Dark Room Attendant Onboarding Checklist

Dark Room Attendant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Dark Room Attendant starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Photography onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Dark Room Attendant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Dark Room Attendant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Dark Room Attendant Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The dark room attendant should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including safety protocols, equipment handling guidelines, and any specific rules related to working in a dark room. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated supervisor.

2. Familiarization with dark room equipment: The dark room attendant should receive training on the various equipment used in the dark room, such as enlargers, film processors, and chemical mixing stations. This training can be conducted by a senior dark room attendant or a designated technician.

3. Understanding film processing techniques: The dark room attendant should be trained on the different film processing techniques used in the industry, including developing, fixing, and washing film. This training can be provided by an experienced dark room attendant or a photography instructor.

4. Learning about different types of film: The dark room attendant should be educated on the different types of film used in photography, such as black and white, color negative, and slide film. They should understand the specific requirements and processes associated with each type. This training can be conducted by a photography instructor or a senior dark room attendant.

5. Chemical handling and safety: The dark room attendant should receive thorough training on the safe handling and disposal of chemicals used in film processing. This includes understanding the proper use of protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, as well as the correct procedures for storing and disposing of chemicals. This training is typically provided by a senior dark room attendant or a designated safety officer.

6. Quality control and troubleshooting: The dark room attendant should be trained on how to perform quality control checks on processed film, including assessing exposure, focus, and color accuracy. They should also be familiar with common troubleshooting techniques for resolving issues that may arise during film processing. This training can be provided by a senior dark room attendant or a photography instructor.

7. Organization and inventory management: The dark room attendant should learn how to effectively organize and manage film negatives, prints, and other materials in the dark room. This includes understanding proper labeling, storage, and cataloging techniques. A senior dark room attendant or a designated supervisor can provide training on these tasks.

8. Collaboration with photographers and clients: The dark room attendant should be introduced to the photographers and clients they will be working with. They should understand their roles and responsibilities in supporting the needs of photographers and ensuring client satisfaction. This introduction can be facilitated by a supervisor or a designated point of contact.

9. Maintenance and cleaning of dark room equipment: The dark room attendant should be trained on the regular maintenance and cleaning tasks required to keep the dark room equipment in optimal condition. This includes cleaning lenses, checking for leaks, and replacing worn-out parts. A senior dark room attendant or a designated technician can provide training on these tasks.

10. Continuous learning and professional development: The dark room attendant should be encouraged to engage in continuous learning and professional development opportunities to stay updated with the latest advancements in dark room techniques and equipment. This can include attending workshops, conferences, or online courses related to photography and dark room practices. The responsibility for seeking out these opportunities lies with the dark room attendant, but the company can support them by providing resources and guidance

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Dark Room Attendant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Dark Room Attendant up to speed and working well in your Photography team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.