CoPA Student Photographer
Chapman University Careers
On-site
Irvine, California, United States
Photography & Videography
Job Description Summary
The Student Photographer supports the College of Performing Arts by photographing dress rehearsals, live performances, and miscellaneous CoPA events, preparing images for marketing and archival use. The role includes shooting unobtrusively in low light, culling images to identify viable selects, and delivering edited files promptly to the College’s Marketing Specialist. This position does not follow a standard weekly schedule. Hours will vary based on departmental productions, with the majority of work taking place during weeknight and weekend music, theatre, and dance dress rehearsals and/or performances. Photo editing responsibilities are included as paid time and may be completed during the student’s own weekday availability. Equipment and software Camera equipment (camera body, lenses, memory cards, and accessories) will be provided by the College of Performing Arts. A personal computer is required. Students are welcome to use their own camera equipment, if preferred, though it is not required. Editing software is available at no cost through university-provided services. Students may also choose to use their own licensed software, such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Scheduling and working conditions Work occurs primarily in theatres/concert halls on campus and may involve low light, tight spaces, and restricted movement. Must be able to stand/move for extended periods and navigate stairs; lift/carry up to ~25 lbs of gear. Dress code during performances: full black/quiet footwear unless otherwise instructed. No flash or distracting sounds; follow designated shooting zones and cues. Training and supervision Orientation to brand guidelines, house rules for performance spaces and file naming/delivery. Regular feedback from the Marketing Specialist; performance evaluated on image quality, reliability, adherence to workflow, and on-time delivery. Image Use and Ownership Student understands and agrees that all images captured on behalf of CoPA remain the property of Chapman University. With consent, students may use these images in their personal portfolios; however, they may not be marketed, sold, or used to promote events or productions outside of designated CoPA productions. Work authorization and compliance Must be authorized for on-campus student employment. Adhere to College policies regarding privacy/ FERPA , media releases, and image use, which will be provided.
Responsibilities
Event coverage Photograph designated dress rehearsals and performances for theatre, dance, and music productions. Work unobtrusively in low light without flash; follow house rules and stage management directions at all times. Capture a strong variety (wide/medium/tight, vertical/horizontal, key moments, audience reactions, behind-the-scenes as assigned) aligned with brand needs for web, social, and print. Coordinate with Marketing Specialist on artistic direction and asset priorities. Culling and editing Perform an initial cull to remove non-viable images (out of focus, misfires, duplicates). Create a curated set of selects that highlight each production; apply basic global edits (exposure, white balance, contrast, crop/straighten) while preserving the intent of the lighting design. Tag files with essential metadata/keywords (show title, director, venue, date, performer names if provided, photographer credit). File management and delivery Name files according to CoPA conventions. Export and deliver: High-resolution JPEGs suitable for print and archival. Web-optimized JPEGs for social/digital, if requested. Retain RAW files per college retention guidelines. Upload selects to the shared drive within 48 hours of the shoot, or by agreed deadline. Coordinate with the Marketing Specialist on final selection and any deletion beyond initial rejects. Coordination and communication Proactively confirm call times and shot lists, and check in with stage management for safe shooting locations and movement paths that will not disturb the performance Provide availability in advance; notify supervisor promptly if conflicts arise.
Required Qualifications
Currently enrolled student in good academic standing. Demonstrated experience photographing live events or performing arts; ability to shoot in low light without flash. Proficiency with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for culling, basic edits, metadata, and exports. Strong file organization skills and attention to detail (naming, backups, consistent workflows). Reliable, punctual, and able to work evenings/weekends as productions require. Professionalism in performance environments; able to remain unobtrusive and follow safety and house rules.
The Student Photographer supports the College of Performing Arts by photographing dress rehearsals, live performances, and miscellaneous CoPA events, preparing images for marketing and archival use. The role includes shooting unobtrusively in low light, culling images to identify viable selects, and delivering edited files promptly to the College’s Marketing Specialist. This position does not follow a standard weekly schedule. Hours will vary based on departmental productions, with the majority of work taking place during weeknight and weekend music, theatre, and dance dress rehearsals and/or performances. Photo editing responsibilities are included as paid time and may be completed during the student’s own weekday availability. Equipment and software Camera equipment (camera body, lenses, memory cards, and accessories) will be provided by the College of Performing Arts. A personal computer is required. Students are welcome to use their own camera equipment, if preferred, though it is not required. Editing software is available at no cost through university-provided services. Students may also choose to use their own licensed software, such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Scheduling and working conditions Work occurs primarily in theatres/concert halls on campus and may involve low light, tight spaces, and restricted movement. Must be able to stand/move for extended periods and navigate stairs; lift/carry up to ~25 lbs of gear. Dress code during performances: full black/quiet footwear unless otherwise instructed. No flash or distracting sounds; follow designated shooting zones and cues. Training and supervision Orientation to brand guidelines, house rules for performance spaces and file naming/delivery. Regular feedback from the Marketing Specialist; performance evaluated on image quality, reliability, adherence to workflow, and on-time delivery. Image Use and Ownership Student understands and agrees that all images captured on behalf of CoPA remain the property of Chapman University. With consent, students may use these images in their personal portfolios; however, they may not be marketed, sold, or used to promote events or productions outside of designated CoPA productions. Work authorization and compliance Must be authorized for on-campus student employment. Adhere to College policies regarding privacy/ FERPA , media releases, and image use, which will be provided.
Responsibilities
Event coverage Photograph designated dress rehearsals and performances for theatre, dance, and music productions. Work unobtrusively in low light without flash; follow house rules and stage management directions at all times. Capture a strong variety (wide/medium/tight, vertical/horizontal, key moments, audience reactions, behind-the-scenes as assigned) aligned with brand needs for web, social, and print. Coordinate with Marketing Specialist on artistic direction and asset priorities. Culling and editing Perform an initial cull to remove non-viable images (out of focus, misfires, duplicates). Create a curated set of selects that highlight each production; apply basic global edits (exposure, white balance, contrast, crop/straighten) while preserving the intent of the lighting design. Tag files with essential metadata/keywords (show title, director, venue, date, performer names if provided, photographer credit). File management and delivery Name files according to CoPA conventions. Export and deliver: High-resolution JPEGs suitable for print and archival. Web-optimized JPEGs for social/digital, if requested. Retain RAW files per college retention guidelines. Upload selects to the shared drive within 48 hours of the shoot, or by agreed deadline. Coordinate with the Marketing Specialist on final selection and any deletion beyond initial rejects. Coordination and communication Proactively confirm call times and shot lists, and check in with stage management for safe shooting locations and movement paths that will not disturb the performance Provide availability in advance; notify supervisor promptly if conflicts arise.
Required Qualifications
Currently enrolled student in good academic standing. Demonstrated experience photographing live events or performing arts; ability to shoot in low light without flash. Proficiency with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for culling, basic edits, metadata, and exports. Strong file organization skills and attention to detail (naming, backups, consistent workflows). Reliable, punctual, and able to work evenings/weekends as productions require. Professionalism in performance environments; able to remain unobtrusive and follow safety and house rules.