1/16/2013

Basics On Professional Photo Lab

By Shanna McNeil


A professional photo lab is a place where photographs are developed and printed. These labs often have the necessary equipment to produce prints from digital files or film. In recent years, the demand for film development has decreased as digital photography has become more popular. Minilabs, small developing and printing systems, have taken the place of some of the larger labs.

It is standard for professional labs to have film processors and printers. The brand of equipment and quantity will differ based on the lab. Still, both of these items are necessary in order for photographs to be processed. Films, 35mm, must be pulled. This means that the end of the film is extracted from its cassette, which may be done manually or by using a small machine.

Two stickers, called twin check numbers, with matching numbers are placed on the film and an envelope. This is used to keep track of orders after processing and make sure that the film goes into the correct order envelope. Film is spliced on leader cards, one at a time, and then placed inside the processor. These are fed through the machine by the sprockets on the leader cards.

Film is sent through developer, and bleach or fix. It must go through stabilizer and be dried before the process is complete. It must be cut off the leader card and put with the processing envelope that includes details about the order. The process is not complete until the film is passed through a printer. If digital files are used instead of film, photo printers are the main equipment that are used in these facilities since there is no film to be processed.

Many photo printers are controlled by a computer. The paper stock comes in one long roll that is cut after the photos have been printed in the correct size. There are different roll widths to correspond with the various image widths available. One at a time frames print onto the paper that advances itself. The special paper must be placed in developer, bleach or fix and then a dryer.

The prints will then be cut up and collected together. A smaller machine will then be employed to cut negatives into fours and put them in a sleeve for protection, if applicable. The final task is to put the negatives and prints into the processing envelope for the customer. In labs that process digital photos, this process is similar but negatives are not available.

The cost of having prints processed through these professional facilities will vary. Typically the cost is related to the amount of prints and their size. There are numerous stores that offer these services through in-store labs. There are also photo-developing kiosks at many stores that allow customers to print out digital photos.

Professional photo labs are not as popular as they once were. These facilities are equipped with the necessary machines to develop and print photographs, from film or digital files. In modern times, digital photography is more popular. Because of this, there are less large labs available, more do-it-yourself kiosks and minilabs. Prices associated with development will vary greatly.




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