Staff Photographer (Part-Time)

Overview

Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Bellevue, Washington, established to provide a unique and stimulating musical environment for Eastside youth seeking to advance their potential beyond traditional in-school programs. Now with eight large orchestras and three smaller instrumental ensembles, BYSO has been serving students in elementary through high school since 1964. BYSO is a thriving, fiscally stable organization with a dedicated Board poised to further its Mission:

To enhance the lives of student musicians by providing dynamic musical experiences, fostering collaboration, confidence, and personal responsibility through the pursuit of artistic excellence.

BYSO focuses intensively on each student’s musicianship with a commitment to guide and support the whole person and uniquely complements and builds upon both school music programs and private instruction. BYSO is poised to grow from a local youth orchestra organization into a recognized, regional leader in youth orchestra. BYSO is a forward- looking organization, innovating and evaluating its organizational structure and infrastructure investments to broaden its reach and impact in the community while maintaining, at its core, a program focused upon expanding the capabilities of its student musicians. It is an exciting time of change at BYSO!

Position

Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) is seeking a reliable and creative Staff Photographer to capture high-quality photographs of BYSO students, ensembles, performances, rehearsals, and special events. The Staff Photographer will help document the BYSO experience and build a strong library of images for use in marketing, communications, social media, fundraising, and organizational materials.

This position reports to the Executive Director, with day-to-day scheduling and content feedback provided by the Communications Associate, who the Staff Photographer will work closely with to determine photography and shot needs for each assigned event.

This is a part-time, non-exempt hourly position with evening and weekend hours only. BYSO will provide the camera and all primary photography equipment necessary for the position.

Core Responsibilities

• Photograph BYSO concerts, rehearsals, special events, summer programs, community performances, and other activities as assigned.
• Collaborate with the Communications Associate in advance of events to determine photography priorities, required shots, and other content needs.
• Capture a variety of images, including performances, candid student interactions, ensemble photos, event details, audience engagement, and other images that represent the BYSO experience.
• Take clear, well-composed photographs in a variety of environments, including theaters, rehearsal spaces, classrooms, and outdoor venues.
• Work discreetly and professionally during concerts and performances to minimize disruption to musicians and audience members.
• Review and select photographs following events, identifying the strongest and most useful images.
• Perform basic photo editing as needed, including cropping, exposure and color adjustments, and other minor corrections.

Other Responsibilities

• Organize, label, and upload photographs to BYSO’s Dropbox file system in a timely manner. Because BYSO provides all equipment, this will typically require coming into the BYSO office after events to upload and organize files.
• Assist with preparing or resizing images for use in social media, email, print, web, and other communications as needed.
• Coordinate with BYSO administrative staff regarding event schedules and specific photography requests.
• Properly care for and handle BYSO-provided photography equipment.
• Adhere to all policies outlined in the BYSO Employee Handbook, including BYSO’s Conduct with Minors policy, and follow all BYSO procedures related to working with and photographing minors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Schedule

This position is specifically designed for evening and weekend work. There are no regularly scheduled weekday daytime hours associated with this position. Weekly hours vary considerably depending on BYSO’s season — most weeks require no more than 3 hours, though some weeks may require up to 20.

A typical season includes:

• 3 concert weekends (Saturday all day, Sunday all day, Monday evening)
• Approximately 20 weekday evenings for rehearsals and events
• Approximately 10 Saturday events (retreats, community concerts)
• 3 weeks of summer camps (Monday–Friday, approximately 1 hour per day)

Required Qualifications

• Experience with digital photography; event, performance, sports, or low-light photography experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of basic photography principles, including composition, exposure, focus, and lighting.
• Ability to confidently operate a digital camera and learn BYSO-provided photography equipment.
• Basic photo editing skills.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Dropbox, including uploading, organizing, and managing files.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Professional, dependable, and comfortable working in an environment with students, families, musicians, conductors, and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with colleagues, and respond to direction from BYSO staff.
• Must be able to handle the physical demands commensurate with the position, including standing for extended periods and carrying photography equipment.
• Must successfully pass a background check as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Canva.
• Experience creating content for social media platforms.

Compensation:

$25.00 per hour. This is a part-time non-exempt hourly position, with hours varying by season (see Schedule above). Eligible to accrue paid sick time in accordance with applicable Washington State and local requirements and BYSO policy.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter, resume, and work samples of live event photography to:

Kevin Vortmann, Executive Director (executivedirector@byso.org)

Position is open until filled.

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EOE) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.