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Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $23K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $28K
Median Salary: $34K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $47K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $61K
Demand
Core 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.
Review computer-processed digital images for quality.
Set or adjust machine controls, according to specifications, type of operation, or material requirements.
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.
Operate machines to prepare circuit boards and to expose, develop, etch, fix, wash, dry, or print film or plates.
Read work orders to determine required processes, techniques, materials, or equipment.
Immerse film, negatives, paper, or prints in developing solutions, fixing solutions, and water to complete photographic development processes.
Load circuit boards, racks or rolls of film, negatives, or printing paper into processing or printing machines.
Examine quality of film fades or dissolves for potential color corrections, using color analyzers.
Insert processed negatives and prints into envelopes for delivery to customers.
Reprint originals for enlargement or in sections to be pieced together.
Clean or maintain photoprocessing or darkroom equipment, using ultrasonic equipment or cleaning and rinsing solutions.
Monitor equipment operation to detect malfunctions.
Thread filmstrips through densitometers or sensitometers and expose film to light to determine density of film, necessary color corrections, or light sensitivity.
Examine drawings, negatives, or photographic prints to determine coloring, shading, accenting, or other changes required for retouching or restoration.
Shade negatives or photographs with pencils to smooth facial contours, soften highlights, or conceal blemishes, stray hairs, or wrinkles.
Place sensitized paper in frames of projection printers, photostats, or other reproduction machines.
Upload digital images onto Web sites for customers.
Dry prints or negatives using sponges, squeegees, mechanical air dryers, or drying cabinets.
Maintain records, such as quantities or types of processing completed, materials used, or customer charges.
Produce timed prints with separate densities or color settings for each scene of a production.
Set automatic timers, lens openings, and printer carriages to specified focus and exposure times and start exposure to duplicate originals, photographs, or negatives.
Apply paint, using airbrushes, pens, artists' brushes, cotton swabs, or gloved fingers to retouch or enhance negatives or photographs.
Splice broken or separated film and mount film on reels.
Retouch photographic negatives or original prints to correct defects.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Customer and Personal Service
79%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics
74%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
63%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and Processing
63%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Chemistry
52%
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mechanical
52%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Sales and Marketing
51%
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Education and Training
46%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics
45%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management
41%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
70%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Listening
68%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Quality Control Analysis
68%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension
65%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Service Orientation
65%
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking
65%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving
63%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
63%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
63%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control
63%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Top 10 Abilities
Near Vision
75%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
73%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Visual Color Discrimination
73%
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Oral Expression
70%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
68%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
65%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision
65%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Deductive Reasoning
65%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Flexibility of Closure
65%
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering
65%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
88%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Controlling Machines and Processes
85%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information
84%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
79%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
79%
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
78%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
75%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
74%
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
74%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
73%
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Detailed Work Activities
Load digital images onto computers or websites.
Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.
Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
Operate digital imaging equipment.
Load materials into production equipment.
Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Prepare outgoing mail.
Clean production equipment.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Record operational or production data.
Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
Apply decorative coloring to photographs or printed materials.
Position raw materials on processing or production equipment.
Operate heating or drying equipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Work Context
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Letters and Memos
How often does the job require written letters and memos?
Spend Time Walking and Running
How much does this job require walking and running?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
Education
Interests
Conventional
91%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Realistic
62%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Artistic
39%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
29%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Investigative
29%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Social
29%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
92%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Independence
87%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Cooperation
86%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
86%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Self Control
86%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Integrity
84%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility
82%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
79%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Initiative
78%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Concern for Others
77%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Work Values
Independence
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Support
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
