Photographic Process Worker / Processing Machine Operator

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Digital Printer Operator; Film Processor; Film Technician; Lab Technician; Photo Lab Specialist; Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician); Photo Printer; Photo Specialist; Photo Technician

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.
• 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.
• Load digital images onto computers directly from cameras or from storage devices, such as flash memory cards or universal serial bus (USB) devices.
• Operate special equipment to perform tasks such as transferring film to videotape or producing photographic enlargements.
• Examine developed prints for defects, such as broken lines, spots, or blurs.
• Read work orders to determine required processes, techniques, materials, or equipment.
• Load circuit boards, racks or rolls of film, negatives, or printing paper into processing or printing machines.
• Insert processed negatives and prints into envelopes for delivery to customers.
• Reprint originals for enlargement or in sections to be pieced together.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• Computers and Electronics
• Production and Processing
• English Language

Skills

• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Oral Expression
• Written Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Inductive Reasoning
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Manual Dexterity
• Speech Clarity
• Written Expression
• Category Flexibility
• Finger Dexterity
• Speech Recognition