This unit has linkages to all other photoimaging units and combined assessment and/or training with these units may be appropriate.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Acquire and develop technical skills.

1.1 Plan strategies to ensure the development of appropriate technical skills in photoimaging practice.

1.2 Identify and use relevant practice, feedback, discussion and evaluation opportunities to continuously improve technical skills.

1.3 Test the capabilities of materials, tools and equipment to develop technical skills.

1.4 Identify and use relevant journals, magazines, catalogues and other media to stimulate technical and professional development.

2 Develop conceptual skills and ideas.

2.1 Discuss ideas with others and apply knowledge gained to inform own practice.

2.2 Use work practice to gain experience in a range of genres and interpretations.

2.3 Study the work of others to stimulate conceptual and technical skills development.

2.4 Identify and use a range of opportunities to develop own practice and keep informed about current photoimaging practice.

3 Develop own style.

3.1 Explore and experiment with new ideas in making and/or interpreting work.

3.2 Explore and use technology where appropriate to expand own practice.

3.3 Demonstrate own style through photoimaging project realisation.

4 Evaluate own work.

4.1 Seek and apply constructive criticism from more experienced practitioners.

4.2 Evaluate own work against planned strategy for own photoimaging practice.

4.3 Evaluate own work in the context of work by others in order to extend own practice.

4.4 Adjust work processes and practice as necessary to improve technical, conceptual and commercial outcomes.

5 Research work opportunities.

5.1 Correctly identify sources of information relating to work opportunities.

5.2 Identify networks and promotional opportunities within the industry which may be helpful in developing career opportunities.

5.3 Incorporate research results and information into own work practice and career planning.

Required skills:

literacy skills sufficient to read and interpret a broad range of information pertaining to the photoimaging industry

numeracy skills sufficient to interpret technical charts/diagrams for the photoimaging industry.

Required knowledge:

information and resources available to develop self as photoimaging practitioner

trends in photoimaging including impact of digital technology

physical properties and capabilities of photoimaging materials, equipment, processes and their applications

elements and principles of photoimaging and allied creative industries relevant to the area(s) of specialisation

theoretical and historical contexts relevant to the area(s) of specialisation

organisational and legislative occupational health and safety procedures in relation to the use of photoimaging equipment, materials, and techniques

environmental issues associated with the equipment and materials used in photoimaging work

other photoimaging practitioners, their work, ideas and techniques

copyright, moral and intellectual property issues and legislation associated with photoimaging.

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.

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

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

application of planned strategies to develop appropriate skills in photoimaging practice

demonstration of work practice which develops own style through exploring and experimenting with new ideas in making and/or interpreting work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

the opportunity to use a range of strategies and resources to develop own practice

assessment conducted over a period of time to reflect the ongoing nature of skills in this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

oral questioning and/or discussion about the candidate's intentions and work outcome

written reports or presentations

review of folios, which may include photographic images (including digital construction) in artist's books, boxed sets, print folios, exhibitions, through electronic media presentation devices, and installations

third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities and people who have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Assessment of this unit requires access to equipment for photoimaging practice and to information about photoimaging.

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.

Strategies for developing self as a photoimaging practitioner may include:

applying photoimaging techniques

being involved in a range of relevant photoimaging activities

communicating with peers

experimenting and testing

identifying and using a range of opportunities

participating in professional development and other learning opportunities

participating in relevant associations

undertaking training courses

working effectively with mentor/assessor/trainer.

Technical skills may include skills in:

advertising

destination/natural history

editorial

fashion

illustration

medical/technical/scientific

photo/social-documentary

photoimaging for a visual arts context

photoimaging in a graphics and multimedia context

press and public relations

wedding/portrait.

Development of own style may involve:

analysing and researching the work of others relevant to selected area of specialisation

analysing conventions, practices and customs in photoimaging practice and allied creative industries

developing a project and/or folio

exploring elements and principles of photoimaging and allied creative industries.

Opportunities to develop own practice may include:

competitions

exhibitions

floor talks at galleries

lectures, seminars, conferences, symposiums

master classes

membership of professional organisation/body

trade fairs expositions

visits to workplaces.

Experimenting and testing refers to:

extending the possibilities of materials, equipment towards their full potential and this involves innovation.

Sources of information may include:

employer listings

exhibition catalogues and programs

job advertisements

photographic journals

websites

word of mouth.

Networks may include:

alumni organisations

colleagues and teachers

consumer organisations

professional associations.

Promotional opportunities may include:

applications to funding bodies

competitions

exhibitions.

This unit contains employability skills.