Photographic technician jobs

Photographic technologists prepare pictures for output as photographic prints or on other media such as posters, banners, or t-shirts. These images may also be processed for output as photographic negatives. Photographic technicians working for major firms often focus their efforts on one of three areas: film processing (including developing and printing the film), digital scanning and image editing, or print finishing (laminating and mounting the prints for display).

The Work Being Done

It's possible that:

combining chemicals for the development of photographs, inserting film onto processing equipment, and adjusting settings

reviewing the negatives and making any necessary corrections before printing

use specialized software to make modifications to digital photographs.

printing photographs in big quantities with a machine or printing photographs one at a time by hand

storing digitally processed photographs on CDs, DVDs, or memory sticks (USB) for distribution to consumers or clients

performing precision checks on a consistent basis on digital and printing equipment

making use of equipment for precise cutting and laminating, as well as mounting prints

the process of preparing and packaging photos for presentation in exhibits and shows

if working for a retail organization, doing many jobs related to providing general customer service.

There are now fewer employment available in film processing due to the widespread use of digital photography.

Pay

The following numbers should only be used as a reference. The following factors may have an impact on one's salary:

where you make a living

the magnitude of the business or organization for which you work.

the level of competition for the job.

The National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage is often used as a benchmark for determining salaries in retail organizations like supermarkets and other grocery stores. Employees aged 18 to 20 are eligible for the National Minimum Wage of £6.15 per hour as of the 1st of April 2019, whereas workers aged 21 to 24 are eligible for the higher rate of £7.70 per hour. Workers aged 25 and older are eligible for the National Living Wage of £8.21 per hour.

In the United Kingdom, entry-level earnings for specialized photography technicians who work in laboratories often fall between between £14,000 and £18,000 per year. This is the typical range. With additional years of experience comes the opportunity for salary increases that may exceed £30,000 per year.

There are several photographers who also have their own businesses. The processing of films will incur a price from you. They often sell photography goods in an effort to assist in the process of increasing their revenue.

Conditions

Working with digital photography requires extensive amounts of time spent seated in front of a computer.

When processing film in the conventional manner, you can operate in a laboratory.

The use of modern technology has reduced the amount of time spent working in a darkroom to almost nothing.

There are still classic facilities out there that process film using chemicals. When working with chemicals, you are required to wear safety clothes and equipment, such as goggles and gloves.

The practice of working in shifts is typical in many labs.

When there are deadlines that need to be met, it is possible that you may need to put in extra hours of labor.

You would engage in face-to-face interaction with consumers if you worked in a retail setting.

Getting In

It is not always necessary to possess formal credentials in order to get immediate job. However, certain businesses may favor applicants who have completed English, mathematics, and science courses at the National 4 or 5 level.

Having prior experience in photography is beneficial.

Since most photography is now done digitally, having proficiency with computers is essential.

Having a degree or certification in photography might be beneficial. There are classes available for students at all of these different levels: NC, NQ, HNC, HND, and degrees.

It's possible that you won't need any official credentials to enroll in an NC or NQ, however some institutions do need students to have completed up to four topics at the National 4 or 5 level. HNCs and HNDs require students to have 1-3 Highers or an NC or NQ, whereas degree programs call for students to have 3-5 Highers. Because of the intense competition for available spots, the entrance standards can be raised even higher.

Studying for a suitable Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6, such as Creative and Digital Media, may give work experience and may be accepted as entrance to a study or career. This can be beneficial for students. The criteria to enter a college might differ from one institution to another, but in general, you will need certain courses at the National 5 level, including English and Mathematics.

A strong portfolio of previous work is necessary for admission to the majority of photography schools as well as for many careers in the field.

You may get a job in a photography shop on the high street, at a grocery store that has a picture processing section, or at a specialized firm.

What are the Prerequisites?

You were supposed to have:

a fascination in operating different types of equipment

capabilities in the real world

proficiency in using computers

an attitude that is responsible and a consciousness of the health and safety problems at hand – It's possible you're making use of chemicals.

patience, as well as a focused and resolute mind

precision: errors might result in the destruction of photographs, which could not be reproduced.

the capacity to continue working despite adverse conditions

talents in providing excellent service to customers.

Training

In most cases, training takes place on the job.

It's possible that the manufacturers of the processing equipment provide short courses that you may participate in.

Getting On

You might begin your career as an entry-level employee or an apprentice and eventually work your way up to the position of photographic technician.

When working for a bigger company, there is a possibility that you may be promoted to senior technician.

You may work at a laboratory in a managerial capacity.

After gaining expertise, you can consider starting your own company and even purchasing a film processing franchise.