Photograph Processing Workers

Career summary

Photograph processing workers may also be called photographic processing machine operators.

There are many types of photo processing workers. Most operate various machines that develop and process film or digital images. These operators begin their work by reading work orders. They examine the film, negatives, or digital photos to determine what machine settings to use. They use software to process images before sending them to print. With film or negatives, they follow formulas to mix developing and fixing solutions. They fill machine tanks with solution, load the film, and adjust the controls. These machines develop the film and produce prints or slides. Most photo process workers clean and maintain the equipment they use. They maintain records of prints or processed film and customer charges.

Other photo process workers are precision workers with specialized jobs. Each job has its specific tasks.

Film lab technicians

Film lab technicians work with motion picture film. They thread the filmstrip through a series of meters to measure film density and sensitivity to light. They expose the filmstrip to a series of lights to compare the effects of various exposure times. They compute the amount of light intensity and exposure time required for printing. They record this data and route the film for further processing.

Photo retouchers

Photo retouchers examine prints, negatives, or images, to determine what changes in color, shade, or accent need to be made. There may also be parts of the image that must be deleted. They apply paint to enhance images, or use pencil to shade the image. They may also use ink to retouch borders or lettering.

Photo reproduction technicians

Photo reproduction technicians reproduce original prints. They can also work from negatives or other printed material. They prepare the images by retouching them. They select filters, film, lens openings, and exposure times. They use cameras or printers to make reproductions.

Digital imaging technicians

Digital imaging technicians do work similar to photo retouchers and reproduction technicians. The difference is that these technicians use computer software to revise images.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bakers
• Bookbinders and Bindery Workers
• Copy Machine Operators
• Lens Grinders and Polishers
• Page Layout Workers
• Precision Assemblers
• Prepress Workers
• Printing Press Operators
• Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
• Semiconductor Processing Operators

Military careers

• Photographic Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to photograph processing workers.

• Select digital images for printing and direct to printer.
• Review computer-processed digital images for quality.
• Mix developing and fixing solutions, following formula.
• Load film into machine, adjust controls, and monitor operation.
• Read work orders. Examine digital images, film or negatives to determine machine settings.
• Thread filmstrip through series of meters and lights to determine film density and sensitivity to light.
• Compute amount of light intensity needed. Examine filmstrip to determine exposure time required for printing.
• Record data and route film for further processing.
• Examine original prints or other images to determine changes required. Examine developed prints for defects.
• Trim edges of print or cut out masking template to cover print.
• Retouch prints, negatives, or images with paint, ink, or pencil.
• Make reproductions from original prints, negatives, or other printed material.
• Select filters, film, lens openings, exposure time, and other settings.
• Use computer to vary contrast, remove background, or combine images from different photos.
• Clean and maintain photo processing equipment.
• Check film in. Maintain records of processed film and customer charges.

Common work activities

Photograph processing workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Control machines and processes
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform for or work with the public
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Think creatively
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Teach others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Monitor and control resources

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, photograph processing workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They work with equipment and materials but also interact with customers.
• When they talk to others, they usually do so by telephone or face-to-face discussions.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations in which customers may be rude or unpleasant.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work indoors.
• May work physically near others, such as within a few feet.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions and contaminants.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done.
• May repeat the same physical activities.
• Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of machinery. This applies to photo processing machine operators.
• Often work independently, making decisions by themselves.
• Set daily tasks and goals with input from a supervisor.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Schedules are usually regular.
• May be required to work weekends.
• May be required to work overtime during peak seasons.

Physical demands

Photograph processing workers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for photograph processing workers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for photograph processing workers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Photograph processing workers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Photographic, Film, and Video Technology
• Photography

Training

To work as a photograph processing worker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal training is required beyond high school.

While not required, a background in photography and computers is helpful. You can learn photography or computer skills at a professional-technical school or two-year college.

On-the-job training

Most photograph processing workers learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. Training includes:

• developing machine operation;
• chemistry; and
• developing techniques.

Training typically lasts up to one month.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be photographic specialists. Training lasts from seven to 24 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Photography

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. They also prefer applicants who have some experience with photography and cameras. Experience with computers is also helpful.

Employers also look for applicants who have good hand-eye coordination and experience providing customer service.

Tips

Courses in photography that include the basics of digital film processing are helpful. These courses are available through high schools, technical colleges, private trade schools, and adult education programs. Working on the high school newspaper and yearbook provides good experience. Get a solid foundation in black and white and color processing and digital knowledge.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Photographic Process Workers 
• Photographic Processing Machine Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary based on the skill level and education of the worker. Wages also vary by area of the country.

Most full-time photograph process workers receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Photo finishing labs
• Drug store photo finishing labs
• Photographic portrait studios

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will decline significantly. In recent years, the use of digital cameras has rapidly increased. Many cell phones have digital cameras as well. Computer programs allow people to print their own photographs at home from digital cameras. Photograph processing kiosks also reduce the need for photograph processors. Demand remains steady for professional quality printing.

Job openings will occur as people retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

The Imaging Alliance 
7600 Jericho Turnpike Suite 301
Woodbury, NY 11797

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators (51-9151.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Airbrush Artist (970.281-010) 
• Colorist, Photography (970.381-010) 
• Color-printer Operator (976.382-014) 
• Computer-controlled-color-photograph-printer Operator (976.380-010) 
• Contact Printer, Printed Circuit Boards (976.684-030) 
• Contact Worker, Lithography (976.684-038) 
• Developer (976.681-010) 
• Developer, Automatic (976.685-014) 
• Developer, Printed Circuit Board Panels (976.685-034) 
• Film Developer (976.382-018) 
• Film Laboratory Technician (976.684-014) 
• Film Laboratory Technician I (976.381-010) 
• Film Laboratory Technician II (976.685-018) 
• Film Printer (976.682-010) 
• Microfilm Processor (976.385-010) 
• Mounter, Automatic (976.685-022) 
• Photo Mask Pattern Generator (976.382-038) 
• Photo Mask Processor (976.384-014) 
• Photo Technician (976.384-010) 
• Photograph Retoucher (970.281-018) 
• Photographic Aligner, Semiconductor Wafers (976.382-030) 
• Photographic Processor, Semiconductor Wafers (976.685-038) 
• Photostat Operator (976.382-022) 
• Print Developer, Automatic (976.685-026) 
• Printer Operator, Black-and-white (976.682-014) 
• Projection Printer (976.381-018) 
• Rectification Printer (976.682-018) 
• Reproduction Technician (976.361-010) 
• Spotter, Photographic (970.381-034) 
• Step-and-repeat Reduction Camera Operator (976.382-034) 
• Take-down Sorter (976.665-010) 
• Template Reproduction Technician (976.381-022) 
• Utility Worker, Film Processing (976.685-030) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Realistic/Artistic

COPSystem

• Arts Skilled