Minilab Operator–Photo Retail Job Profile - Skillset

Minilab Operator–Photo Retail
Job Profile
Background
A Minilab is a fully-automated photographic film processing and photographic printing service
located within a photographic retailer, supermarket or chemist. The retail Minilab specialises in
one-hour, same day or next day processing of films and the photographic printing of digital images
for the general public. Minilab equipment is straightforward to operate and Minilab Operators are
often trained on the job.
Within the photo retail environment, the role of Minilab Operator can be entirely separate or may
be combined with that of a Photo Retail Sales Assistant (see the Skillset Job Profile for this role).
The work involves frequent contact with customers and is moderately well paid. Almost all Minilab
Operators are employees who may be employed on a part-time or full-time basis.
What is the job?
A retail Minilab is a small photographic laboratory located within a photographic shop, supermarket
or chemist. It provides the general public with a personalised processing and printing service, with
fast turnarounds on most orders. The Minilab Operator is the technician who controls and
maintains the three main machines in the modular Minilab set up. These are: the film processor,
the photographic printer and the digital photographic printer. Most of these processes are
computerised and the Minilab Operator is mainly required to refill chemicals and ensure that the
machines are properly calibrated for optimum results. Minilab Operators will also be expected to
check, label and sleeve prints or discs for customers. They need to be aware of health and safety
issues when dealing with chemicals, and maintain equipment regularly.
A digital printer uses traditional chemical photographic processes to make prints from digital
images. The resulting photographs have the same sharpness and durability as traditional
photographs, and are usually of better quality than can be achieved by home printers.
Photographic images are input to the digital printer in digital format or digitally scanned from
negatives, existing prints or mounted slides. Though most processing is automatic, the Minilab
Operator checks – and can make corrections to – brightness, colour balance, colour saturation,
contrast, sharpness and cropping.
In many retail locations, the Minilab setup will also include a digital imaging station for the
retouching of images and the restoration of old photographs. Other photo retailers also feature a
Digital Kiosk that enables the customer to upload images from CD-ROMs, memory cards or
camera phones and print them themselves. The Minilab Operator will usually be expected to refill
and maintain this machine.
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Job Profile – Photo Imaging
Photo Retail
Minilab Operators may be asked to undertake some Digital Imaging work, such as photoretouching,
recropping, design and layout work, using standard software packages such as Adobe
Photoshop, Aperture, Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. Some Minilabs also promote other printing
applications, including the printing of photographic images on T-shirts, mugs and posters, as well
as promotional items for small businesses and social organisations such as business cards, flyers,
stretched canvases and exhibition stands.
Most Minilab Operators are full-time or part-time employees working regular shifts which may
include Saturdays and Sundays.
Typical Career Routes
There are no set entry requirements to become a Minilab Operator. Most people progress into this
role through customer sales (see the Skillset Job Profile for Photo Retail Sales Assistant), and
receive training from the equipment manufacturer or from their more experienced colleagues.
A Minilab Operator can gain promotion from this role into management, digital imaging (see
Skillset Job Profiles for Digital Imaging Specialist – Laboratory and Digital Imaging Specialist –
Picture Library), or more specialised laboratory work (see Skillset Job Profiles for the Laboratory
sector).
Essential Knowledge & Skills
To work in this role demands excellent customer service skills and the ability to think on your feet.
The operation of the Minilab itself also requires a good level of manual and technical skills. An
interest in photography and experience operating digital imaging and design software, such as
Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, may also be useful.
On a personal level, Minilab Operators should have:
• excellent colour vision
• an ability to assess colour, contrast and density when making corrections
• good concentration and a keen attention to detail
• an interest in photography, photographic techniques and applications
• good communication skills and the ability to confirm customers' instructions
• a calm, methodical and deadline-focussed approach.
On a retail service level they need to:
• enjoy working with the public
• make sure goods are attractively displayed
• provide advice on products and prices the availability of stock
• take payments by cash, card or cheque
• take care of the ordering and delivery of stock.
• On a technical level they should:
• have good numeric skills for calculating processing times, exposures and film speeds
• have analytical and mechanical skills to diagnose faults and maintain equipment
• be creative and have design skills when working in digital imaging.
• have superior computer skills (Mac and PC) and experience of using digital imaging
software such as Adobe Photoshop

• be confident when dealing with difficult and sometimes unexpected situations
Job Profile – Photo Imaging
Photo Retail
It is vital that Minilab Operators maintain good concentration, even when carrying out routine
tasks. This is important if the company is to maintain quality standards and to prevent damage to
very expensive equipment. Since Minilab Operators may sometimes be asked to cover for other
members of the retail sales team during their breaks, it is helpful if they also have a good
knowledge of cameras, camera phones and other photographic equipment.
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
Most training is carried out by employers or the manufacturers of specific machines. This means
that no formal qualifications are required to work or train as a Minilab Operator. Customer service
skills and a technical aptitude are usually considered far more important than academic or
technical qualifications, and Minilab Operators are usually hired with prior Minilab experience or as
Photo Retail Sales Assistants (see Skillset Job Profile for this role), who are then trained on the
job.
Some employers ask for GCSEs or Standard grades in maths and a science subject and that
applicants have a personal interest in photography, but these are by no means essential
qualifications. Prospective employers are more likely to be impressed if the applicant has good
computer skills, particularly in the use of desktop publishing packages, such as Adobe Photoshop,
Quark, Illustrator or InDesign.
Minilab Operators usually train on the job and may also attend short courses run by
manufacturers. It is also possible to study for vocational qualifications while working. Minilab
Operators usually train on the job and may also attend short courses run by manufacturers. It is
also possible to study for vocational qualifications while working. Employers may support workbased
qualifications, such as Apprenticeships and NVQ/SVQs. Photo Imaging NVQ/SVQs are
currently available at levels 2, 3 and 4.
Minilab Operators working in digital imaging may also complete a variety of short professional
development courses or workshops in image manipulation techniques such as Photoshop, toning
and tinting.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media Industries. For information about
training and professional qualifications, links to the Skillset network of training partners, and
access to the comprehensive Skillset course database, visit www.skillset.org
Skillset Careers is the UK’s only specialist media careers advice service delivering individual
career solutions when and how you need them. For detailed media careers information and
advice, contact one of the free careers helplines. Call 08080 300 900 in England (also available to
callers from Wales and Northern Ireland) or 0845 850 2502 in Scotland, or visit the website
www.skillset.org/careers
The Photo Marketing Association (PMA) is an international association representing over
20,000 member companies across the world operating in photo imaging service centres,

Job Profile – Photo Imaging
Photo Retail
laboratories, photofinishing and retailing. Established in 1987, PMA UK now has more than 1,000
members across the spectrum of the modern photo imaging industry. The association supports
businesses and provides a forum for the interchange of ideas.
T: 0870 240452 www.pmai.org
The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) is a not for profit association of
professional image makers that aims to improve standards, develop skills and encourage
continuing professional development. The BIPP recognises nine colleges across the UK who have
proved that they have the resources, facilities and expert lecturers necessary to run an effective
professional photographic course. For details of BIPP Qualifications for practising professionals
visit the Membership pages on the BIPP website. For a list of approved colleges, including those
offering the PQE e-mail info@bipp.com. Student Membership is available to students attending a
vocational course in photography at an educational establishment in the UK. The Institute’s
Journal ‘The Photographer’ is supplied free to all members.
T: 01920 464011 www.bipp.com
Last updated 2009
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