The development of film, preparation of prints and slides, enlarging and re-touching of photographs, and other film processing tasks are performed by photographic laboratory technicians. They service both the amateur photographer (in labs that mass-process film) and the professional photographer in independent labs or for individual studios.
All-around darkroom technicians can perform all tasks necessary to develop and print film including enlarging and retouching. They can handle black-and-white negative, color negative, or color positive work. Since color work is more difficult than black-and-white, some highly skilled technicians specialize as color technicians.
Technicians who work in photography studios often function as assistants to the photographer, setting up lights and cameras. Many future photographers begin this way, dividing their time between processing film and learning photography.
In some labs, technicians may be assisted by helpers or assistants who specialize in just one process such as developing or retouching. In large photo labs with automatic film-processing equipment, darkroom technicians supervise semiskilled workers who handle many individual tasks such as film numbering, chemical mixing, or slide mounting.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Photographic laboratory technicians are employed in all parts of the country with most job opportunities in large cities.
Photographic laboratory technicians usually work a 40-hour week. In labs that process film for amateur photographers, the summer months and several weeks after the Christmas season require considerable amounts of overtime. Jobs in this field are not physically strenuous, but many of the semiskilled jobs are repetitious and fast paced; some of the processes can cause eye fatigue.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Good eyesight and color vision are necessary as well as manual dexterity.
A high school diploma is not always necessary but can provide a good background. Chemistry and mathematics courses are valuable and any courses, part-time jobs, or amateur photography and film processing work are helpful.
Most darkroom technicians acquire their skills through on-the-job training, which takes about three years. Others attend trade or technical schools or receive their training in the armed forces.
A few junior and community colleges offer a two-year course in photographic technology leading to an associate degree. College-level training is helpful in securing supervisory and management positions.
Potential and Advancement
This job field is expected to grow significantly in spite of the increasing use of automated processing equipment and self-processing cameras. Job opportunities will be good in business and industry and in independent labs that service photographers in specialty fields.
Income
Salaries for photographic process technicians vary according to the worker's level of skill, experience, and geographic location.
Additional Sources of Information
- Photo Marketing Association International
