Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
In the Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators occupation, workers perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. Expect to select digital images for printing, specify number of images to be printed, and direct to printer, using computer software. Its interest code is RCA. Realistic leads at 5.5 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Conventional next at 5.2. Plan on a few months to a year of learning on the job; O*NET labels this some preparation. Strength in operations monitoring, quality control analysis, and active listening helps most here. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need helping, teaching or caring for people.
What they do
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.
Main tasks
- Select digital images for printing, specify number of images to be printed, and direct to printer, using computer software.
- Create prints according to customer specifications and laboratory protocols.
- Produce color or black-and-white photographs, negatives, or slides, applying standard photographic reproduction techniques and procedures.
- Set or adjust machine controls, according to specifications, type of operation, or material requirements.
- Review computer-processed digital images for quality.
- Operate scanners or related computer equipment to digitize negatives, photographic prints, or other images.
Skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
- You are comfortable relying on operations monitoring and quality control analysis.
May not suit you if
- You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
- You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.1 out of 7 here.
- You want a career built on years of advanced study.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCA takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.
Preparation
Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Digital Printer Operator
- Film Processor
- Film Technician
- Lab Technician
- Photo Lab Specialist
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.