James Di Loreto
Washington,DC
Summary
Dynamic and versatile photographer with 25 years of experience at the Smithsonian Institution, excelling in the capture and production of high-resolution images of priceless museum collections and exhibitions. Proven leader with exceptional skills in team management, budget oversight, and advanced digital imaging technologies. Recognized for outstanding performance and peer recognition, bringing a blend of technical proficiency and artistic vision to all projects.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Branch Chief / Supervisory Photographer
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC
09.2019 - Current
- Photograph and create high-resolution images of priceless objects, specimens, and exhibitions using industry-standard techniques.
- Oversee projects by contractors, interns, and volunteers.
- Utilize a variety of cameras, lenses, scanners, lighting equipment, and digital image capture/editing software.
- Plan and track photographic projects to ensure timely production and delivery.
- Enhance images using Adobe Photoshop and manage metadata in the Smithsonian Digital Asset Management System (DAMS).
- Produce digital photographs, reprints, enlargements, color transparencies, negatives, and slides.
- Collaborate with requesters to determine project parameters and resource needs.
- Evaluate work for quality, timeliness, and adherence to objectives and protocols.
- Plan and budget for equipment purchases, acting as an informed resource on digital imaging technology.
- Maintain the condition and security of photographic and digital imaging facilities, equipment, and supplies.
- Collaborate with museum staff, external photojournalists, scientific photographers, and vendors.
- Received Peer Recognition Awards and time off awards for outstanding performance evaluations from 2009 to 2023.
- Training: COTR, Safety, Hasselblad, and PhaseOne Certifications.
Photographer
Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History
Washington, DC
11.2000 - 09.2019
- Created high-resolution images of museum collections, specimens, exhibitions, and events.
- Utilized a variety of cameras, lenses, scanners, lighting equipment, and digital image capture/editing software.
- Planned photographic projects, ensuring timely production and delivery.
- Enhanced images using Adobe Photoshop and managed metadata in DAMS.
- Produced digital photographs, reprints, enlargements, color transparencies, negatives, and slides.
- Collaborated with requesters to determine project parameters and resource needs.
- Assisted with planning and budgeting for equipment purchases.
- Maintained the condition and security of photographic and digital imaging facilities, equipment, and supplies.
- Collaborated with museum staff, external photojournalists, scientific photographers, and vendors.
- Received Peer Recognition Awards and time off awards for outstanding performance evaluations from 2009 to 2018.
- Training: COTR, Safety, Hasselblad, and PhaseOne Certifications.
Contract Photographer
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC
08.1999 - 11.2000
- Contract photographer for the Center of Scientific Imaging and Photography.
- Researched, scanned, and color-corrected over 10,000 35mm color slides for a web database.
- Duties included studio photography, black and white film processing, exhibit photography, and event photography.
Photographer Volunteer
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC
10.2000 - 10.2000
- Dedicated time and skills to capture photographs for the Center of Scientific Imaging and Photography.
- Executed responsibilities that entailed studio photography, processing black and white film, along with capturing exhibit and event photos.
Contract Scientific Photographer
University of Marryland
College Park, MD
01.2000 - 09.2000
- Utilized 35mm slide film to capture macro photographs of pinned insects and live caterpillars, contributing to the development of a comprehensive database.
Photographer
Woodbury & Associates Photography
Pompano Beach, FL
09.1998 - 07.1999
- Utilized specialized skills in high-end digital camera technology to capture studio photographs of products for Fortune 500 companies.
Photo Lab Technician
Publix
Pembroke Pines, FL
07.1991 - 09.1998
- Executed responsibilities as an assistant manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of a one-hour photo lab.
- Performed film and paper developing, chemical mixing, disposal adhering to safety guidelines.
- Achieved Kodak certification as a qualified photo lab technician.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Fine Art Photography
05-1995
- Coursework included custom color and black and white developing and printing, studio lighting, large format view camera, photojournalism, gallery preparation, and marketing.
Associate of Arts -
05-1992
- Coursework included 2D and 3D design, painting, drawing, art history, and photography.
Skills
- Professional imagery of museum collections and exhibitions
- Leadership and team management
- Budget and expense management
- Photography equipment maintenance and management
- HAZMAT chemical inventory management
- Custom black and white and color film developing and printing
- Gallery installations and exhibitions
- Advanced digital image capture and editing software (Adobe Photoshop)
- Digital asset management (Smithsonian DAMS)
- High-end digital technology and studio lighting
- Performance Reviews
Certification
- International Forensic Photography (October 2019)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Branch Chief / Supervisory Photographer - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
09.2019 - Current
Photographer - Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History
11.2000 - 09.2019
Photographer Volunteer - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10.2000 - 10.2000
Contract Scientific Photographer - University of Marryland
01.2000 - 09.2000
Contract Photographer - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
08.1999 - 11.2000
Photographer - Woodbury & Associates Photography
09.1998 - 07.1999
Photo Lab Technician - Publix
07.1991 - 09.1998
Barry University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Fine Art Photography
Broward College - Associate of Arts,
- International Forensic Photography (October 2019)
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