How to Become a Digital Imaging Technician
A digital imaging technician, sometimes called a digital video engineer, works with cinematographers and directors of photography to ensure quality digital images, assist in the use of digital technology, and act as a resource for managing digital data production. Read on for a step-by-step guide to becoming a digital imaging technician.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED
In order to qualify for a job as a digital imaging technician, an applicant must have completed a high school education. High school students interested in pursuing a career as a digital imaging technician could take classes in photography, math, computer science and visual arts. These courses provide some familiarity and a foundation in digital imaging technology.
Step 2: Pursue an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree
Though there are not specific educational requirements for digital imaging technicians, the position demands a great deal of technical knowledge and experience. Many colleges offer an associate's degree in photography or digital imaging that provide introductory classes in the subject, including digital photography techniques, design software for manipulating images and an introduction to lighting techniques. A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as film and digital video or broadcast engineering, could provide a more thorough background to the industry as well as skills needed for the job. These degrees can include classes such as film history and evolution of techniques, video engineering, production techniques and cinematography.
Step 3: Gain Job Experience
The most common source of employment for digital video technicians is usually in television broadcasting or the motion picture industry. Digital imaging technicians must understand digital video cameras, troubleshoot camera malfunctions, and perform on-site image manipulation or color correction. In addition to the technical side of image manipulation, digital image technicians should also have an understanding of the history of filmmaking and photography, visual arts and color theory.
Step 4: Explore Similar Job Options
The skills and knowledge required of a digital video technician can also be applied to other careers, such as in digital image archiving or in a pre-press position. Digital image archiving or digital curating would require post-secondary education in a master's program; classes could include technical instruction on digital preservation and archiving on the Internet, as well as art history and library sciences.
With their professional experience using creative and image-manipulating software, digital image technicians who desire to work in the publishing industry can find work as prepress workers or digital proofers. Working with still images as opposed to motion pictures, digital proofers communicate with a client to ensure a high-quality image, manipulate printer settings and sample proofs to achieve their specifications. Though not necessarily required, many associate's degree programs at community or technical colleges offer classes in graphic design that are helpful to this profession.
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