I spent 14 years in the professional photographic industry as a Lab Technician (1987 - 2001). I was part of a small team providing photographic services for professional photographers, corporate clients, film and television companies, and museum image archives.
My photographic lab experience over that period of time consisted of providing high quality photographic imaging services, and covered a wide range of areas. In the early stages of my career, my responsibilities involved the duplication and photographing of original images and artwork onto conventional film, using 35mm, 5x4, and 10x8 cameras. I was also involved in the production of photographic enlarger-based hand prints, and the chemical processing of transparency, negative, and black and white films, using professional Wainco "dip and dunk" film processors.
Later, as digital replaced the more traditional processes, I became involved with digital imaging using Apple Mac and PC systems. My role in this area included high-resolution image scanning, involving image optimisation and manipulation using Adobe Photoshop, and associated scanning and digital imaging software. I was also responsible for producing digital prints, and for the transferring of images to CD or back to conventional film using a multi-format Imapro digital film writing system, as well as being involved in the shared undertaking and implementation of large digital image scanning and CD archiving projects.
Having had to leave this industry due to redundancy, I can now be found working in the BBC's Natural History Film and Tape Archive.
