News Field Photographer, NBCU Local Chicago

Responsibilities

• Craft visually compelling and meaningful content that informs, engages, and inspires across broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platforms.
• Operate Sony ENG-style cameras, Sony FX-series cinema systems, and DSLR/mirrorless platforms to achieve both fast-turn and cinematic visual results.
• Execute professional field lighting setups-from single-subject interviews to multi-talent productions-using portable lighting kits and creative techniques to shape tone and depth.
• Record, monitor, and troubleshoot field audio wireless microphone/IFB systems, ensuring high-quality sound capture.
• Configure and operate CBNG, and IP-based bonded-cellular field systems for live news, breaking coverage, and special events.
• Use newsroom rundown systems and media asset management platforms to organize, label, and upload content, maintaining complete metadata accuracy for efficient newsroom workflows.
• Transition seamlessly from field capture to full post-production-editing your own footage using Adobe Premiere Pro to produce professional, broadcast-ready packages.
• Edit efficiently under deadline pressure: assemble and color-correct footage, sync natural sound, build strong story pacing, mix multi-track audio, and export for multiple platforms and aspect ratios.
• Collaborate with producers, reporters, and editors to refine content, integrate feedback, and ensure consistency across NBC and Telemundo brands.
• Maintain strong communication with the newsroom and control room when working independently, proactively sharing updates and solving challenges in real time.
• Exercise excellent editorial judgment-identifying key story elements, capturing decisive visuals, and applying creative storytelling to enhance viewer engagement.
• Troubleshoot camera, audio, lighting, and transmission issues quickly and calmly while multitasking in high-pressure environments.
• Required Qualifications:
• Minimum 5 years of professional news photography experience in a mid-to-major broadcast market.
• Advanced proficiency with Sony ENG cameras, Sony FX-series cinema cameras, and DSLR/mirrorless workflows.
• Expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro, including timeline editing, color correction, multi-track audio mixing, graphics integration, and export for broadcast and digital platforms.
• Proven ability to deliver shoot-to-edit content-handling all aspects of production from field acquisition to post-production delivery.
• Strong knowledge of field lighting and audio mixing, capable of executing clean, polished productions in varied environments.
• Experience with CBNG, and other IP-based or bonded-cellular systems for live contribution.
• Understanding of newsroom rundown systems and media asset management systems for efficient ingest, tagging, and archiving.
• Valid driver's license with a clean record; ability to lift 50 lbs. of gear and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Availability to work variable schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and breaking-news call-outs.
• Desired Skills & Attributes:
• Operational experience with Fonn Saga (NRCS) and Mimir (MAM) systems.
• FAA Part 107 Drone License and field-operation experience are strong advantages.
• Outstanding communication and teamwork skills-able to collaborate closely with crews and producers while excelling independently on solo assignments.
• Highly self-sufficient, resourceful, and proactive-anticipates needs, solves problems in real time, and ensures every assignment is delivered at the highest standard.
• Strong multitasking ability-capable of managing shooting, audio, editing, live coordination, and storytelling simultaneously.
• A passionate storyteller who uses visuals, sound, and pacing to engage and captivate viewers.
• Growth-oriented mindset-actively seeks opportunities to learn, experiment, and master new technologies and workflows.
• Energized by innovation-excited to explore new gear, contribute to workflow evolution, and be part of NBC and Telemundo Chicago's future of newsgathering.
• Fluent in Spanish or experience working in bilingual newsroom environments is a plus.
• Eligibility Requirements:
• Must join NABET if not currently a memb

Additional Information

NBC and Telemundo Chicago are seeking a highly skilled and motivated News Field Photographer who is both a visual journalist and a creative technologist. This role is for someone who doesn't simply document events but crafts powerful stories -using images, sound, editing, and technology to connect with our community and viewers. The ideal candidate combines exceptional technical expertise, strong editorial instincts, and a passion for continuous growth-someone who thrives in dynamic environments, embraces emerging tools, and constantly looks for smarter, more creative, and more efficient ways to tell a story. We're looking for a professional who can work independently in the field or seamlessly within a collaborative newsroom environment-someone equally comfortable shooting, editing, lighting, and delivering broadcast-ready content across multiple platforms.

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