Photographic Technician

Photographic technicians convert photographs into digital images, retouching, altering and enhancing them as required. In traditional labs they also develop films and print photographs.

In large companies photographic technicians usually specialise in one particular role:

• film processing (developing and printing the film)


• digital scanning and manipulation of individual exposures (adapting or enhancing the photograph after development)
• print finishing (laminating and mounting the prints for display).

The Work

Digital Imaging Specialist

You could be:

• using a computer to download photographs or to scan film or prints


• seeing clients to discuss what they need


• changing an image by resizing, cropping or correcting exposure and colour


• designing the layout of images


• regularly checking the accuracy of digital and printing equipment


• offering a design service for exhibitions and displays.

• using precision cutting and laminating equipment


• mounting prints


• preparing and packaging images for exhibitions and displays.

• mixing chemicals to develop photos


• loading films into processing machines and setting controls


• checking that negatives are good, before printing them


• touching-up prints or negatives to remove marks


• using a machine to print photos in large numbers


• printing individual photos by hand.

Conditions

• Digital photographic work involves long periods spent sitting at a computer.


• In traditional film processing you might work in a laboratory.


• Modern techniques mean that very little time is now spent working in a darkroom.


• Some traditional labs still use chemicals to develop films. If using chemicals, you would have to wear protective clothing such as gloves and goggles.


• In many laboratories shift work is common.


• You may have to work overtime when there are deadlines to meet.

Getting In

• For direct entry to employment, you do not always need formal qualifications but employers may prefer Standard grades in English, maths and science subjects.


• Experience of photography is helpful.


• Computer skills are important as most photography is now digitised.


• For design and layout work you need to be able to use desktop publishing software such as Quark, Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign.


• It can help to have a qualification in photography. There are courses at a variety of levels - National Certificates (NCs), National Qualifications (NQs), Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and degrees.


• For entry to an NC or NQ you may not need formal qualifications, although some colleges may ask for up to 4 Standard grades. HNCs or HNDs require 1-3 Highers plus Standard grades or an NC/NQ, and degree courses require a minimum of 3 Highers and 2 Standard grades. Competition for places can raise entry requirements above the minimum.


• A good portfolio of work is also required for entry to most photography courses and many jobs.


• You need good eyesight and normal colour vision.


• If working in film developing, you should not be allergic to the chemicals used.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• interested in operating machinery


• good with your hands


• responsible and aware of health and safety issues - you may be using chemicals


• artistic, with an eye for detail, colour and layout


• patient and accurate


• careful - mistakes may lead to the loss of photos which cannot be replaced


• able to work under pressure.

Training

• Training is usually on-the-job.


• There are Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Photo Imaging: Photography at Levels 2, 3 and 4.
  
• You might attend short courses run by the makers of the processing machinery.

Getting On

• You might start as a junior or trainee, and move on to be a photographic technician.


• In larger companies you may be promoted to senior technician.


• You might become a laboratory manager.


• With experience you might set up your own business, perhaps taking up a franchise for processing films.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

The widespread use of digital cameras is likely to reduce further the amount of traditional film processing in the future.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.