Overview
Photographic technicians help photographers and produce images from digital files.
Activities
- Using computer equipment to adjust and improve images
- Printing customers’ images onto photographic paper, canvas or other materials
- Quality checking prints and sending out by post or online
- Taking payments from customers
- Helping the photographer during photo shoots
- Checking and maintaining equipment
- Selling camera equipment and giving advice to customers
Organisations
Photographic assistants may work for various organisations like independent shops, studios, high street labs, or a business that they own themselves.
Workplace
Photographic assistants normally work indoors although photo shoots could also be outdoors.
Working Hours
Photographic assistants generally work around 37.5 hours per week.
Salary
Starting salary £14,000.
Qualifications
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.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.