BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasPhotographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

O*NET · 51-9151.00

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

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.

Also called Air Brush Artist · Airbrush Artist · Art Tracer · Automatic Developer · Automatic Mounter · Automatic Print Developer · Black and White Printer Operator · Color Laboratory Technician
123 more

Color Printer Operator · Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator · Copy and Print Associate · Copy Camera Operator · Darkroom Technician · Developer · Developing Machine Operator · Digital Imager · Digital Imaging Technician · Digital Photo Printer · Digital Photo Technician · Digital Printer Operator · Digital Retoucher · Digital Technician · Doper · Drum Operator · Drum Worker · Enlarger · Film Cleaner · Film Color Tester · Film Cutter · Film Developer · Film Developing Machine Operator · Film Drying Machine Operator · Film Examiner · Film Inspector · Film Laboratory Technician · Film Mounter · Film Numberer · Film Printer · Film Process Operator · Film Processing Utility Worker · Film Processor · Film Reproducer · Film Splicer · Film Technician · Film Washer · Film Waxer · Full Stack Developer · Generator Technician · Hypo Splasher · Imaging Operator · Ink Technician · Joiner · Lab Technician · Laboratory Associate · Laboratory Technician · Lithography Contact Worker · Magnifier · Microfilm Processor · Microfilm Technician · Mini-Lab Operator · Motion Picture Film Examiner · Motion Picture Printer · Negative Cleaner · Negative Cutter · Negative Restorer · Negative Retoucher · Negative Spotter · Photo Colorer · Photo Finisher · Photo Lab Specialist · Photo Lab Technician · Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician) · Photo Machine Operator · Photo Mask Pattern Generator · Photo Mask Processor · Photo Print Specialist · Photo Printer · Photo Retoucher · Photo Specialist · Photo Technician · Photograph Developer · Photograph Enlarger · Photograph Finisher · Photograph Inspector · Photograph Mounter · Photograph Printer · Photograph Retoucher (Photo Retoucher) · Photograph Tinter · Photographic Colorist · Photographic Hand Developer · Photographic Plate Maker · Photographic Press Screwmaker · Photographic Printer · Photographic Process Worker · Photographic Processing Machine Operator · Photographic Reproduction Technician · Photographic Restorer · Photographic Spotter · Photographic Technician · Photography Colorist · Photography Spotter · Photostat Operator · Picture Enlarger · Print Developer · Print Finisher · Print Machine Operator · Print Retoucher · Printed Circuit Board Panels Developer · Printed Circuit Boards Contact Printer · Printer · Processor · Projection Printer · Proof Passer · Rectification Printer · Reproducer · Reproduction Machine Loader · Reproduction Specialist · Reproduction Technician · Retoucher · School Photographs Detailer · Screen Examiner · Screen Maker · Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Aligner · Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Processor · Slide Maker · Spotter · Step and Repeat Reduction Camera Operator · Take-Down Sorter · Template Reproduction Technician · Timer · X-Ray Developer

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Sound Engineering Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCARealistic · Conventional · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.49
  • C Conventional5.19
  • A Artistic2.92
  • I Investigative2.13
  • S Social1.11
  • E Enterprising1.11

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent84%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
  • Some College Courses8%
  • Bachelor's Degree5%
Related work experience
None (44%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (41%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (34%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Active Listeningbasic3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Quality Control Analysis3.42.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Service Orientation3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Speakingbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Operation and Control3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Complex Problem Solving3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • Social Perceptiveness2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Active Learningbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Persuasion2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Troubleshooting2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Coordination2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Writingbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Analysis2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Equipment Selection2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Equipment Maintenance2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Evaluation2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Repairing2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Programming2.41.6Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Mathematicsbasic2.02.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Sciencebasic1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Operations Analysis1.51.3Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Installation1.4—

Tasks

18 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Select digital images for printing, specify number of images to be printed, and direct to printer, using computer software.4.7
  2. Create prints according to customer specifications and laboratory protocols.4.6
  3. Produce color or black-and-white photographs, negatives, or slides, applying standard photographic reproduction techniques and procedures.4.5
  4. Operate scanners or related computer equipment to digitize negatives, photographic prints, or other images.4.4
  5. Review computer-processed digital images for quality.4.4
  6. Set or adjust machine controls, according to specifications, type of operation, or material requirements.4.4
  7. Fill tanks of processing machines with solutions such as developer, dyes, stop-baths, fixers, bleaches, or washes.4.3
  8. Measure and mix chemicals to prepare solutions for processing, according to formulas.4.3
  9. Examine developed prints for defects, such as broken lines, spots, or blurs.4.2
  10. Load digital images onto computers directly from cameras or from storage devices, such as flash memory cards or universal serial bus (USB) devices.4.2
  11. Operate special equipment to perform tasks such as transferring film to videotape or producing photographic enlargements.4.2
  12. Read work orders to determine required processes, techniques, materials, or equipment.4.1
Show the other 15
  1. Load circuit boards, racks or rolls of film, negatives, or printing paper into processing or printing machines.4.0
  2. Insert processed negatives and prints into envelopes for delivery to customers.3.9
  3. Monitor equipment operation to detect malfunctions.3.9
  4. Reprint originals for enlargement or in sections to be pieced together.3.9
  5. Clean or maintain photoprocessing or darkroom equipment, using ultrasonic equipment or cleaning and rinsing solutions.3.9
  6. Maintain records, such as quantities or types of processing completed, materials used, or customer charges.3.6
  7. Immerse film, negatives, paper, or prints in developing solutions, fixing solutions, and water to complete photographic development processes.4.0
  8. Examine quality of film fades or dissolves for potential color corrections, using color analyzers.3.9
  9. Thread filmstrips through densitometers or sensitometers and expose film to light to determine density of film, necessary color corrections, or light sensitivity.3.9
  10. Examine drawings, negatives, or photographic prints to determine coloring, shading, accenting, or other changes required for retouching or restoration.3.8
  11. Place sensitized paper in frames of projection printers, photostats, or other reproduction machines.3.7
  12. Upload digital images onto Web sites for customers.3.6
  13. Produce timed prints with separate densities or color settings for each scene of a production.3.5
  14. Splice broken or separated film and mount film on reels.3.1
  15. Retouch photographic negatives or original prints to correct defects.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service3.93.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and Electronics3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language3.12.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Production and Processing3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Chemistry2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Mechanical2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Sales and Marketing2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Education and Training2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Administration and Management2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Fine Arts2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Law and Government2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Design1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Administrative1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Public Safety and Security1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Communications and Media1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and Accounting1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Physics1.5—
  • Telecommunications1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.4—
  • Foreign Language1.30.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Psychology1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Building and Construction1.1—
  • Geography1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.83.8
  • Oral Comprehension3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Oral Expression3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Information Ordering3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective Attention3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Manual Dexterity3.12.8
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Clarity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Visualization3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Category Flexibility3.03.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Finger Dexterity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Speech Recognition3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Expression3.02.9
  • Time Sharing2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Originality2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Extent Flexibility2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Auditory Attention2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Fluency of Ideas2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Number Facility2.52.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Reaction Time2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of Closure2.52.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Trunk Strength2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.42.8
  • Multilimb Coordination2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Rate Control2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Stamina2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Depth Perception2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Explosive Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Gross Body Coordination1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Response Orientation1.81.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Night Vision1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.43.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.23.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information4.23.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.03.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Thinking Creatively3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.52.3Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.22.7
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.11.9Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Training and Teaching Others3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.02.8
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.82.1Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.73.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Processing Information2.72.6
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.61.7Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.61.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.62.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Developing and Building Teams2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.1
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.0
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.0
  • Time Pressure4.0
  • Spend Time Standing3.9
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls3.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team3.8

Technology

25 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot

Hot (16; 3 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Cascading style sheets CSS
  • Docker
  • Git
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • MongoDB
  • MySQL
  • SAP software
  • Structured query language SQL
  • TypeScript
Other tools (6)
  • Camera Bits Photo Mechanic
  • ExpressDigital Labtricity
  • HeliconSoft Helicon Focus
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Phase One Capture One
  • RESTful API

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Prepress Technicians and Workers
  2. Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
  3. Printing Press Operators
  4. Etchers and Engravers
  5. Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
  6. Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
  7. Semiconductor Processing Technicians
  8. Print Binding and Finishing Workers
  9. Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  10. Photographers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.