic densitometry to achieve results in those fields requiring extremely close exposure tolerances.

Confers with department personnel on original art work to be photographed and helps determine suitability for type of reproduction to be used; provides consultation to department personnel on problems pertaining to photography.

Initiates requisitions for the purchase of film, equipment and other supplies.

Operates projection equipment.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the standard practices of still photography, including exposure and development of film and the printing of positives in accordance with the purpose for which the print will be used.

Considerable knowledge of the qualities and adaptabilities of the various equipment and materials utilized.

Working knowledge of densitometry.

Working knowledge of the offset printing process, especially with regard to the limitations which it places on the photographic processes preceding plate making.

Working knowledge of artistic composition and design.

Working knowledge of the basic chemistry of photography.

Some knowledge of anatomy and related medical terminology which is applicable to the work of a medical photographer.

Skill in handling medical specimens.

Ability to photograph subject matter in accordance with the directions received.

Ability to use lights, filters, cameras, light meters, densitometers and other photographic equipment.

Ability to interpret color for proper color balance in originals and reproduction.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with subjects, superiors, and other employees.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Two years of experience in photographic work including taking, developing and printing pictures supplemented by completion of one year of formal training in photography as a resident student in a technical institute, college, or trade school. (Additional qualifying experience as described above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required formal education.)

(Rev. 4/1/81)