Lab Man (Photography)
らぼまん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialized technical job that handles everything from film development to printing and digital image processing, managing the quality of photo finishes.
Description
A lab man (photography) is a specialized technician who uses exposed film or digital data to perform film processing with developer solutions, printing in a darkroom, color correction, digital scanning, and image processing. Through chemical management and equipment adjustments, they accurately reproduce the color, tone, and resolution of photos, and produce final outputs according to customer requests. In recent years, operations with digital printers and retouching work using software have increased. In addition to quality control, they also handle equipment maintenance and proposals for business efficiency improvements.
Future Outlook
While demand for film is decreasing, demand for digital printing and special processing services is stable, and attention is increasing on color grading and high-quality printing techniques.
Personality Traits
Excellent Color Sense / High Concentration / Meticulous / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Full-time / Laboratory Work / Part-time / Photo Studio Work / Studio Work
Career Path
Assistant Lab Man → Lab Man (Photo Technician) → Senior Lab Man → Lab Manager → Quality Control Specialist
Required Skills
Color Management / Darkroom Work / Digital Scanning / Film Development Technique / Printing Technique
Recommended Skills
Digital Printing Machine Operation / ICC Profile Management / Image Editing / Lab Equipment Maintenance
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it requires not missing fine color unevenness or scratches and performing precise work. |
| Problem Solving | Because it is necessary to identify the causes of developer solution or print defects and address them appropriately. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | There is simple measurement such as chemical mixing or exposure time, but advanced mathematical analysis is not required. |
Related Qualifications
- Photographic Technician
Aliases
- Developing Technician
- Photo Developing Technician
- Photo Lab Technician
- Print Technician
Related Jobs
- DTP Operator
- Photo Retoucher
- Photo Technician
- Photographer
- Printing Operator