Position Summary
Curatorial, Inc. seeks interns with strong Adobe Photoshop, photography, scanning, and digital image-capture skills to work within our museum-quality collections and research facility in Pasadena.
The primary focus of the internship is the ongoing digitization of important fine art photography archives. Interns work directly with original photographic negatives and prints, creating high-quality digital files and using Adobe Photoshop for careful tonal adjustment, color and density correction, image balancing, spotting, cropping, and preparation of archival master files.
This is a hands-on position rather than an observational internship. Interns participate directly in active collections projects under the supervision of experienced museum, photography, and collections professionals.
Additional opportunities are available in museum registration, cataloging, collections management, archival processing, research, and exhibition preparation.
- E.O. Hoppé Estate Collection
A primary project is the continuing digitization and documentation of the E.O. Hoppé Estate Collection, one of the world's foremost research archives devoted to the pioneering photographer E.O. Hoppé (1878–1972), widely regarded as one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century and described during the 1920s as "the most famous photographer in the world."
Rediscovered and recovered primarily from one of England's oldest picture libraries, the archive contains thousands of vintage negatives, photographic prints, rare publications, manuscripts, correspondence, exhibition records, and historical documents spanning more than five decades of Hoppé's career.
The collection documents vernacular architecture, portraiture, industry, travel, and everyday life across Britain, Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Today, the archive supports international scholarship, museum exhibitions, publications, institutional collaborations, and the continuing development of a comprehensive digital research archive.
Primary Responsibilities
- Scan and digitally capture original photographic negatives, transparencies, prints, and works on paper
- Use Adobe Photoshop to prepare high-quality archival image files
- Adjust tonal range, density, contrast, color balance, and overall image quality while respecting the integrity of the original photograph
- Spot and correct dust, scratches, and scanning artifacts
- Crop, size, and prepare archival master and derivative files
- Maintain consistent file naming, metadata, color-management, and digital asset standards
- Perform quality control of digitized images
- Assist with cataloging, inventory, archival rehousing, and collections database work
- Support research, exhibition, publication, and museum registration projects as required
The position provides unusual hands-on experience working with original photographic materials and learning the relationship between the physical photograph or negative and its accurate digital interpretation and preservation.
Qualifications
We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong visual sensibility and practical photography and digital imaging experience.
Preferred skills include:
- Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop
- Experience scanning, photographing, or digitally capturing photographs or artworks
- Understanding of tonal adjustment, color correction, resolution, image sizing, and file preparation
- Strong visual judgment and exceptional attention to detail
- Familiarity with photographic negatives, film, prints, or fine art photography
- Ability to work carefully with original and sometimes fragile materials
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Current undergraduate or graduate students, recent graduates, and emerging professionals in Photography, Fine Arts, Art History, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Library & Information Science, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
Previous museum experience is welcomed but not required. Practical Photoshop, photography, scanning, and image-capture skills are particularly important for our current projects.
About Curatorial, Inc.
Founded in 1987, Curatorial, Inc. is a museum services, collections management, exhibition, and scholarly research organization specializing in significant historical and contemporary art collections.
Together with its affiliated nonprofit, Curatorial Exhibitions, the organization has developed and toured more than 370 exhibitions seen by 24 million visitors throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Curatorial also manages artist estates and research archives, conducts art historical research, undertakes digitization and conservation initiatives, and develops museum exhibitions, publications, and digital research resources.
www.curatorial.org
www.eohoppe.com
Location & Schedule
Curatorial, Inc.
113 East Union Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
This is an in-person internship because the work involves direct access to original photographs, negatives, artworks, and archival materials. Remote work is not available.
Schedule:
- Approximately 16–24 hours per week
- Minimum commitment of 16 hours per week
- At least two days per week preferred
- Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments
Compensation
- Reimbursement for parking expenses
- Modest allowance for lunch expenses
- Hands-on professional experience with museum-quality collections
- Mentorship from museum, photography, and collections professionals
- Academic credit where approved by the intern's college or university
- Professional references upon successful completion
How to Apply
Please submit a résumé or CV and a brief cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience.
Candidates with Photoshop, photography, scanning, or digital image-capture experience should specifically describe these skills and are encouraged to provide examples of relevant work.
Curatorial, Inc. is committed to an inclusive and equitable workplace and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Pay: $16.00 per day
Benefits:
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
