11/16/2012

How To Operate A Professional Photo Lab

By Madeline Finch


This refers to a place where raw images are changed to what we know as pictures. It means that the photo-films and image files in flash disks, digital media, flashcards, or camera memory, are converted to pictures in the professional photo lab. The place where we do this is also referred to as a darkroom.

There are many things that come into mind when one thinks of a photographic lab. The first is obviously the room (its a dark room after all). For traditional kinds of labs where photographic film and paper are handle, it has to be dark or possibly light-proof. The chemistry is also key. A lab has to have a developer to create the image on film or paper, a stop bath to stop the chemical action of the developer when necessary and finally a fixer that stops the photographs from fading.

The tools of trade are also simple to compile. For a lab printing 35 mm and 120 mm film, it will need reels to be used along with the developing tank. Bigger sheet films can easily be done in trays as long as it remains dark. Making prints in most labs will need enlargers and thus the trays will need to be wider than the largest print the enlarger will make.

Sinks are basic necessities in any lab, and will be key for washing films that have been processed. In case it is a color reproduction, technicians will need to be extra careful and prim. A greater standard of accuracy will be needed in timing and light control. The temperature is also a major factor.

Modernization of the whole art has made it easier to make photographs. A commercial machine known as minilab, replaces most of the above functionality easily and makes photo imaging less hectic. Once in place, a minilab will only require a printer connection to make photographs. Another common method is the wet film. It is a hybrid method that takes advantage of computer software to change image toning and then spools them for print.

A digital camera will push a photo business three steps ahead as the preliminary stages will not be required. A digital photo is just put into a computer and spooled to the photograph printer. Other sources of pictures are also accommodated in this model, where phones, tablets and personal digital assistants replace traditional cameras.

Many factors will come in when starting a lab. The capital, equipment and location of the lab are key. This will form the basis of the business size. For example, a photo business can start with only a camera, a computer and a printer. To kick off operations, one will need to get a license and possibly create a website that will draw customers in their hundreds.

Lab technicians need to be thoroughly acquainted with the procedures for a successful enterprise. Computer operation is a must in the business and they should be able to handle it. Customer relational skills and quality work should also be checked. A great worker should also be tidy and neat to make the laboratory great.

So whether the professional photo lab is a business or a hobby, it can still be fun. This is basically some insight on how and what to do when. Once there is a room, equipment, staff and the zeal, the business can start.




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