NY Liberty - Photo Services Coordinator


		Shooting at Westminster
		Serving Turkey
		Baby Phat Show
		Alicia Keys at Radio City

While, it is probably a job that many people would never associate with a sports franchise, the photo administrator handles the day-to-day duties of a very busy team photo department and photo library, or database. Sarah Miller, not only photographs events for the team as necessary, but she helps edit, categorize and distribute “key” shots to the media and to other departments within the Liberty organization.

“When I arrive, I sort through shoots from the night before, send out film if necessary, or copy digital photos onto the computer,” explains Sarah of her typical day. “I also clean up and organize the equipment, and check my email for photo requests. Throughout the day, I guide our requests through scanning and printing and assist the head photographer and department director,” she adds.

A Lot To Learn

A strong knowledge of computers, Adobe Photoshop, scanners and photo printers are all required to work in most team photo departments. “I am constantly taking courses to learn new skills for handling digital photography,” says Sarah, adding that it is also important to have a firm grasp on photography and different kinds of cameras.

Along with photography skills, both in studio and in the field, as well as computer skills, it is important to be well organized and have knowledge of sports and current entertainment events. “You also need to be thorough, detail oriented and be a good problem solver. Great communication skills are very important because we are a good team in this department,” explains Sarah, who began as a freelancer, before becoming a temp employee and finally a full time staffer.

Going Abroad

Sarah, majored in photojournalism at Boston University’s School of Communications, and received a Bachelor of Science. She also studied at the Speos School for Photography in Paris, France. “Traveling was an important experience that prepared me by giving me tools to cope with different kinds of situations,” says Sarah, who was inspired to pursue photography because of the power of the medium. “While catching your eye, it also has the potential to tell a very deep story and this fascinated me,” she explains.

For students who would like to be part of a photo department, for a team, or elsewhere, Sarah explains that it is very important to be orderly, especially when dealing with a master storage system that might contain tens of thousands of images. Also, becoming familiar with the field in which you have an interest is very important. “Even if you’re not the best at it, know who is and try to understand why they excel,” says Sarah.