How to become a photographic technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in photography or digital imaging.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
In professional labs, archive stores and picture libraries, you'll usually need formal qualifications in photography like:
- Level 2 Diploma in Photography and Graphics
- A Level Photography
- Level 3 Certificate in Art and Design (photography option)
- Level 3 Diploma in Photography
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this role, for example, a Photographer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship takes around 1 year and 6 months to complete, and is a mix of training in the workplace and off-the-job study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Direct Application
You could apply directly to work as a photographic technician. For work in high street mini-labs, you'll need basic computer skills and an interest in photography. You don't always need formal qualifications, but some employers may prefer you to have GCSEs.
For print finishing, you'll usually need practical skills in woodworking and picture framing.
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Career tips
Computer skills and knowledge of desktop publishing software are important as most photographic processing work is now digital.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in photography from The Association of Photographers.