PHOTOFINISHING OCCUPATIONS California Occupational Guide Number 245 Interest Area 5-C 1995
TRENDS
During the next 10 to 15 years photo compact disc (CD) technology will enable consumers to take photographs with their camera and have the option of receiving those images on a compact disc. Photographs can then be viewed and edited on a Photo CD using a desktop computer, special CD player or player connected to a television to create electronic photo albums.
Commercially, the technology has far-reaching implications for graphic designers and desktop publishers. Consequently, some workers at various photofinishing labs will be increasingly involved in the process of transferring images onto compact discs and making color corrections.
THE JOB
A photograph captures a scene by means of a chemical change in film. Exposed film contains only a potential image; it must be chemically processed to produce a photograph.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESS WORKERS, often termed darkroom workers or photo developers, measure, mix, and apply chemicals necessary to "fix" a permanent image on film. Since this image is a negative or reverse one, they must process it again to produce a print with normal hues, tones, and colors.
When film arrives at the lab, workers check it in, mark it with instructions, and send it to the darkroom for initial processing. There, they remove it from its cartridge, and place it in a series of developing and fixing solutions. Once the film has dried, photofinishing workers cut the negatives, put them in order, and place them in an enlarger to produce positive prints, each reflecting the original scene photographed. Prints, once processed, are immersed in another series of chemical solutions to bring out the image and make it permanent.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING MACHINE OPERATORS AND TENDERS operate or tend photographic processing machines, such as motion picture film printing machines, photographic printing machines, film developing machines, and mounting presses according to job specifications. In recent years more and more photographic labs have automated the film printing process. An increasing number of photofinishing functions are now being carried on "in the light." Larger photographic labs now employ more computer-controlled color-photograph printer operators.
In addition to their film processing duties, photofinishing workers may sort film, maintain records, check quality, and splice broken or separated film. In smaller photographic establishments, they may develop film and prints, and set up lights, cameras, and take pictures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Because film and machinery may be damaged by excesses of temperature, humidity and dust, photographic laboratories attempt to maintain these factors at comfortable levels. The odor of chemical solutions may be objectionable, but ventilation is usually sufficient to clear the room of annoying odors. Chemicals can be corrosive, so care must be taken when they are used. Aprons are worn to protect clothing.
Since exposed film is light sensitive, much of its processing must be done in complete darkness. Photofinishing workers must rely on their sense of touch and on audible timers in order to process film correctly. Printing and film drying can be done under partially- or fully-lighted conditions.
Many workers are employed by large processing companies; others work in processing labs operated by portrait and commercial studios, manufacturers, newspapers, and others.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Division.
These figures represent the 20 different job classifications in the broad occupational group for Photographic Process Workers which includes Photofinishing Occupations.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 1,020 Estimated number of workers in 2005 1,370 Projected Growth Percentage 1990-2005 34% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 510
The following represents the broad occupational group Photographic Processing Machine Operators and Tenders which includes Photofinishing Occupations.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 6,070 Estimated number of workers in 2005 7,590 Projected Growth Percentage 1990-2005 25% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,930
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The size of the firm and the geographical location affect the salary ranges of photofinishing workers. Starting wages may be the minimum wage, but the range can be as high as $9 for entry-level workers. Workers at the journey-level may earn from $6 to $15 and over per hour. The higher wage would more likely be paid to the worker doing the more technical aspects of photo-finishing or reproduction work. Some of the firms that employ the more technically trained worker are usually ones dealing with publicity or advertising companies.
Many of the firms have day and night shifts due to the interest shown by the public in quick overnight film processing. Night crews may receive from $.25 to $1.50 more per hour than the day crew. The normal workweek consists of 40 hours, Monday through Friday. The larger firms usually have medical and retirement plans for their workers; however, the smaller firms do not.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Few employers have rigid educational requirements for entry into the occupation, but many workers who have advanced to better jobs are high school graduates who have taken photography, chemistry, and art. Although employers will often provide on-the-job training, familiarity with film developing equipment and photographic printing equipment is helpful. Workers generally must have normal or corrected vision. Photofinishing workers who print color film must have normal color perception, oral communication skills, and the ability to read and follow instructions and work independently. Employers generally prefer their employees to be at least 18 years of age.
Community colleges located throughout the State offer photography programs in the development and printing of both black and white and color films.
ADVANCEMENT
Photofinishing workers can advance to darkroom technicians in two to five years. This may lead to promotions to photographers, supervisors, and managers depending upon their abilities and interests.
FINDING THE JOB
Applications should be placed with employers, unions, or the California State Employment Development Department. Newspaper advertisements and private employment agencies may be other sources of job leads.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Photo Marketing Association International 3000 Picture Place Jackson, Michigan 49201 (517) 788-8100
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Photographers No. 51 Photographic Equipment Repairer No. 265
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Cutter (Photofinishing) 976.685-010
Developer (Photofinishing) 976.681-010
Developer, Automatic 976.685-014
Film Developer 976.382-018
Film Laboratory Technician 976.684-014
Photo Checker and Assembler
(Photofinishing) 976.687-014
Print Developer, Automatic 976.685-026
Print Washer (Photofinishing) 976.684-022
Printer-Operator, Black and White
(Photofinishing) 976.682-014
Projection Printer (Photofinishing) 976.381-018
Reproduction Technician (Photofinishing) 976.361-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Photographic Process Workers 899140 Photographic Processing Machine-Operators and Tenders 929080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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