Aaron F. Anderson
I’m a 26 year old photographer, photo darkroom professional, administrative assistant, and general DIY hobbyist!
I am currently employed at the Harvey Milk Photo Center where I help operate the largest publicly run black and white photo darkroom in the United States.
Contact Information
Work Experience
Photo Darkroom Manager/Facility Assistant
Harvey Milk Photo Center, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department
August 2021 – Present
In August 2021, I was transferred to Harvey Milk Photo Center to work in a full time position to reopen and help run the photo darkroom at the center after an 18 month COVID-related closure.
In my time at the Photo Center, I’ve learned a great deal about operating a black and white photo darkroom and have taken on many responsibilities to assist the San Francisco Bay Area public in creating their photos and prints in a safe, professional, fun, and efficient way.
My duties at the Photo Center include:
- Managing darkroom operations, including chemical mixing, maintenance, inventory, and cleanup.
- Orientating new users of the space to the rules and regulations involved with the facility
- Assisting the Facility Manager with day-to-day tasks
- Writing instructional guides and documents for coworkers and members of the public
- Monitoring the front desk to provide information and services to visitors, staff, and callers
- Creating and distributing signage for notices, events, and classes
- Writing programs in Python to automate repetitive tasks and improve workflow
- Designing and 3D printing parts needed at the center and in the darkroom
Child Care/Disaster Service Worker
Mission Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department
September 2020 – June 2021
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, my work for SF Recreation and Park shifted to focus on child care as I was activated as a Disaster Service Worker for the City of San Francisco. I was assigned to work at the Mission Arts Center, where a de-facto child care center was established for families in need of childcare throughout the school year when schools were closed for the 2020-2021 school year. After the school year ended, I returned to the Randall Museum.
- Provided childcare services for children from kindergarten to 8th grade.
- Managed the schedules of up to 12 students.
- Taught students about safety practices during the pandemic.
- Created and conducted fun art projects.
- Assisted students with their distance learning
Museum Associate/Facility Assistant
Randall Museum, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department
August 2018 – August 2021
In August 2018, I started work at the Randall Museum, which is an art and ecology museum run as a collaboration between the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRPD) and the non-profit organization Randall Museum Friends.
- Assisted staff with various tasks involved in museum operations
- Managed attendance data of the museum and its various classes
- Performed general event staff duties, including setup and cleanup.
- Wrote computer programs to reduce repetitive tasks
- Performed miscellaneous maintenance tasks
Art Teacher/Darkroom Attendant
Harvey Milk Center for the Arts/Harvey Milk Photo Center, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department,
April 2017 – December 2018
- Created and taught summer and after-school photography classes for children ages 6 to 17.
- Black and white darkroom setup, breakdown, and clean up.
- Set up and cleaned digital lab equipment
- Maintained film scanners and inkjet printers
AmeriCorps Member for SFUSD
Sheridan Elementary, San Francisco, CA
The Corporation for National and Community Service/San Francisco Unified School District
November 2015 – July 2016
- Facilitated Mentoring For Success (MFS) program
- Recruited volunteers to serve as mentors
- Provided in-class support to students including behavioral support
- Created a newspaper club for upper grade students
Internships
- Photography Teacher’s Assistant, Youth Art Exchange (August 2015 – June 2016)
- Darkroom Intern, Rayko Photo Center (June 2015 – September 2015)
Skills
Photographer
As a photographer with over 12 years of experience, I specialize in analog photography, including the use of darkroom techniques and processes to produce fine art and expressive images.
Problem Solver
I have a natural inclination to find order in complex situations, and I am adept at identifying issues and developing solutions. I am detail-oriented and persistent in my approach to problem-solving, making me confident in my ability to apply these skills to any situation.
Quick Learner
I am a curious and attentive person who always seeks out new challenges and opportunities to expand my skillsets. I am always eager to take on new challenges as I believe they’re a great way to grow and learn, and I am constantly seeking ways to step out of my comfort zone and develop as a person.
Excellent at writing documentation
I am an excellent writer and have a strong ability to create clear and concise documentation and guides for both coworkers and members of the public. I’ve written instructional guides for many audiences, from museum visitors to colleagues. I take pride in my ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that is easy for others to understand, and I am always looking for ways to improve my writing skills.
Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
As a seasoned photographer, I have extensive experience using the Adobe suite of photo apps, particularly Photoshop and Lightroom. Using these tools, I can enhance and edit images to create stunning visuals that capture the essence of a moment or mood.
Microsoft Office Suite
I have extensive experience using Microsoft Excel, primarily for visual and small calculations purposes, as well as for management. I have used Excel to calculate supplies and keep track of information about the places I work, as well as creating dynamic documents to help with information overload and decision making.
I am also a long term user of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
Notion
Notion is a tool that I use extensively to organize my work and personal life. I have experience using Notion to track tasks, projects, and notes, and I am comfortable with its various features, including databases, templates, and integrations. Notion has been a valuable asset in both my personal and professional life.
Multi-platform proficiency
One of my core strengths is my proficiency in using various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Through my experience, I have developed a deep understanding of their functionalities, enabling me to work efficiently and effectively across multiple devices. Whether I am using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, I am confident in my ability to navigate the operating system and perform various tasks with ease. This proficiency has been a valuable asset in both my personal and professional life, allowing me to adapt to different environments and technologies quickly.
Python
I use Python to write programs that make my work and my coworkers’ work easier and more efficient. You can examples of this on my GitHub.