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, prints, and images to emphasize or correct specific features.
Processing machine operators who work with digital images first load the raw images onto a computer, either directly from the camera or, more commonly, from a storage device such as a flash card or CD. Most processing of the images is done automatically by software, but images may also be reviewed manually by the operator, who then selects the images the customer wants printed and the quantity. Some digital processors also upload images onto a Web site so that the customer can view them from a home computer and share them with others.
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 the various solutions to bring out the image. Finally they rinse 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.
Work environment. Photographic process workers and processing machine operators generally work in clean, appropriately lighted, well-ventilated, and air-conditioned offices, photofinishing laboratories, or one-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 accurately and at a rapid pace. Photographic process workers do detailed tasks, such as airbrushing and spotting, which can contribute to eye fatigue.
| 1. | Remove completed work from equipment. |
| 2. | Place film in labeled containers, or number film for identification, by hand or by using numbering machines. |
| 3. | Read work orders and examine negatives and film in order to determine machine settings and processing requirements. |
| 4. | Insert processed negatives and prints into envelopes so that they can be returned to customers. |
| 5. | Load circuit boards, racks or rolls of film, negatives, and/or printing paper into processing or printing machines. |
| 6. | Fill tanks of processing machines with solutions such as developer, dyes, stop-baths, fixers, bleaches, and washes. |
| 7. | Sort film to be developed according to criteria such as film type or completion date. |
| 8. | Measure and mix chemicals to prepare solutions for processing, according to formulas. |
| 9. | Monitor equipment operation to detect malfunctions. |
| 10. | Clean and maintain photoprocessing equipment, using cleaning and rinsing solutions and ultrasonic equipment. |
| 11. | Operate special equipment to perform tasks such as transferring film to videotape or producing photographic enlargements. |
| 12. | Set and adjust machine controls, according to specifications, type of operation, and material requirements. |
| 13. | Maintain records such as quantities and types of processing completed, rate of materials usage, and customer charges. |
| 14. | Start and operate machines to prepare circuit boards and to expose, develop, etch, fix, wash, dry, and print film or plates. |
| 15. | Inspect film or circuit patterns on photographic plates to locate any defects; discard defective products or repair them, using cleaning solutions and hand tools. |
| 16. | Splice broken or separated film, and mount film on reels. |
| 17. | Retouch photographic negatives or original prints to correct defects. |
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