Lighting & Photography Specialist

Job Summary

Aptive is seeking a Lighting and Photography Specialist in our Shepherdstown, WV studio.  Your inspired, bold, multi-skilled lighting and photography skills will ensure effective communication with various audiences across different media platforms leading to successful training instruction, meetings, town halls and conferences. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience to provide professional lighting and photography skills for production of materials in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Talent Management Office

As the Lighting and Photography Specialist you will be an integral part of the production team. You will be responsible for ensuring all projects are completed on time and exceed client expectations. You will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining innovative lighting solutions that enhance our production setting. By making a significant impact on the visual experience of various spaces through your expertise in lighting design and technology, you will contribute to creating environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.  Your expertise will contribute to creating captivating visual experiences while ensuring energy efficiency and optimal functionality.

You will be responsible for quickly and efficiently conceptualizing photographic shoots, utilizing a government studio to capture content, and editing those assets for presentation on various federal managed platforms. This specialist must be adept at creating compelling and immersive products that achieve visibility and engagement amongst broad audiences.

The Lighting and Photography Specialist will support a diverse creative team to deliver digital content creation across client owned properties located in Shepherdstown, WV. You will support the development of live synchronous, online events, training, conferences and/or meetings through the VA IT Campus, studio recorded events, rehearsals, congressional hearings, external delivery modalities (e.g.: LinkedIn, Twitter) and documentary pieces, commercial-style shoots in a studio setting.

We are looking for someone with an exceptional eye for detail who brings creative lighting and photography skills to help concept, brainstorm, produce, and play a key part in the planning and production process. This position is located in Shepherdstown, WV, with limited travel as required (less than 10%) to Washington DC, per client request. Working on-site 8:00 am through 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients, architects, and interior designers to develop creative and practical lighting designs that align with project goals and aesthetics.
• Possess a deep understanding of lighting principles, technologies, and equipment, including LED lighting, fixtures, controls, and lighting software.
• Develop lighting plans and layouts, considering factors such as lighting levels, color temperature, energy efficiency, and the integration of natural light sources.
• Recommend and specify appropriate lighting fixtures and equipment to achieve the desired lighting effects and meet project requirements.
• Oversee the testing of lighting systems to ensure they function as intended and meet safety standards.
• Design and implement lighting control systems, including dimming, automation, and programmable lighting scenes.
• Diagnose and resolve lighting system issues, collaborating with other teams as needed to ensure smooth operation.
• Advocate for sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solutions, staying informed about the latest advancements in lighting technology.
• Create detailed lighting design documentation, including plans, specifications, and diagrams.
• Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of lighting projects.
• Employ design techniques to create visually appealing imagery to enhance all deliverables.
• Ability to photographically document events and manage all video control and recording systems.
• Ability to provide photo content via federal platforms including social media platforms.
• Conceptualize shoots, conduct client coordination, secure necessary photo clearance, and studio production.
• Coordinate, set-up and maintain photographic, video and recording equipment.
• Support post-production photo editing and lighting and review final edits for approval.
• Experience supporting executive-level clients and creating meaningful relationships.
• Works closely on various projects with creatives, vendors, and contractors on photo/video production.
• Prepare locations, technology and other systems needed for production.
• Communicates daily with creatives and project managers on project status and deliverables.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to carry out multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Familiarize presenters with the studio lighting and video technologies for live in-studio production, presentation templates and answer all questions associated to technology and production.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Lighting Design, Electrical Engineering, Photography, Visual Arts or a related field. Relevant certifications are a plus.
• Proven experience as a Lighting Specialist, Lighting Designer, or a similar role, with a minimum of 3 years in the industry.
• 3 years of experience in photography capture/management, video and recording systems.
• Proven experience with the operation of video cameras and related equipment in the production and editing of videos.
• Experience in the operations of video cameras in the studio, in the production of professional live synchronous, online events, training, conferences and/or meetings, studio recorded events, rehearsals, congressional hearings, external delivery modalities (e.g.: LinkedIn, Twitter) and documentary pieces, commercial-style shoots in a studio setting.
• Proficiency in lighting design software and tools and video and recording equipment.
• Strong knowledge of lighting technologies, including LED, fiber optics, and traditional lighting sources.
• Strong knowledge of video and recording systems.
• Creative mindset with an eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary teams
• End-to-end familiarity with photo and video production process, form pre-production through post.
• Capable self-starter with a drive to get all types of work done and high attention to detail. 
• Tech-savviness and familiarity with production environments.
• Ability to work on-site 8:00 am through 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications

• Expert operator of video and recording systems.
• Broad based knowledge of photo fundamentals to include lighting, exposure, composition.
• Detailed understanding of various photo formats.
• Understanding of the range of equipment utilized in photo and lighting production.
• Overall digital asset management experience.
• Experience supporting executive level clients.
• Proven experience in managing multiple creative projects and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to concept, manage and produce innovative digital video products and marketing content across client-owned channels (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.) daily.
• Manage all aspects of photo/video/ lighting production including pre-production, production, and post-production.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues; desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing project requirements.
• Strong communication skills to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with executives and individuals at all levels.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with an eye for detail and a passion for clear and impactful messaging.
• Experience with a US Government customer.

About Aptive

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We’re advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.