Commercial Photo Processing is the process of producing black and white or color photographic prints from film or digital media with the use of photo processing machines commonly called minilabs.
Film Processing
In film photography, C-41 developing is the most popular film process in use. A photo film is first processed by a film processor. The image from the film is then transferred to photographic paper by a paper printer/processor.
Digital Prints
In today's digital photography, no film processing is involved as images are stored not on films, but on digital medias such as CDs, flash drives and memory cards. Modern digital paper processors/printers are equipped with input for digital images to do the prints. Images can also be uploaded online for photo labs to process.
Procedure
To develop film and paper prints, minilab machines use the "Wet -Type" process utilizing three sets of chemicals: the developer, stop bath and fixer. Minilabs have computers and microchips that automatically control solution time, temperature and replenishment rate.
Capacity
In the traditional dark room only a few prints can be produced in a given time since processing is done manually. On the other hand, a minilab machine such as the Noritsu QSS-37HD can do up to 2,360 prints per hour.
Special Printing
Some commercial processing labs also offer special types of printing. Aside from the commonly used glossy or matte paper, customers can choose to have their images printed in specialty papers such as satin, metallic, fine art, archival or other types of finish.
Alternatives
With the advancement of digital photography, consumers have the option of using do-it-yourself printing technology. Inkjet printing has become more popular than ever, although print life and quality is reduced compared to minilab prints. Retail stores and pharmacies also now have photo kiosks that use dye sublimation for printing digital images.
Tags: Commercial Photo, Commercial Photo Processing, digital images, digital photography, from film