Freelance Photographer jobs in Toronto, ON

WHO WE ARE
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED

We are seeking a Photographer to join ROM's Photography & Imaging team.

Reporting to the Senior Photographer, this role is responsible for producing high-quality digital photography and digital assets that support the documentation, preservation, publication, research, security, and promotion of ROM's collections and initiatives.

The successful candidate will photograph museum objects, digitize analog materials, prepare digital assets and metadata for long-term preservation, and support studio operations and workflows. This role requires both strong technical expertise and refined visual judgment, with a focus on producing accurate, consistent, and high-quality outputs that meet museum and industry standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced photography professional who is passionate about cultural heritage, collections documentation, and digital preservation.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Photograph 2D and 3D collection objects, exhibitions, events, and related museum initiatives for research, publications, collections documentation, and communications purposes
• Digitize analog materials including film negatives, transparencies, slides, prints, and flat artwork using industry-standard equipment and workflows
• Produce high-resolution, colour-accurate digital assets through professional capture, lighting, colour management, and post-production techniques
• Prepare digital files, metadata, and deliverables for integration into ROM's digital asset and repository systems
• Apply established file management, naming conventions, quality assurance processes, and digitization standards
• Support studio operations through equipment preparation, calibration, workflow documentation, and maintenance of organized workspaces
• Assist with collections handling and object movement in accordance with museum standards and best practices
• Collaborate with curatorial, collections, registration, and digital teams to fulfill imaging requests and project priorities
• Contribute to continuous improvement of imaging workflows, documentation practices, and digitization initiatives

WHAT YOU BRING

• Completion of a four-year post-secondary program in Photography, Photographic Arts, Visual Arts, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5–7 years of professional photography experience, preferably within a museum, cultural heritage, archival, or collections-based environment
• Demonstrated experience photographing both 2D and 3D objects within a standardized production photography environment
• Strong proficiency with professional camera systems, including DSLR and medium-format equipment; experience with Phase One systems is strong requirment
• Experience digitizing analog materials, including negatives, slides, transparencies, prints, and flat artwork
• Advanced knowledge of digital capture, lighting, colour management, retouching, and post-production workflows
• Expertise with professional imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop and Capture One
• Strong understanding of digital asset management, file preparation, metadata standards, and repository workflows
• Experience working with databases, collections management systems, or imaging records; familiarity with TMS, Excel, or similar systems is an asset
• Knowledge of museum object handling, collections care practices, and cultural heritage imaging standards is an asset
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills
• Strong attention to detail, visual accuracy, and aesthetic judgment
• Understanding of copyright, licensing, and intellectual property considerations is an asset
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple concurrent priorities and deadlines
• Ability to occasionally work evenings, weekends, or early mornings to support exhibitions, installations, and special events

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy paid benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.
• And more!

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: October 2026
• OPEN DATE: August 26, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: September 11, 2026
• STATUS: Part-time, permanent
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $33.24 - $38.00 hourly
• SCHEDULE: Up to 24 hours weeklyy
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 420 hours or six (6) months
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
• Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.
• Third Interview (if required): a final interview with key stakeholders.

The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.

**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM

• Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
• Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at careers@rom.on.ca for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

APPLY NOW

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.

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