Both amateur and professional photographers rely heavily on
photographic process workers and processing machine operators to develop
film, make prints or slides, and do related tasks, such as enlarging or
retouching photographs. Photographic processing machine operators
operate various machines, such as mounting presses and motion picture
film printing, photographic printing, and film developing machines. Photographic
process workers perform more delicate tasks, such as retouching
photographic negatives and prints to emphasize or correct specific
features.
Photographic processing machine operators often have specialized
jobs. Film process technicians operate machines that develop
exposed photographic film or sensitized paper in a series of chemical
and water baths to produce negative or positive images. First,
technicians mix developing and fixing solutions, following a formula.
They then load the film in the machine, which immerses the exposed film
in a developer solution. This brings out the latent image. The next
steps include immersing the negative in a stop-bath to halt the
developer action, transferring it to a hyposolution to fix the image,
and then immersing it in water to remove the chemicals. The technician
then dries the film. In some cases, these steps are performed by hand.
Color printer operators control equipment that produces color
prints from negatives. These workers read customer instructions to
determine processing requirements. They load film into color printing
equipment, examine negatives to determine equipment control settings,
set controls, and produce a specified number of prints. Finally, they
inspect the finished prints for defects, remove any that are found, and
insert the processed negatives and prints into an envelope for return to
the customer.
Photographic process workers, sometimes known as digital imaging
technicians, use computer images of conventional negatives and
specialized computer software to vary the contrast of images, remove
unwanted background, or combine features from different photographs.
Although computers and digital technology are replacing much manual
work, some photographic process workers, especially those who work in
portrait studios, still perform many specialized tasks by hand directly
on the photo or negative. Airbrush artists restore damaged and
faded photographs, and may color or shade drawings to create
photographic likenesses using an airbrush. Photographic retouchers
alter photographic negatives, prints, or images to accentuate the
subject. Colorists apply oil colors to portrait photographs to
create natural, lifelike appearances. Photographic spotters
remove imperfections on photographic prints and images.
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators
generally spend their work hours in clean, appropriately lighted,
well-ventilated, and air-conditioned offices, photofinishing
laboratories, or 1-hour minilabs. In recent years, more commercial
photographic processing has been done on computers than in darkrooms,
and this trend is expected to continue.
Some photographic process workers and processing machine operators
are exposed to the chemicals and fumes associated with developing and
printing. These workers must wear rubber gloves and aprons and take
precautions against these hazards. Those who use computers for extended
periods may experience back pain, eyestrain, or fatigue.
Photographic processing machine operators must do repetitive work at
a rapid pace without any loss of accuracy. Photographic process workers
do detailed tasks, such as airbrushing and spotting, which can
contribute to eye fatigue.
Many photo laboratory employees work a 40-hour week, including
evenings and weekends, and may work overtime during peak seasons. Almost
one-fourth work part time.
Photographic process workers held about 28,000 jobs in 2002. Almost
one in four photographic process workers were employed in photofinishing
laboratories and 1-hour minilabs. More than one in six worked for
portrait studios or commercial laboratories that specialize in
processing the work of professional photographers for advertising and
other industries. An additional one in six were employed by general
merchandise stores, and one in ten in the printing, publishing, and
motion picture industries.
Photographic processing machine operators held about 54,000 jobs in
2002. About four in ten worked in retail establishments, primarily in
general merchandise stores and drug stores. About three in ten worked in
photofinishing laboratories and 1-hour minilabs. Small numbers were
employed in the printing industry and in portrait studios and commercial
laboratories that process the work of professional photographers.
Employment fluctuates somewhat over the course of the year.
Typically, employment peaks during school graduation and summer vacation
periods, and again during the winter holiday season.
Most photographic process workers and processing machine operators
receive on-the-job training from their companies, manufacturers’
representatives, and experienced workers. New employees gradually learn
to use the machines and chemicals that develop and print film.
Employers prefer applicants who are high school graduates or those
who have some experience in the field. Familiarity with computers is
essential for photographic processing machine operators. The ability to
perform simple mathematical calculations also is helpful. Photography
courses that include instruction in film processing are valuable
preparation. Such courses are available through high schools,
vocational-technical institutes, private trade schools, and colleges and
universities.
On-the-job training in photographic processing occupations can range
from just a few hours for print machine operators to several months for
photographic processing workers such as airbrush artists and colorists.
Some workers attend periodic training seminars to maintain a high level
of skill. Manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, and good vision,
including normal color perception, are important qualifications for
photographic process workers.
Photographic process machine workers can sometimes advance from jobs
as machine operators to supervisory positions in laboratories or to
management positions within retail stores.
Slower than average growth
is expected for photographic process workers and processing machine
operators through the year 2012. Most openings will result from
replacement needs, which are higher for machine operators than for
photographic process workers.
In recent years, the use of digital cameras, which use electronic
memory rather than film to record images, has grown rapidly among
professional photographers and advanced amateurs. As the cost of digital
photography drops, the use of such cameras will become more widespread
among amateur photographers, reducing the demand for traditional
photographic processing machine operators. However, conventional
cameras, which use film to record images, are expected to continue to be
the camera of choice among most casual photographers. Population growth
and the popularity of amateur and family photography will contribute to
a continuing need for photographic processing machine operators to
process the film used in conventional cameras, including increasingly
sophisticated disposable cameras. This need will prevent what otherwise
would be even slower growth in the number of these workers.
Digital photography also will reduce demand for photographic process
workers. Using digital cameras and technology, consumers who have a
personal computer and the proper software will be able to download and
view pictures on their computer, as well as manipulate, correct, and
retouch their own photographs. No matter what improvements occur in
camera technology, though, some photographic processing tasks will still
require skillful manual treatment. Moreover, not all consumers will want
to invest in the software. Job opportunities will be best for
individuals with experience using computers and digital technology.
Earnings of photographic process workers vary greatly depending on
skill level, experience, and geographic location. Median hourly earnings
for photographic process workers were $9.72 in 2002. The middle 50
percent earned between $7.84 and $13.08. The lowest 10 percent earned
less than $6.79, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $17.43.
Median hourly earnings were $9.75 in photofinishing laboratories, the
largest employer of photographic process workers.
Median hourly earning for photographic processing machine operators
were $9.05 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $7.53 and
$11.63. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $6.53, and the highest 10
percent earned more than $15.60. Median hourly earnings in the two
industries employing the largest numbers of photographic processing
machine operators were $10.15 in photofinishing laboratories and $7.20
in health and personal care stores.
Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics,
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
2004-05 Edition,
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/
ocos241.htm
(visited January 27, 2005).
