This role may be assigned to a graphic artist or, in a larger project, to a photographer who works closely with a programmer or interactive media author to publish required images.

The photography ranges from digital still composition to panoramas for the production of virtual worlds. Photo images can include landscapes, objects and portraits.

Specialist skills associated with photography are covered in:

CUVPHI06A Plan and carry out image capture in response to a brief.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Use scanner to capture photo images

1. Source and select appropriate photographic images according to requirements of photographic project brief

2. Discuss selection of images with relevant personnel

3. Assess scanner features to ensure that outcomes will meet the requirements of brief

4. Operate scanner according to manufacturer specifications

5. Select scanner settings to ensure image capture meets production requirements

6. Transfer and store photographic image files to a computer using standard naming conventions

Use digital camera to create photo images

7. Discuss photographic project brief with relevant personnel

8. Assess digital camera features to ensure that outcomes will meet the requirements of brief

9. Plan camera shots taking into account lighting, framing, composition and other photographic techniques

10. Load and operate digital camera according to manufacturer specifications

11. Consider digital camera focus, exposure and shutter speed to ensure image capture meets production requirements

12. Check photographic images for fitness of purpose to comply with brief

13. Transfer and store photographic image files to a computer using standard naming conventions

Edit photo images

14. Load digital imaging software and import photo image source files

15. Manipulate and save digital images using designated digital imaging software

16. Create photo images that incorporate visual design and communication principles using designated digital imaging software

17. Evaluate the outcome for visual impact, effectiveness and fitness for purpose

18. Confirm outcome with relevant personnel

Prepare photo image assets

19. Save files in appropriate output format to meet platform requirements

20. Assign metadata tags if required

21. Group files logically in a folder system using standard naming conventions

22. Store files in share drive or repository for production team access

Required skills

communication skills sufficient to:

interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions

consult equipment operation manuals

ability to work as a member of a production team - both independently on assignment and under direction

technical skills sufficient to:

proficiently use a scanner to reproduce photo images to specification

proficiently use a digital camera to create well-composed photo images

proficiently use digital imaging software to manipulate and prepare photo images

manage files using standard naming conventions

self-management skills sufficient to:

work under pressure

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

problem-solving skills sufficient to anticipate and resolve minor equipment set-up problems

Required knowledge

basic photographic techniques

basic principles of visual design and communication

appropriate file formats for various platforms

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of project team members, e.g. designers, content creators, information architects, programmers and coders

basic understanding of the relationship between technical and creative aspects and requirements of interactive media projects

basic knowledge of the features of a range of delivery platforms

OHS regarding the use of scanners, cameras and computers, and handling and disposing of lithium batteries

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to use digital imaging software to prepare high quality photo images that satisfy the requirements of a range of briefs

efficient operation of a scanner and digital camera to capture images.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a range of resources and equipment currently used by industry, including:

flatbed scanner

digital camera

industry-standard graphics software

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of photo images prepared by the candidate on a number of occasions

practical demonstration by the candidate of scanner and digital camera operation

written or oral questioning to test knowledge of file formats and OHS issues.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFDIG304A Create visual design components.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Projects may include:

e-commerce

educational product

game

information product

promotional product

training product

website.

Relevant personnel may include:

client

designer

graphic artist

interactive media author

programmer, coder and technical support people

supervisor

web manager

other specialist creative and administrative staff.

Scanner features may include:

bit depth

dynamic range

optical resolution

output format (e.g. RGB, greyscale or CMYK)

platen size

reflective or transmissive (film)

range of film holders.

Scanner settings may include:

bit depth

colour or greyscale

colour/target/working space

crop

destination

dust and scratch handling (e.g. ICE, FARE)

grain management (e.g. GEM)

multi-sampling

orientation

output dimension and resolution or file size

preferences/options

restoration of colour (e.g. ROC)

scaling

sharpening

source image type

tones, contrast, colour cast, saturation.

Digital camera features may include:

aperture

automatic, program or manual settings

batteries

colour, target, working space

compatibility with hardware and digital imaging software

exposure compensation

file format

flash, fill flash

lens focal lengths, such as wide angle, close-up and telephoto

menu functions

resolution - megapixels

shutter speed

size and type of memory card(s)

subject modes

white balance.

Photographic techniques may include:

composition

depth of field

dynamic range

field of view

framing

lighting.

Digital imaging software may include:

a wide range of programs, e.g.:

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop Elements

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Apple Aperture

Corel Paint Shop Pro

Corel PhotoPaint

GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP and GIMPshop).

Manipulating digital images may include:

appending text/type for files and captions

brushing

creating artistic effects

cropping

editing

eliminating red eye

emulating photographic effects

image enhancement including tones, contrast, colour cast/tint, saturation

masking layers

retouching (i.e. cloning, rubber stamping, healing, patching)

sharpening

stitching (panoramic scenes)

using layers for composites

using pre-sets.

Visual design principles may include:

balance

emphasis

movement

perspective

proportion

scale

unity.

Communication principles may include:

communicates message

conveys meaning

meets audience requirements

uses functional components.

Output formats may include:

GIF

JPEG

PDF

PICT

PNG

PSD

TIFF.

Platforms may include:

CD

DVD

games console

internet

kiosk

mobile phone

other video playback devices

personal digital assistant (PDA)

video player (iPods).

Metadata tags may include:

author

copyright notice

date of capture/date created

description

EXIF and IPTC standards

file size

format

headline/caption

keywords/subject

location/GPS coordinates

resolution

rights usage terms

roll/identifier #

subject

time

title

version.

Unit sector

Visual communication - digital content and imaging

This unit contains employability skills.