Film development technicians process the film and finish the pictures that
preserve our most important memories. They work in professional photographic
laboratories, or in smaller retail photolabs.
First, you check each roll of
exposed film to decide what kind of processing is needed. You then load the film
into a machine that automatically passes it through a series of chemical baths.
Occasionally, you may be asked to develop film manually, but increasingly, the
whole process is computer-controlled.
You are also responsible for adjusting
and maintaining equipment, and mixing and testing chemical solutions. You may
also deal directly with customers, including professional photographers.
This
job demands continuous attention to detail. A moment's inattention can ruin a
whole roll of film. You may process thousands of pictures in a day, but remember
that each one may be a treasure to its owner. It's a responsibility which you
may find rewarding if you enjoy doing a good job.
Photofinishing work is not
physically demanding, although handling chemicals is potentially dangerous. You
need to use protective clothing and to follow safety procedures.
Film development can be a stepping stone to more senior jobs in the
industry. You can advance to negative retouching or custom enlarging, which
involve greater precision applied to a smaller volume. There are opportunities
for lab managers and quality control supervisors, who must know the entire
photofinishing process and have a keen business sense. To advance, you must be
willing to learn about technology which is constantly changing and which is
increasingly computerized.
If you work in the larger laboratories you are
usually salaried. In a retail photolab, you will probably be paid by the hour.
This
job will appeal to you if you have an interest in photography and the technical
aspects of the photographic process. Since you often work without supervision,
you must be self- motivated and self-disciplines. You also need the analytical
skills to solve problems and deal with the unexpected.
To do the job well,
you need to be dependable, alert and meticulous. You should enjoy the challenge
of mastering equipment and chemical process. And you must understand the
importance of customer satisfaction.