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51-9151.00 · Task explorer

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.

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This source lists 27 tasks, including 18 marked Core and 9 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 07/2017.

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27 tasks shown

Core · Task 19484 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Select digital images for printing, specify number of images to be printed, and direct to printer, using computer software.

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Core · Task 19465 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Create prints according to customer specifications and laboratory protocols.

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Core · Task 19479 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Produce color or black-and-white photographs, negatives, or slides, applying standard photographic reproduction techniques and procedures.

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Core · Task 19486 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Set or adjust machine controls, according to specifications, type of operation, or material requirements.

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Core · Task 19483 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Review computer-processed digital images for quality.

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Core · Task 19476 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Operate scanners or related computer equipment to digitize negatives, photographic prints, or other images.

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Core · Task 19467 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Fill tanks of processing machines with solutions such as developer, dyes, stop-baths, fixers, bleaches, or washes.

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Core · Task 19473 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Measure and mix chemicals to prepare solutions for processing, according to formulas.

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Core · Task 19471 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Load digital images onto computers directly from cameras or from storage devices, such as flash memory cards or universal serial bus (USB) devices.

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Core · Task 19477 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Operate special equipment to perform tasks such as transferring film to videotape or producing photographic enlargements.

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Core · Task 19466 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Examine developed prints for defects, such as broken lines, spots, or blurs.

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Core · Task 19480 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Read work orders to determine required processes, techniques, materials, or equipment.

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Core · Task 19470 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Load circuit boards, racks or rolls of film, negatives, or printing paper into processing or printing machines.

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Core · Task 19469 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Insert processed negatives and prints into envelopes for delivery to customers.

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Core · Task 19481 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Reprint originals for enlargement or in sections to be pieced together.

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Core · Task 19488 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Clean or maintain photoprocessing or darkroom equipment, using ultrasonic equipment or cleaning and rinsing solutions.

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Core · Task 19474 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Monitor equipment operation to detect malfunctions.

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Core · Task 19472 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Maintain records, such as quantities or types of processing completed, materials used, or customer charges.

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Supplemental · Task 19468 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Immerse film, negatives, paper, or prints in developing solutions, fixing solutions, and water to complete photographic development processes.

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Supplemental · Task 19492 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Examine quality of film fades or dissolves for potential color corrections, using color analyzers.

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Supplemental · Task 19499 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Thread filmstrips through densitometers or sensitometers and expose film to light to determine density of film, necessary color corrections, or light sensitivity.

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Supplemental · Task 19491 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Examine drawings, negatives, or photographic prints to determine coloring, shading, accenting, or other changes required for retouching or restoration.

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Supplemental · Task 19478 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Place sensitized paper in frames of projection printers, photostats, or other reproduction machines.

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Supplemental · Task 19500 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Upload digital images onto Web sites for customers.

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Supplemental · Task 19496 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Produce timed prints with separate densities or color settings for each scene of a production.

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Supplemental · Task 19498 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Splice broken or separated film and mount film on reels.

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Supplemental · Task 19482 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Retouch photographic negatives or original prints to correct defects.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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