How To Become A Photo Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a photo specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A photo specialist manages the operation of photo processing equipment or machines at a photography shop where photos from digital images are printed. Put differently; you will manipulate photos to meet client satisfaction. Parts of your duties include operating and monitoring the photo processing equipment to ensure that it is working properly. You will also often need to troubleshoot and repair photo machine problems. Photo specialists open and transfer digital files and also advise about photography to customers. Plus, they monitor the ink supply level and the paper to achieve consistent results.

Skills needed by a photo specialist include technical skills and accuracy. You must also know photo lab procedures. Time management skills and a conscientious approach to work are also required. For effectiveness, you should study photography, communication, or graphic design. An associate or Bachelor's degree in any of these fields will give you the advantage to earn $69,800 per year.

ScorePhoto SpecialistUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $51,490

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.58%

Asian 13.20%

Black or African American 7.13%

Hispanic or Latino 15.71%

Unknown 5.08%

White 58.29%

Gender

female 53.45%

male 46.55%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress level

6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.3

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.3

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a photo specialist

Explore photo specialist education requirements

Most common photo specialist degrees

High School Diploma

33.4 %

Bachelor's

32.6 %

Associate

22.7 %

Start to develop specific photo specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	35.85%
Patients	33.47%
Customer Issues	11.40%
Sales Floor	2.41%
Stock Shelves	2.06%

Complete relevant photo specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New photo specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a photo specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real photo specialist resumes.

Research photo specialist duties and responsibilities

Manage passport photos, develop films, digital media, CD's, DVD's, and print products.
Print images onto photographic papers and digitally transfer pictures onto discs or USB storage devices.
Provide excellent customer service using POS systems and assist customers in submitting orders through the use of in-store kiosks.
Provide exceptional customer service to Walgreens customers requesting to have pictures develop, while operating the photo lab

Prepare your photo specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your photo specialist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a photo specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable photo specialist resume templates

Build a professional photo specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your photo specialist resume.