Minilab Operator
Machine Print Operators are skilled laboratory technicians who produce high quality photographic prints on a variety of materials to meet the exacting requirements of photographers and graphic designers. They are responsible for controlling and maintaining some or all of the computerised equipment in the modern professional laboratory.
Operators will often be expected to discuss the processing of film and the printing of images with photographers and designers and may also need to have some digital imaging skills (see the Skillset Job Profile for Digital Imaging Specialist). Most Machine Print Operators are employees who work normal hours and receive a regular wage.
What is the job?
Machine Print Operators are skilled technicians who perform some or all of the roles formerly performed by the film processing technician and the photographic printer. As such they will often be expected to combine knowledge of traditional photographic processing and printing skills with the operation of sophisticated laboratory equipment. These include minilab processing and printing and other digital imaging equipment as well as other wide-format or professional inkjet printers. While most of these processes are computer-controlled, the Machine Print Operator is responsible for setting, monitoring, adjusting and calibrating these machines - as well as refilling paper, ink and chemicals as required.
Their duties usually combine activities in the following four areas:
Printing - Operators use traditional chemical photographic processes to produce high-quality prints from digital or film based origination. The resulting photographs have the same resolution and durability as traditional photographic prints since the same processes are used. Operators must adjust the filtration and length of exposure to achieve the best possible print.
Large format printing - Operators will be expected to use specialist machinery for the printing of billboard, large format and poster displays, as well as for fine-art canvases, banners and exhibition stands. Photographic images are either printed on photographic paper, or on one of the wide range of surfaces available using inkjet type printers.
Film Processing - Though most photo images are now digitally originated, professional laboratories still process and print from film where required. Operators use computer-controlled equipment to process films before printing, or scanning and transferring onto a disc. Processing can be adjusted to take into account the lighting conditions and exposure of the film, to ensure the highest quality product. Operators will also be expected to check, label and sleeve prints or discs for customers.
Digital Imaging - Machine Print Operators is some labs may be expected to carry our some photo-retouching, re-cropping, design and layout work using standard photo imaging software packages such as Adobe Photoshop, Aperture, Adobe Illustrator and InDesign (see the Skillset Job Profile for Digital Imaging Specialist - Laboratory for further details).
In larger laboratories technicians may specialise in the operation of one particular machine.
Occasionally, Machine Print Operators may also be asked to help mount prints onto special board or card, for advertising or display purposes. However, in larger laboratories this will be the job of a dedicated Print Finishing Technician (see the Skillset Job Profile for this role). It is also worth noting that a few laboratories still specialise in the hand printing and finishing of photographic images.
The majority of Machine Print Operators are employees who work a regular 38-40 hour week, Monday to Friday, although shift work may be required in some larger laboratories. The laboratory environment needs to be clean and dust free, and gloves and protective clothing are often worn when handling films or prints and always when working with chemicals.
Typical career routes
The most common route into becoming a Machine Print Operator is to first gain experience as a Minilab Operator in a photo retail environment (see the Skillset Job Profile for Minilab Operator - Photo Retail). Most professional laboratories will also ask that applicants should have an outgoing customer-oriented manner, an interest in photography and a willingness to learn. On the job training on additional equipment (e.g. inkjet and large format printers) will usually be provided in-house at the laboratory or with the supplier.
Print Machine Operators who develop a good understanding of all the equipment, processes and the workflow within a professional laboratory may be promoted to senior technician (in larger labs) or to Lab Manager (see the Skillset Job Profile for Lab Manager).
Essential knowledge and skills
To work effectively Machine Print Operators need to combine a wide variety of manual and technical skills - and should enjoy working with people as well as machines. They need to appreciate the value of the images and films to the photographer or designer and have a good eye for colour, contrast, ratios and density when preparing images for print.
Machine Print Operators should be well-organised and familiar with computers (both Mac and PC), computer-operated laboratory equipment and the use of digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop. They should have strong analytical and mechanical skills in order to monitor and maintain machines and diagnose faults. They need good mathematical skills to calculate processing times, exposures and film speeds. They should be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines, without compromising quality, and have the ability to deal with difficult and sometimes unexpected situations.
It is vital that Machine Print Operators maintain concentration at all times to ensure that they consistently achieve the laboratory's quality standards and prevent damage to films and valuable equipment. They must be confident and knowledgeable when dealing with clients, and be able to interpret instructions accurately.
Technicians need to be aware of Health & Safety issues when dealing with machinery and chemicals.
There are National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Photo Imaging. These give a detailed breakdown of the knowledge, awareness and skills needed to effectively carry out a particular job role. The NOS relevant to this job are listed at the end of this profile.
Training and qualifications
No formal qualifications are required to become a Machine Print Operator, though applicants may well have received previous training on minilab equipment in a retail environment (see Job Profile for Minilab Operator - Photo Retail). Laboratories usually ask that applicants for this role have an interest in photography and good computer skills. Training and qualifications in the use of photo imaging and desktop publishing software, such as Photoshop, Quark, Illustrator or InDesign may also be useful.
Machine Print Operators often receive additional training on the job and may also attend short courses run by equipment manufacturers. Employers may support work-based qualifications, such as Apprenticeships and NVQ/SVQs. Photo Imaging NVQ/SVQs are currently available at levels 2, 3 and 4.
For this information and more, please view the attached PDF. 
Minilab Operator - Laboratory
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