Photographic processing assistants work in the photofinishing industry, either in photographic laboratories or specialist shops. They process film and produce photographic prints from negatives. They may also work on developed prints and transparencies and copy artwork, such as designs or drawings, onto transparencies.
Photographic processing assistants can be employed either developing and printing laboratories or professional laboratories.
In large developing and printing laboratories, photographic assistants deal with amateur film, such as holiday and family snapshots. Negatives and prints are sent by individual customers or via photographic shops to the laboratory. The assistants use high-tech machinery to process the film. They need to be confident in using computers, as laboratories use sophisticated equipment for electronic imaging, video scanning and image manipulation.
In professional developing and printing laboratories, photographic assistants deal with the work of professional photographers and business organisations. This work requires a higher standard of finishing and printing.
Some professional laboratories provide a range of services, such as:
- complicated retouching to produce special effects or colours
- copying work into different sizes or formats
- making transparencies from a number of different sources
Others specialise in particular fields such as black and white photography. A photographic processing assistant employed in a professional laboratory has more scope for creative duties, whether the work is done by hand or with the use of computers.
In both types of laboratory, photographic processing assistants sort the film and feed it into equipment that scans, develops and prints it. They adjust the printing machines to produce truer colours. Other techniques include:
- retouching prints or transparencies to get rid of blemishes
- producing multiple prints
- providing various mounts and finishes, such as turning photographs into posters or jigsaws
Digital Manipulator
After working in front of shop, one can progress to become a digital manipulator. A course in graphic design or a Photoshop diploma would be useful in this career. Digital manipulators do colour correction, and manipulate and computerise photographs. They work on photographs from film cameras, digital cameras and even phone cameras, and make photographs from old negatives or colour slides.
A typical day starts with checking the computers, clearing all the work or data that will not be used, and doing maintenance on the machines, which involves cleaning them. Then they attend a morning meeting. Throughout the day, they will do manipulations and corrections, and work to a deadline. They also may work on the retail side of the shop and advise clients, if the sales staff is unable to help them.
Satisfying Aspects
- using artistic ability
- busy and stimulating work
- learning new practical skills
Demanding aspects
- repetitive work
- being on one’s feet for most of the day
Requirements
- have good eyesight and colour vision
- have patience and good concentration
- able to pay close attention to detail
- have artistic flair as well as technical ability
- be proficient in using computers
School Subjects
There are no formal education requirements for relevant training courses though some training would be an asset. Physical Sciences and Art would be useful subjects.
Training
Training is provided mainly on-the-job or through in-house schemes. Practical experience using machinery or other industrial process work would be an advantage. Relevant courses in photography including processing and printing, are available.
Employer
- photographic processing shops
- photographic laboratories
Contact
Any of the above.