Explore the different ways to get into this role.
How to become a photographic technician
You can get into this job through:
* a university course
* a college course
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in photography or digital imaging.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
* 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
In professional labs, archive stores and picture libraries, you'll usually need formal qualifications in photography like:
* Level 2 Diploma in Photography and Graphics
* Level 3 Certificate in Art and Design (photography option)
* Level 3 Diploma in Photography
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
* 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
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
You'll usually need:
* 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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.
More Information
Computer skills and knowledge of desktop publishing software are important as most photographic processing work is now digital.
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
* 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
* the ability to work well with your hands
* to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
* check and maintain equipment like cameras and printers
Working environment
You could work at a store or in a creative studio.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.
Career path and progression
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.
Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a photographic technician right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
* Provider: BISHOP RAMSEY CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL
The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.
#J-18808-Ljbffr