Photographic Technician
What is the work like?
Photographic technicians develop film and print photographs or convert them into digital images. They can work for large photofinishing operations, professional film processing laboratories, or in retail mini-labs on the high street.
As a photo processing technician in a large processing lab or mini-lab, you would:
- use computerised equipment to print customers' films onto photographic paper or scan them onto a disc
- adjust processing where necessary, to take lighting conditions or film exposure into account
- quality check prints, pack them into envelopes and label them for customers
- follow health and safety guidelines for working with chemicals
- check and maintain equipment.
In some professional labs you may use traditional darkroom techniques for hand printing. In most high street stores you would also have retail duties such as taking payment from customers, and selling films and camera equipment.
As a digital imaging technician, you would work for professional photofinishing labs and picture libraries. You would:
- discuss the format and finish of the image with customers
- scan images into a computer
- use specialised software to manipulate the images
- crop, resize, correct colour where necessary
- print the images onto suitable paper, load them onto a website or e-mail them to the customer
- build up image banks.
As a print finisher, you would use laminating and precision cutting equipment to cut, mount and frame large-size prints. You might work for a printing company or photo processing lab.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
The qualifications, skills and experience you need for photographic technician jobs can vary according to the type of processing involved.
For semi-skilled work in high street mini-labs, you will need basic computer skills and an interest in photography. You do not always need formal qualifications, but some employers may prefer you to have GCSEs including maths and science, or qualifications of a similar level.
In professional labs, you are more likely to need formal qualifications in photography such as the BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design (Photography), or a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree in photography.
To work in digital imaging, you will need experience of desktop publishing packages such as Photoshop, Quark, Illustrator or InDesign, and you will find it useful to have Apple Macintosh (Mac) computer skills. You may have an advantage with a HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree in photography or graphic design.
For print finishing, you will usually need practical skills such as woodwork or picture framing.
You may be able to get into this industry through a photo imaging Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
Your training will usually be a mixture of learning on the job from experienced staff, and attending short courses run by equipment manufacturers.
You may also have the opportunity to work towards NVQs at levels 2, 3 and 4 in Photo-imaging. Levels 2 and 3 include optional units on photo processing in retail mini-labs or photographic laboratories, if these are relevant to your job.
You could also take short courses in digital imaging skills, such as Photoshop, toning and tinting. You can search for relevant courses on Skillset's website.
Where can I go for more information?
Oxford Road
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP19 8EY
Tel: 01296 336367
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
London
EC2A 4QS
Tel: 020 7739 6669
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £12,000 a year.
- With experience and skills this can rise to between £15,000 and £25,000.
- Skilled digital imaging technicians can earn up to £35,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working environment could be a photographic laboratory, darkroom or high street shop. You would wear protective gloves and clothing when handling chemicals. Print finishing can involve physical work, such as lifting large picture frames.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good colour vision and an eye for tone and shade
- accuracy and attention to detail
- an interest in photography
- basic mathematical skills
- good computer skills
- practical skills, for operating machinery and diagnosing faults
- good communication and customer service skills
- creativity and design skills, if working in digital imaging.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for large photo-processing companies, high street franchises, specialist professional labs and picture libraries. There may also be opportunities in graphic design studios, hospitals and universities and colleges.
Jobs may be advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus, and photography magazines and websites.
With experience, in larger companies you could move into management. You could also choose to start your own photographic business or open a franchise to run a mini-lab.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open new window):
British Journal of Photography
Professional Photographer
Design Week
BAPLA (for work in picture libraries)
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