JAMES SCHAAP
Washington,DC
Summary
Award-winning multimedia producer and visual storyteller with a Master of Arts in Photojournalism and a Bachelor of Arts in History. Expertise in creating impactful visual content through photography, documentary filmmaking, and digital storytelling. Notable for producing engaging narratives across various platforms, including a TIME Magazine cover photograph. Committed to transforming complex subjects into visual narratives that inform and inspire.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Multimedia Producer (Freelance)
Independently Employed
06.2020 - Current
- Develop and produce documentary-style multimedia content on history, geography, and current events from concept to final delivery.
- Manage end-to-end production workflow, integrating research, scripting, photography, filming, editing, motion graphics, narration, sound design, and publishing to achieve cohesive final products.
- Execute production of documentary-style multimedia content encompassing historical, geographical, and current event narratives from concept to final delivery.
- Direct creative initiatives from initial concept through to publication, maintaining project quality and adherence to deadlines.
- Develop and produce comprehensive, high-quality visual multimedia content strategies that directly enhance audience engagement across diverse digital platforms.
Multimedia Graduate Assistant
George Washington University
Washington, DC
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance student learning experiences in multimedia journalism and video production courses.
- Ensured optimal functionality and organization of multimedia equipment, facilitating the success of the university's nationally recognized photojournalism program.
- Facilitated student mastery of photography lighting, editing, visual storytelling, and production techniques.
- Oversaw systematic maintenance and organization of professional multimedia equipment, ensuring optimal performance for university's prestigious photojournalism program.
- Formulated and applied innovative curriculum strategies aimed at enhancing student engagement and academic performance.
- Coordinated research projects, ensuring alignment with academic standards and institutional goals.
- Mentored undergraduate students, providing guidance on academic and career development strategies.
- Facilitated student success by identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback on assignments and exams.
- Mentored students with personalized guidance on academic progress, career goals, and professional development opportunities.
Sales Associate
Pro Photo Inc.
Washington, DC
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with professional photographers to streamline production workflows and improve the effectiveness of camera systems and lighting equipment.
- Executed repair and imaging service tasks to guarantee optimal performance of camera equipment.
- Designed and executed photography content strategies aimed at engaging audiences and elevating brand visibility.
- Applied advanced techniques to process and enhance both film and digital photography, ensuring superior image presentation.
- Developed comprehensive product knowledge to assist customers in making informed purchasing decisions.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring accurate stock availability and effective replenishment processes.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify trends, implementing strategies to improve service quality and satisfaction.
Digital Archivist
UCLA Communications Archive Lab
Los Angeles, CA
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Executed digitization and preservation of valuable archival media collections to support research initiatives at UCLA Library.
- Optimized metadata and digital asset organization, facilitating efficient retrieval and improved accessibility of archival collections.
- Engaged with faculty to implement effective media preservation strategies and uphold copyright compliance.
- Conducted comprehensive archival research and implemented digital preservation strategies to support project objectives and maintain historical integrity.
- Developed and implemented digital preservation strategies for diverse media formats.
- Managed metadata creation and cataloging processes to enhance resource discoverability.
- Trained staff on best practices for digital asset management and preservation techniques.
- Evaluated and improved workflows for digitization projects, increasing efficiency and accuracy.
- Developed and maintained detailed documentation on archival procedures, contributing to a consistent and standardized approach across the organization.
- Managed multiple complex projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.
- Researched and recorded origins, provenance, and historical significance of archival materials.
Staff Photographer
The Daily Bruin
Los Angeles, CA
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Photographed breaking news, feature stories, sports, and campus events to support editorial deadlines and enhance visual storytelling.
- Executed high-quality editorial photography, contributing to academic excellence with a 3.95 GPA.
- Executed visual journalism projects that sharpened storytelling skills and adhered to strict reporting deadlines.
- Collaborated with editorial team to align photography with publication themes and deadlines.
- Developed creative concepts for photo essays, contributing to engaging multimedia content for digital platforms.
- Managed photography archives, organizing and cataloging images for easy retrieval and reference.
- Coordinated logistics for photoshoots, including location scouting and equipment preparation to streamline workflows.
- Built strong relationships with clients through excellent communication and professionalism during assignments.
Assistant Photography Intern
Celebrity Photo Agency
Los Angeles, CA
01.2015 - 03.2020
- Edited and processed high-profile celebrity images from significant Hollywood events to enhance promotional visibility and audience engagement.
- Streamlined image workflow through Photo Mechanic, facilitating prompt delivery of premium visual content.
- Streamlined photography upload and organization processes for Getty Images and Shutterstock, ensuring efficient access and increased exposure.
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Developed strong time management skills by juggling multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
- Increased efficiency of post-processing workflow by utilizing advanced editing techniques such as color grading, retouching, and image manipulation.
- Assisted lead photographer in capturing memorable moments during photoshoots, resulting in satisfied clients and increased bookings.
- Managed photo editing processes to ensure timely delivery and consistent quality of final images.
- Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
Photo Editor
The Moorpark Reporter
Moorpark, CA
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Enhanced visual storytelling through successful direction of photo assignments and meticulous editing of images.
- Achieved impactful visual narratives by effectively managing photo assignments and delivering high-quality edited images.
- Drove improvements in visual storytelling by executing photo assignments and producing polished edited images.
- Provided mentorship to photographers on ethical journalism practices and visual storytelling methods, fostering higher quality content production.
- Collaborated on multiple award-winning publications recognized by California Journalism Association for excellence in visual journalism.
- Implemented streamlined workflows that reduced turnaround time for image processing tasks.
- Handled high-pressure deadlines with ease by implementing effective time management strategies and prioritizing tasks accordingly.
- Optimized images for web usage by adjusting resolution and file formats while maintaining aesthetic quality.
Education
Master of Arts - New Media Photojournalism
George Washington University
Washington2025
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles2020
Skills
Video & Multimedia Production
Documentary Production Video Editing Motion Graphics Adobe Premiere Pro After Effects DaVinci Resolve CapCut
Photography & Design
Photojournalism Digital Photography Photoshop Lightroom Illustrator InDesign Photo Mechanic Adobe Bridge
Storytelling & Research
Visual Storytelling Scriptwriting Historical Research Archival Research Interviewing Digital Content Creation
Digital Media & Workflow
Digital Asset Management Metadata Management Social Media Content YouTube Production Studio & Location Lighting Audio Production
Accomplishments
- Photograph licensed for the cover of TIME Magazine (originally photographed for Georgetown University)
- Recipient of the 2024 White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA) Award for Excellence in Student Video Journalism
- Produced a documentary-style educational video generating 500,000+ views
- Graduate Assistant mentoring undergraduate and graduate multimedia journalism students at George Washington University
- Extensive experience combining documentary storytelling, photography, motion graphics, and historical research
Timeline
Multimedia Graduate Assistant
George Washington University
08.2024 - 05.2025
Sales Associate
Pro Photo Inc.
07.2024 - 01.2025
Multimedia Producer (Freelance)
Independently Employed
06.2020 - Current
Digital Archivist
UCLA Communications Archive Lab
08.2019 - 07.2020
Staff Photographer
The Daily Bruin
09.2018 - 05.2020
Photo Editor
The Moorpark Reporter
08.2015 - 05.2018
Assistant Photography Intern
Celebrity Photo Agency
01.2015 - 03.2020
Master of Arts - New Media Photojournalism
George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)