Photographer I at Vancouver Art Gallery – Vancouver, British Columbia

The Vancouver Art Gallery believes creativity is fundamental to an open and engaged world. Bring your experience in photography to one of Canada’s leading arts institutions, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

As an occasional Event Photographer at the Vancouver Art Gallery, you will be responsible for documenting our Gallery's events through your lens. This role requires a skilled and creative photographer with experience in event photography and proficiency in post-processing software, including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom or Capture One. You will work on an occasional basis and may be called upon as needed to photograph events and other subjects as required.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Event Photography: Capture high-quality images during Gallery events, including exhibition openings, receptions, artist talks, performances and other special occasions.
• Image Processing: Responsible for capturing images in RAW format and batch-processing them with a commitment to timely delivery. Execute adjustments to white balance, exposure, and contrast to enhance the quality of each photograph. Name files and add metadata in accordance with Gallery standards.
• Equipment Management: Maintain and ensure the proper functioning of provided photography equipment and lighting accessories.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Gallery staff to understand the artistic vision and objectives for each event, ensuring that photography aligns with the Gallery's aesthetic and brand strategy.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to photograph other subjects or events outside of the Gallery's regular programming and operating hours, as needed.
• Quality Control: Ensure the delivered images meet the Gallery's quality standards and specifications.
• Supports the Gallery’s overall goals towards a cohesive brand voice and identity.

This role contributes to the overall success of the Publishing team and supports the Gallery’s strategic and divisional goals.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE:

As Photographer I, you hold a degree or diploma in Photography, Media Arts or a related field, along with a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in photographic and digital imaging work.

In addition, you bring:

• Proven experience in event photography with a portfolio demonstrating your skills in capturing both people and objects at a variety of events.

• Strong knowledge and experience with Adobe Photoshop and either Adobe Lightroom or Capture One for image post-processing.
• An eye for capturing the artistic and emotional essence of events.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with Gallery staff and always maintaining a professional appearance.
• Punctuality and the ability to meet deadlines consistently.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, as event schedules

COMPENSATION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Salary: Pay Grade 19: Step 1: $28.45 per hour to Step 5: $33.11 per hour

Schedule: On-Call/Casual

This is a unionized position. This assignment falls under the jurisdiction of CUPE Local 15 – VMECW. This is an in-office position at the Gallery’s downtown Vancouver location.

TO APPLY:

Please apply through our online careers portal, in confidence, by Monday March 16, 2026.

Please note that only applicants with Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or a valid work permit will be considered.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those short-listed will be contacted.

WHAT WE PROVIDE FOR YOU:

The Art Vancouver Gallery wants you to be your best. We provide our full-time and regular part-time employees with extended medical and dental coverage, long-term disability and life insurance, joint employer/employee pension contributions and generous vacation entitlements.

Our Values

The Vancouver Art Gallery commits to five core values that guide all that we do:

• We are respectful of the unceded Indigenous territory upon which we are situated
• We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment
• We believe that curiosity is a pathway to innovation
• We establish clear goals and expectations to cultivate a culture of accountability
• We foster successful collaboration through thoughtful communication and active listening

The Vancouver Art Gallery is situated on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations. We offer a welcoming, team-based office culture and we are committed to providing equitable access to everyone.  We actively support accessibility, anti-racism, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, and encourage diversity in our staff, volunteers, visitors, and programming. We cultivate a safer space where all voices are heard, valued and represented.

More About the Vancouver Art Gallery

Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery is recognized as one of North America’s most innovative visual arts institutions. The Gallery’s celebrated exhibitions, extensive public programs and emphasis on advancing scholarship all focus on historical and contemporary art from British Columbia and around the world. Special attention is given to the accomplishments of Indigenous artists, as well as to those of the Asia Pacific region—through the Centre for Global Asias (formerly the Institute of Asian Art) founded in 2014. The Gallery’s exhibitions also explore the impact of images in the larger sphere of visual culture, design and architecture.

The Gallery’s new Art of Wellbeing lab furthers its commitment to community by promoting the role of art in fostering health and wellbeing. Developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, researchers and Indigenous Elders, the lab creates opportunities for individuals to engage with art in ways that support mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is a charitable not-for-profit organization supported by its members, individual donors, corporate funders, foundations, the City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia through the BC Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.