This qualification reflects the role of photo imaging practitioners who possess a sound theoretical knowledge base and use a range of specialised and technical competencies to plan, carry out and evaluate photo imaging services.
The qualification applies to a range of industry contexts, including commercial, domestic portrait, media, wedding, illustrative, institutional and art photography, where the practitioner is required to:
interpret photo imaging assignment briefs from a range of clients
consult with clients to refine objectives of photo imaging assignments
select appropriate technologies and workflows, to capture images, including type of camera, image recording media, lighting, post-capture processing and outputs
work from a studio or in a range of locations
employ aesthetic, conceptual, compositional and technical skills to realise outcomes
use a range of traditional, contemporary and emerging technologies when preparing, capturing and distributing image products.
Subjects
Total number of units = 17
3 core units plus
14 elective units
The elective units consist of:
3 units from Group A
3 units from Group B
of the remaining 8 units:
2 must be from Group A and/or Group B
up to 6 may be from Group A, Group B and/or Group C
up to 6 may be from a Diploma or above in any currently endorsed Training Package
up to 3 may be from an accredited course at Diploma level.
The elective units chosen must be relevant to the work outcome and meet local industry needs.
Core units
CUVPHI516A Research the role and use of the photo image in visual communication
CUVPHI517A Research and exploit photo imaging trends
CUVPHI529A Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
Elective units
Group A generic photo imaging units
CUVDIG401A Experiment with techniques to enhance digital images
HLTIN301B Comply with infection control policies and procedures
HLTIN302A Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work (Prerequisite: HLTIN301B Comply with infection control policies and procedures)
Selecting electives for different outcomes
The context for this qualification varies, and this must guide the selection of elective units. Examples of appropriate elective units for particular outcomes at this level follow.
CUVPHI527A Make illustrative images for publication and display
Pathways...
Pathways into the qualification
It is recommended that people entering this qualification possess CUV40411 Certificate IV in Photo Imaging or have extensive vocational experience in photo imaging, such as work as a photographer’s assistant. Alternatively they might hold a qualification such as CUV40111 Certificate IV in Visual Arts or CUV40311 Certificate IV in Design where a focus of study has been in photomedia. The Preparatory Skill Set for Professional Photo Imaging Practice is also a suitable pathway.
Pathways from the qualification
People with CUV50411 Diploma of Photo Imaging are able to work in a range of commercial and artistic photo imaging disciplines. The qualification also prepares people for learning at higher levels, including Degree qualifications in photo imaging practice.
Entry Requirements
Entry to this qualification is limited to those able to demonstrate photo imaging skills that support learning at Diploma level. In particular, they must be able to provide evidence of their ability to:
produce a body of photo imaging work demonstrating the ability to respond effectively to different photo imaging challenges and requirements, and the capacity to refine concepts and images in line with current industry standards
engage with the design process by developing solutions through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas
apply knowledge of the photo imaging industry, its trends and traditions
apply technical photo imaging knowledge and skills, including:
use of a range of professional digital and / or film cameras and accessories for image capture
selection and use of professional camera and lighting equipment for a range of subjects in different physical environments
enhancement and manipulation techniques using current industry standard software
use of electronic processing techniques.
Those skills and knowledge may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills
The following table contains a summary of the employability skills as identified by the visual arts, craft and design industries for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.
Employability skill
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification
Communication
establishing and nourishing industry links with clients, contractors and employees
explaining and describing work practices and methods
explaining conceptual basis for work in written and verbal contexts
explaining the difference between assignment and licensing of copyright
interpreting and clarifying written/verbal instructions and design specifications
interpreting design briefs and results of focus tests
interpreting the needs and rights of relevant parties
liaising with service providers in the presentation of creative products
making business presentations
modelling open and supportive communication
negotiating with clients and employers to achieve mutually acceptable outcomes
negotiating prices and fair exchange of services with clients and project stakeholders
negotiating with suppliers, models, creative teams and project stakeholders
nurturing trust
presenting confidently in a job interview situation
presenting ideas in ways that engage and provoke response
promoting own photo imaging work in the media
receiving feedback, maintaining effective relationships and managing conflict
resolving complaints and disputes
seeking feedback from clients on shoot progress and image selection
transferring newly acquired knowledge to peers and/or employees
using industry and community networks as sources of information
working effectively with diversity and dealing empathetically with subjects
writing resumes and other promotional material for potential employers
Teamwork
gaining trust and confidence of clients and colleagues
presenting a range of user interface designs (and design concepts) to team members for discussion and feedback
responding constructively to feedback received from other team members
working collaboratively in a team environment, including production teams
working with relevant parties when negotiating deals
Problem-solving
continually evaluating and challenging ideas, and moving them towards solutions
factoring in a range of costs when establishing fee structures
identifying and rectifying equipment malfunction and failure
recognising and resolving workplace issues when implementing:
colour management systems into digital workplace practice
new technology into own photo imaging practice
solving colour issues
solving problems arising from negotiating deals
Initiative and enterprise
applying visual communication principles to produce user interface designs
balancing work and personal commitments
being proactive in identifying and following through on work opportunities
developing a strategic approach to maximising return from freelance activity
employing reflective questioning to analyse performance
generating and exploring ideas, including a range of ideas for user interface designs that meet specifications
identifying best practice options for the implementation of colour management strategies
identifying creative/commercial opportunities
planning and implementing presentation concepts
recognising imaging opportunities from research and testing processes
recognising and addressing barriers to and innovative possibilities arising from:
effective photo imaging workflow
lighting techniques and technology
visual communication principles
Planning and organising
adhering to timelines within the experimental process
budgeting for costs associated with the implementation of new technology
coordinating activities of models, assistants, creative and production teams
developing personal budgets and monitoring income and expenditure against budgets
developing systems to respond to future:
colour theory/management systems
creative/commercial opportunities
documenting research findings clearly and concisely
establishing and maintaining personal financial and work record-keeping systems
interpreting and responding to photo imaging briefs
managing the workflow (research, concept development, production and post-production) in the presentation of creative products
organising shoots on location/in studio and preparing shoot management timelines
planning and implementing project development processes
planning for contingencies
planning work to maximise cash flow
preparing and circulating self-promotional material to potential clients and employers
planning integration of:
colour management systems into digital workplace practice
new technology into own photo imaging practice
Self-management
actively seeking feedback and learning from others
completing work according to terms and conditions of contracts
making decisions within level of own responsibility
meeting deadlines
prioritising work tasks
reflecting on and enhancing own ability to contribute effectively to a collaborative creative process
seeking expert assistance when problems arise
Learning
developing and maintaining skills in presentation technology
learning the operation of ancillary equipment
keeping up-to-date with industry developments relevant to own area of work
participating in professional development activities
reviewing personal performance within project and shoot contexts
seeking expert advice when implementing:
colour management systems
new photo imaging trends and technology
upgrading knowledge required to work in varied locations
Technology
applying appropriate metadata tags to describe files
applying and maintaining quality control procedures for presentation purposes
checking and reinstating equipment, studio and props
coordinating the installation of colour management systems and new technology
creating designs using storyboards, maps and other diagrams to specify the architecture and navigation of interactive media products
creating user interface designs to meet standards and platform parameters
editing, enhancing, manipulating and outputting photo images to industry standards for presentation purposes
managing files and directories using standard naming conventions
proficiently using graphics software to produce user interface designs
proficiently using video software to prepare video sequences for inclusion in an interactive media product
supporting effective communication and presentation
using an extended range of digital media, design and presentation technologies
using documentation systems for preparing formal contracts and recording/storing copyright agreements
using standard word processing, spreadsheet and database applications
