Photo Lab Assistant – Photoshop & Image Editing

Location: Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm, with a 30-minute lunch break

Job Type: Full-time, permanent

The Role

Working within the photography lab, you’ll help process and prepare school photographs, ensuring images are organised, edited accurately and ready for production. You’ll play an important part in maintaining the quality of the finished photographs and ensuring work is completed accurately and efficiently, particularly during busy periods.

Key Responsibilities

• Sorting, organising and checking digital photographs.
• Using Adobe Photoshop to carry out basic image editing and adjustments.
• Cropping, resizing and straightening images where required.
• Making simple brightness, contrast and colour corrections.
• Checking photographs for image quality, consistency and obvious errors.
• Preparing digital files for printing and production.
• Naming, saving and organising image files correctly.
• Checking images and files against job specifications and school requirements.
• Helping process and prepare photography orders for dispatch.
• Assisting with general lab duties and keeping the workspace organised.
• Working closely with colleagues to ensure deadlines are met.
• Carrying out other related tasks as required.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is organised, conscientious and takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality work. You will ideally have:

• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
• An interest in photography, digital images or photo editing.
• Good attention to detail and an eye for spotting inconsistencies.
• Basic computer skills and confidence working with digital files.
• The ability to follow instructions and work methodically.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage repetitive tasks without losing focus.
• A reliable, flexible approach and willingness to learn new skills.
• A positive attitude and the ability to work well as part of a friendly team.

Previous experience in a photo lab or photography business would be beneficial but is not essential. A basic understanding of Photoshop is the key requirement, and further training can be provided.

Working Hours & Holiday Arrangements

Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm. 30-minute lunch break. Four-week summer shutdown, from the end of July to the end of August. Two-week Christmas shutdown, in addition to bank holidays. Two additional days off around the Easter bank holidays. The allocation of annual leave during shutdown periods will be confirmed with the employer.

What’s on Offer?

A full-time, permanent position with an established family-run business. A friendly and supportive team environment. The opportunity to develop Photoshop and digital image-processing skills. A varied, practical role within the school photography industry. Training and support to help you learn the processes and systems used by the business.

How to Apply

If you have some Photoshop knowledge, enjoy working with images and are looking for a practical role where attention to detail matters, we’d love to hear from you.