All careers

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

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.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Fill tanks of processing machines with solutions such as developer, dyes, stop-baths, fixers, bleaches, or washes.
  • Measure and mix chemicals to prepare solutions for processing, according to formulas.

Skills that matter

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Service Orientation
  • Speaking

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician)
  • Photo Printer
  • Photo Specialist
  • Photo Technician
  • Digital Printer Operator
  • Film Processor

Related careers

See all careers

  • Prepress Technicians and Workers

    Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers

    Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Printing Press Operators

    Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Etchers and Engravers

    Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Office Machine Operators, Except Computer

    Operate one or more of a variety of office machines, such as photocopying, photographic, and duplicating machines, or other office machines.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

    Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one