Director of Photography

Versant Media is seeking a seasoned and resourceful Director of Photography (DP) with deep expertise in broadcast news, EFP (Electronic Field Production) and documentary style production. The DOP will lead the visual presentation of our newscasts and all field content. This is a full-time role based out of Englewood Cliffs, NJ and reports to our Director of Field Production & Operations. This role is critical to shaping the aesthetic and technical excellence of our visual journalism, ensuring every frame supports editorial goals, elevates storytelling, and meets the fast-paced demands of a live news environment.What You’ll Do:· Partner closely with producers, reporters, promos and management to visually align field and studio content with editorial goals.· Supervise lighting, framing, and camera operations during larger scale field remotes, including breaking news, investigative, anchored shows, live Events, and pre-recorded segments.· Plan and execute creative lighting schemes tailored to both field and studio environments.· Maintain a unified visual identity across all news content, upholding both aesthetic quality and brand standards.· Develop and maintain SOPs for camera operation, file management, lighting setups, and field workflows.· Ensure all captured footage meets Versant technical broadcast standards - frame rate, compression, scene files, exposure, color grading, and audio syncing.· Adapt quickly to shifting editorial priorities, tight deadlines, and rapidly changing field conditions.· Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure camera and lighting equipment is well-maintained and fully functional.· Advance the creative vision of the Versant Field Operations Department with a focus on multi-platform storytelling.· Coach and mentor photographers; deliver feedback, lead training sessions, introduce new technologies, and support freelancer onboarding.· Help establish and enforce visual best practices; provide performance input and assist in staffing decisions.· Conduct remote site surveys, when necessary, manage technical execution of multi-camera remote productions, and ensure all logistics meet Versant Media standards.· Work closely with the Inventory Manager and Sr Mgr. of Field Operations to ensure equipment health and recommend new technologies for testing and procurement.· Perform other responsibilities as assigned by management.