Photographic technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in photography or digital imaging.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

In professional labs, archive stores and picture libraries, you'll usually need formal qualifications in photography like:

• Level 2 Diploma in Photography and Graphics
• A Level Photography
• Level 3 Certificate in Art and Design (photography option)
• Level 3 Diploma in Photography

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this role, for example, a Photographer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship takes around 1 year and 6 months to complete, and is a mix of training in the workplace and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to work as a photographic technician. For work in high street mini-labs, you'll need basic computer skills and an interest in photography. You don't always need formal qualifications, but some employers may prefer you to have GCSEs.

For print finishing, you'll usually need practical skills in woodworking and picture framing.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to read English
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• a desire to help people
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools

What you'll do:

Photographic technicians help photographers and produce images from digital files.

Typically you could:

• transfer image files into a desktop publishing application
• edit and adjust for good picture quality
• print images onto photographic paper, canvas or other materials
• quality check prints
• deal with customers, give advice and take payments
• help photographers during photo shoots
• check and maintain equipment like cameras and printers

Location : You could work at a store or in a creative studio.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £29,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

You could work in specialist photographic processing work with organisations like the Police, NHS or university photography labs.

With experience, you could move into management.

You could also choose to start your own photographic business or open a franchise to run a mini-lab.