Benjamin J. Hager

814.441.4065 • benjaminjhager@gmail.com • benjaminhager.com

SKILL SETS

I have a proven track record of success attributed to my work ethic, professionalism, leadership skills and ability to generate and maintain client relationships. I’m an exceptional communicator, both through my photography and writing, and excel in fast-paced, deadline-oriented environments. I adapt easily to new challenges and technology, and am proficient in most Mac and PC-based platforms including Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE


Photo Director/City Manager


Printroom, San Francisco/Dallas, CA/TX - September 2008 - Current

Director of Photography/staff photographer for the Harlem Globetrotter’s domestic tour schedule, responsible for team photography ranging from game action, public/media relations and event content. Research, book and train freelance photographers for all major venues in upwards of 150+ cities, upload 1000-5000 daily photos to team website and track/fulfill product orders while working seven days-a-week, 12-16 hours per day. Currently city manager for national photo operation centered around music/entertainment photography.

Photojournalist

The Sun, Yuma, AZ- January 2007 to May 2008

Photojournalist for 60,000-circulation publication/magazine writing and photographing 4-8 daily assignments. Completed three independent, award-winning multimedia pieces increasing web viewership by 25%, and was a major contributing factor in 10% circulation increase over one year span. Won three awards from the National Press Photographers Association for “Best Use of Photography” while writing, editing, producing and photographing content overseas with the British Royal Navy. Won “Photo of the Week” 27 times and “Photo of the Month” 9 times and was in regional consideration for national photo of the year award.

Photojournalist

The Journal-Star, Peoria, IL- December 2006 to February 2007

Intern at 85,000+ circulation publication with the responsibilities of a full staff photojournalist. Introduced to multimedia and online presentations, using programs such as Soundslides, Flash and Final Cut Pro.

Photojournalist

Times-News, Erie, PA- July 2006 to December 2006

Intern with responsibilities of daily photojournalist for 75,000-circulation publication that won “PA Newspaper of the Year” for large markets. Worked in variety of editorial, visual and multimedia programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Mediagrid, Photoboard, Flash, Final Cut Pro, PowerPoint, Soundslides, Outlook and Excel to create dynamic content for print and web use. Worked closely with Times-News clients to conceptualize and execute creative and effective advertising content for local and national vendors. Over course of internship, worked seven-days-a-week generating dynamic, hard-hitting content while developing an award-winning portfolio that earned national acclaim/awards with NPPA and a staff position in Arizona.

Media Planner

Rural Leadership Program, State College, PA- December 2005 to July 2006

Media planner for Penn State University's Rural Leadership Program (RULE) providing editorial content, press releases, articles, photography, page design, corporate event planning, community outreach and conference coordination. Used variety of syndicated research tools such as Simmons, CMR, MARS and Lexis/Nexus to perform market research relevant to program needs. Increased media coverage of Harrisburg conference by 40% through innovative pre-event marketing packages, multimedia presentations and client outreach. Effectively and confidently instructed program participants in areas of writing, coordination and photography during PA Youth Conservation Leadership Corps. Left position at the end of contract.

EDUCATION

B.A. Journalism

California State University, San Francisco, CA

Economics

Penn State University, State College, PA

Art Direction/Copy Writing

Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA

Activities & Awards

Digital Photography Instructor

PA Youth Conservation Leadership Corps, 2006

Photostory of the Year

Xpress Magazine, 2005

Editorial of the Year

Xpress Newspaper, 2004

Erie Community Service Award

Diehl School District, 2000

Letter of Commendation

United States Marine Corps, 1999

Company C Honor Graduate

United States Marine Corps, 1998

Published In:

The Associated Press, Bloomberg News, Yuma Sun, Gwinnett Daily Post, Peoria Journal-Star, Erie Times-News, Centre Daily Times, Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle.