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.
A sink will also come in handy. It will be used to rinse processed films and prints. Color prints will need more precision in timing and temperatures and thus will want experienced photographic laboratory technicians. It will also call for a higher degree of light proofing.
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.
One would want to consider several things before beginning a lab. The capital investment, tools of the trade, and business premises will top the priority list. These three act as the judge to the size of the enterprise. This is because one can start a lab with any amount of capital bu with minimum machinery. A permit is requisite as well as a website to attract clients in large numbers.
Equally important to the knowledge and equipment, is skilled staff. Mainly technicians must be computer literate and also know how to handle people. They should be able to do the same thing repetitively with precision without boredom. They must be organized to keep the work going and the work place safe.
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.
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.
A sink will also come in handy. It will be used to rinse processed films and prints. Color prints will need more precision in timing and temperatures and thus will want experienced photographic laboratory technicians. It will also call for a higher degree of light proofing.
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.
One would want to consider several things before beginning a lab. The capital investment, tools of the trade, and business premises will top the priority list. These three act as the judge to the size of the enterprise. This is because one can start a lab with any amount of capital bu with minimum machinery. A permit is requisite as well as a website to attract clients in large numbers.
Equally important to the knowledge and equipment, is skilled staff. Mainly technicians must be computer literate and also know how to handle people. They should be able to do the same thing repetitively with precision without boredom. They must be organized to keep the work going and the work place safe.
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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