Many others worked in photo labs operated by portrait and commercial studios and with motion picture producers, photo equipment manufacturers, and other organizations. Darkroom technicians also work in commercial labs that specialize in processing the work of professional photographers. Photo process workers are employed in all parts of the country but are concentrated in large population centers. Beginners start as helpers and gradually learn to develop and print film by assisting experienced technicians. It generally takes 2 to 3 years to become a fully qualified darkroom technician.
Some helpers specialize in a particular activity, such as printing or developing.
Generally, less training time is required to become a specialist than to become an all-round darkroom technician. When hiring darkroom technician helpers, employers prefer applicants who are high school graduates. Courses in chemistry and mathematics are helpful to people interested in this filed. Some high schools and trade schools offer courses in photography that include training in film processing. The Armed Forces also offer training in photographic processing.