Digital Imaging Specialist - Picture Library
Digital Imaging Specialists who work in a picture library enjoy a varied and interesting working day. They are responsible for the downloading, colour management, digital manipulation and colour correction, keyword tagging and input of photographic images for storage in the picture library's digital archives. The Digital Imaging Specialist may also be involved in the restoration of old photographs.
The Digital Imaging Specialist must work closely with other members of the picture library team and needs a good understanding of the end uses that may be made of the images so that they can create the appropriate electronic keywords to make images easy to find and retrieve. The work is largely technical and pay rates are moderate, so it helps if the Digital Imaging Specialist has a knowledge and love of photography.
What is the job?
The Digital Imaging Specialist works at a computer (usually a Mac) scanning film or transferring digitally originated images (stored typically on CD-ROM, DVD or memory cards) onto the computer. Pictures in the archive need to be in a standard format used by the particular library or agency, so negatives, transparencies and digital images need to be scanned, resized, reformatted and colour-corrected ready for cataloguing and archiving according to the picture library's particular system. The work requires high-level data and colour management, and Digital Imaging Specialists need to be able to accurately assess the colour, density and contrast level of images. They will also need to calibrate all digital equipment on a regular basis to ensure optimum results.
Though most contemporary photo images are now produced on digital cameras, picture libraries often have extensive back libraries of film, and working with film is still likely to form a significant part of the job. Good image retrieval systems are essential to the efficient running of a library or agency operation and the technician will be expected to enter appropriate metadata (keywords) to enable search engines to work effectively.
The work is not that creative but it is interesting, and Digital Imaging Specialists are usually employees working pre-defined shifts. This means that while rates of pay are moderate, they do enjoy the benefits of a regular hours and a predictable income.
Typical career routes
This is a relatively new role in the industry and most Digital Imaging Specialists currently working for picture libraries progressed into this role from digital laboratory or minilab work. Others may have started their careers as print finishers or other photographic technicians before adding digital skills to their existing work experience.
The situation is changing, however, since a number of colleges now offer NVQ and SVQ qualifications in Digital Imaging. This means that new entrants may now be able to secure positions directly from college without previous picture library or laboratory experience.
Essential knowledge and skills
Digital Imaging Specialists should possess excellent computer skills (both Mac and PC) and have experience in the use of Photoshop and/or Aperture. Employers may also ask that technicians are familiar with other design software packages, such as Quark, Illustrator and InDesign. Digital Imaging Specialists should keep up to date with new technological developments and be willing learn new techniques and processes. Normal colour vision is essential, as is the ability to accurately assess the colour, density and contrast level of images.
Technicians must be confident and knowledgeable when dealing with other members of the team, be able to interpret instructions accurately, and work under pressure to meet deadlines without compromising quality. Digital Imaging Specialists must take a methodical and well-ordered approach to their work. They must be familiar with the process of calibrating and checking all digital equipment to ensure optimum results. Scanning images for a picture library requires patience and close attention to detail and technicians need to mange their workflow to ensure they are efficient and precise. It also helps if technicians have a fair knowledge of the history of photography in general and a willingness to learn about the area that the picture library specialises in.
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
There are no formal entry requirements, but a good knowledge of photography, strong visual awareness and a very high standard of computer skills are essential. Applicants will be expected to have some experience working with desktop publishing packages, such as Photoshop, Quark, Illustrator or InDesign. Some employers may also ask that applicants have formal qualifications such as:
- BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design (Photography)
- BTEC Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Art & Design (Photography)
- Foundation Degree in Photography
- BA (Hons) in Photography and Imaging.
There is little "on the job" training available at present, so most libraries and agencies prefer to employ experienced technicians, often with a formal qualification or past laboratory work experience. However, this is likely to change as new working practices are developed, and some of the major suppliers to the industry may offer training opportunities on specific equipment.
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.
The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies (BAPLA) is the biggest online resource of new vacancies for picture researchers, editors, archive managers, retouchers and numerous other positions within the picture industry. New jobs are posted on a daily basis. Many individual library websites (e.g. Getty Images) publish information on training and job vacancies.
For this information and more, please view the attached PDF. 
Digital Imaging Specialist
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