Jewelry Photographer

Rago/Wright Auction house is seeking a full-time studio photographer who specializes in shooting jewelry, watches & luxury items to join our photography team in Lambertville, New Jersey. Experienced candidates should have 5-7 years experience shooting fine jewelry, gems and watches, with distinct understanding of the unique lighting, sets and post-production required for this material. With detailed knowledge of nuanced lighting and styling techniques for fine gems, metals and watches, you will liaise directly with the jewelry and watch specialists, head of photography in New Jersey and creative director to deliver all assets required for our sales in this category. Qualified candidates will have experience using medium format digital camera systems, Capture One software and experience shooting luxury material in a high volume environment. Candidates should possess the technical photographic skills below, and the ability to think creatively about how to present each object. Excellent communication and organizational skills are a necessity for adapting to a fast-paced (30 product shots a day during peak times), deadline-driven work environment. The ability to adhere to established specifications and workflow processes in detail and maintain consistency, quality and efficiency is paramount.

Rago/Wright is a network of independent auction houses—Rago, Wright, LA Modern Auctions, Toomey & Co.—specializing in 20th century art and design. Our innovative style and superior expertise set us apart in the auction industry and together, we maintain a compelling and original voice in the worlds of art and design. We value creativity and focus on the quality of presentation and content; at the core of our brands is the craft and quality of photography. All photography is produced and art directed in-house—the creative team is composed of 18 individuals including photographers, retouchers, and graphic designers. Employees collaborate across departments and across our three locations, working closely together to support the company leading up to and during auctions and exhibitions.

Experience required:

• 5–7 years of professional photography practice shooting jewelry & watches
• Proven record of shooting fine jewelry in a retail or secondary market environment
• Proficiency using Phase One digital camera systems
• Proficiency using Capture One Software
• Extensive knowledge of studio lighting techniques for a wide variety of material
• Working Knowledge of Profoto lighting equipment
• Experience working with and/or designing production processes for photography, post-production & marketing in an e-commerce environment
• Proficient in Photoshop and Bridge

Responsibilities will include:

• Photograph all jewelry & watches for Rago/Wright’s growing footprint in the auction industry: 12-18 jewelry, watch & luxury auctions per year, up to 6,000 lots photographed annually
• Interface with jewelry specialists to ensure proper lighting & composition
• Collaborate with creative director to produce stylized photography or vignettes in keeping with each auction’s brand identity
• Self-schedule: plan daily shoots & quotas to deliver images on deadline
• Work with offshore vendors for clipping & editing of all images, including quality control review & refining of processes as-needed
• Maintain & refine style guides for shooting watches & jewelry
• Work with director of photography to ensure best practices & cross-train on various sets
• Work with director of photography to keep studio organized & inventories of equipment
• Maintain camera and lighting equipment, confer with team & assist with purchase of equipment as needed

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with post-production methodologies for fine jewelry & watches
• Film production, lighting and editing experience
• Phase One Certified Professional
• Experience photographing luxury furnishings, art, design or interiors
• Knowledge of Gemology

Please submit cover letter, resume and portfolio when applying.

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive annual salary, depending on candidate's experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Basic life insurance at no cost to the employee
• 12 weeks of 100% paid Parental Leave
• Personal Paid Time Off
• Approximately 10 paid company holidays each year, including company closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Commuter Benefits Program and free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Program

This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the role.

Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't meet all the criteria – unlike majority candidates meeting significantly fewer requirements. We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have shooting fine jewelry in a high production environment?
• Do you have experience with a medium format camera system and studio lighting?
• Are you proficient in Capture One?
• Please provide relevant portfolio images to be considered for this position.

Work Location: In person