Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Amateur and professional photographers rely on photographic process workers and processing machine operators for their film developing needs. Due to the growth in digital photography, individuals with computer and digital technology experience will have a definite advantage.
Film and Photography Schools
Career Opportunities
Photographic processing machine workers are responsible for operating machines. These include film developing machines, photographic printing machines, and mounting presses. Two specialized jobs within this field are a film process technician and color printer operator. A film process technician develops exposed film. Technicians follow specific procedures to produce negative or positive images. A machine immerses loaded film into a prepared solution bringing out the image. The negatives are then immersed in other chemicals to stop development, rinsed with water and allowed to dry. In some cases, these steps must be performed by hand. A color printer operator utilizes machines that turn negatives into color prints. The operator loads film into the machine, adjusts settings, and produces the specified number of prints. Customer directions should be followed to ensure satisfaction. Photographic process workers are also known as digital imaging technicians. They typically perform more detailed and delicate tasks than process machine workers. Unwanted backgrounds are eliminated and different photograph features are combined through the use of computer software. Some work is still done by hand, especially in photography studios. Airbrush artists restore damaged photos. Colorists use oil colors to enhance portrait photographs. Photographic spotters remove imperfections.
Necessary Qualifications
A high school education is required for work as photographic process workers and processing machine operators. Most candidates gain experience through on the job training. However, high school courses in math, photography, and computers are beneficial. Manual dexterity and good eye-hand coordination are important skills. Candidates should be prepared to do repetitive work while maintaining consistency. Often, work is done in one-hour photo labs, requiring quick turnaround.
Earnings and Advancement
Advancement is limited in this field. Some workers are promoted to supervisory positions in photo labs. Retail stores may promote workers to managerial jobs. Photo processing labs are the largest group of employers for photographic process workers. Earnings in labs are about $9.75 per hour. However, in other locations and larger companies, earnings range up to $17.00 per hour. Photographic processing machine operators earn between $7.00 and $15.00 hourly. Photo labs generally pay about $10.00 per hour. Typical workweeks consist of forty hours, including nights and weekends. Overtime is common during peak seasons.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators.
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copyright 2005
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