Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Photo Lab Technician
What photo lab technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a photo lab technician?
Run film through the processor. From there, the day usually includes process film, run printers, and color-correct images. Full or part time.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a photo lab technician working full time.
- Run film through the processor.
- Scan negatives.
- Color-correct files.
- Print large-format images.
- Restore a damaged photo.
- Mount prints.
- Help a customer.
Where photo lab technicians work
Technicians work in photo labs, print shops and studios.
Hours and schedule
Full or part time.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Process film
- Run printers
- Color-correct images
- Restore old photos
- Make large prints
- Mount prints
- Help customers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Film processors
- Scanners
- Photoshop
- Large-format printers
- Color calibrators
- Mounting presses
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work with images
- Short training
- Film revival niche
- Creative tasks
What’s hard
- Declining jobs
- Chemicals
- Low pay
- Few labs
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love photography
- I have a good color eye
- I’m detail-oriented
- I want short training
- I like film
- I like helping customers
Not sure? Take the free Photo Lab Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear gloves with chemicals
- Ventilate
- Dispose of chemicals properly
- Use ergonomic setups