CUVPHI10B
Use and extend wet darkroom techniques to produce monochrome photographs

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use techniques to produce monochrome photographs. It outlines the way techniques are extended through testing and practice. This work may or may not respond to a brief. The work would be carried out under some supervision.Current photoimaging industry practice relies increasingly on digital imaging processes and this should be reflected in training and assessment of this unit. Analogue equipment and processes may be used to support this as appropriate to the specific context.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

Not Applicable


Prerequisites

It is highly recommended that this unit be assessed in conjunction with:

CUVPHI03B Research and apply information on the traditions which inform photoimaging practice

CUVPHI02B Develop self for photoimaging industry

CUVPHI05B Use a 35mm SLR camera or digital equivalent

CUVPHI06B Plan and carry out image capture in response to a brief

CUFSAF01B Follow health safety and security procedures.

This unit may be assessed in conjunction with:

CUVCRS08B Document the work progress

CUVCRS14B Prepare, store and maintain finished work.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare the specific work space for film processing.

1.1 Determine the appropriate process for pre-exposed film.

1.2 Identify work space needs for processing the film.

1.3 Select work space which meets requirements for the processing of the film.

1.4 Adhere to recognised procedures and safety requirements for the process/s selected and the work space.

2 Process black and white photographic film.

2.1 Safely follow procedures to process black and white photographs using relevant technique/s and manufacturer's specifications.

2.2 Correctly cut and file film.

3 Prepare specific work spaces for B&W photographic print making.

3.1 Identify work space needs for developing black and white photographs.

3.2 Check and care for work space so that it is safe and clean during the printing process.

3.3 Identify and organise materials and equipment required for printing proof sheets/test prints and photographs.

3.4 Adhere to recognised procedures and safety requirements for producing photographic prints.

4 Plan the production of monochrome photographs.

4.1 Safely make proof sheets from black and white negatives.

4.2 Determine or clarify the concept for the proposed photographs.

4.3 Evaluate proofs to identify images which match the concept for the photographs.

4.4 Establish the criteria for techniques to enhance or manipulate the proposed prints to achieve concept.

4.5 Select suitable techniques for enhancement or manipulation.

5 Extend techniques used to produce photographs.

5.1 Select suitable negative/s for the application of techniques.

5.2 Test techniques with the selected negative/s to achieve optimum outcome.

5.3 Use and/or combine different techniques, equipment and materials to test, review and extend capabilities.

6 Produce final photographs.

6.1 Utilise techniques to produce monochrome photographs which are consistent with the concept.

6.2 Produce photographs of a quality suitable for reproduction or display.

6.3 Accurately document the work progress in accordance with workplace procedures.

7 Restore work space, materials and equipment and ensure safe storage.

7.1 Safely restore work area after use.

7.2 Minimise and clean up waste in accordance with safety requirements.

7.3 Clean and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

7.4 Store equipment in accordance with workplace procedures and ensure readiness for future use.

Required Skills

Required skills:

literacy skills sufficient to read and interpret technical data and labels

numeracy skills sufficient to calculate/measure material requirements and interpret technical data/charts/graphs.

Required knowledge:

work space requirements for monochrome processing and printing techniques in a wet darkroom environment

some knowledge of physical properties and capabilities of the materials and equipment used in the processing and printing of monochrome photographs

general knowledge of the characteristics of different materials (e.g. chemicals) under different treatments and the potential of these characteristics to achieve different effects

organisational and legislative occupational health and safety procedures in relation to processing and printing monochrome work

environmental issues associated with the materials and equipment used in monochrome processing and printing techniques

general knowledge of the elements and principles of design and how these may be used adapted for monochrome photography processing and printing

traditions which inform photographic practice and how these may be used to inform own practice for processing and printing monochrome photographs

copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation associated with processing and printing monochrome photographs.

Evidence Required

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:

production of multiple monochrome photographs which demonstrate the application of selected techniques consistent with the concept and are suitable for display or reproduction.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills using required equipment and materials and selected techniques for monochrome processing and printing.

Method of assessment

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

direct observation of the candidate using processing and printing techniques for monochrome photographs

evaluation of photographs produced by the candidate

questioning and discussion of the candidate's intention and the work outcome

verbal and written reports

review of folios of evidence

third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities and people who may 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 the materials, resources and equipment needed to produce monochrome photographs.


Range Statement

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.

Work space needs may include:

electricity

lighting and special lighting needs

plumbing

process specific needs

ventilation.

Procedures may include:

verbal directions about the procedures

work based procedures

written procedures.

Safely means in accordance with:

Federal State and Territory legislation, regulations and standards.

The photograph(s) may be:

a series or sequence

prints on a range of photographic papers or other papers

prints on fabric, metal, glass or wood

unique state.

Techniques may include:

cyanotypes and/or other antique processes

dodging and burning (selective exposure)

emulsion transfer, liquid emulsions

image modifications which are subject to specific regulations and standards

image tone modification/toning

making a pin hole camera and developing exposed film for this camera

photograms and chemograms

processing for archival permanence

pseudo solarisation (sabattier effect)

techniques for developing film from various formats

techniques which manipulate the image, e.g. multiple printing, multiple exposure

using contrast control filters

using of a range of print developers, e.g. warm tone, high contrast.

The capability of techniques refers to:

the process of extending the possibilities of techniques towards their full potential and this involves innovation.

Materials may include:

chemicals for a range of emulsions

data sheets for processing and developing

different film types

papers other than photographic papers

surfaces for a range of emulsions fabric, wood, glass, perspex

time/temperature charts.

Preparing materials may include:

consulting manufacturers sheets, data and charts

consulting Material Safety Data Sheets

consulting time and temperature data

preparing chemicals.

Equipment includes:

a range of cameras of various formats

contrast filters

developing trays

drying cabinet for negatives

enlargers, negative carriers

film plucker/puller opener

focus scope

measuring jugs and stirrers

paintbrushes, sponges

personal protective equipment/clothing

process tank

safe lights

scissors

spirals

thermometer

tongs.

The concept may include:

design elements and principles, e.g. tone, form, line, balance, repetition

scope of the photography series, unique state (e.g. photogram)

subject matter or theme for the photographs, e.g. personal or imaginative narrative, portraits, landscape, political or cultural or spiritual concerns, caricature, still life, the body, flora, fauna.

Established criteria for selection of techniques may include:

access to materials, tools and equipment required for that technique

challenge to the photographer

consistency with the concept for the proposed prints

ease of application

personal affinity with the technique.

Testing processes may involve making:

proof sheets

test strips

work prints.

Reviewing techniques for use in producing the final photographs may consider:

adjustment to consideration of elements and principles of design for image making

adjustment to subject matter or theme

adjustment to utilise extended capabilities of the techniques

no change.

Documentation and planning may involve:

diagrammatic representation

discussion

folder of data sheets and notes

visual diary

written reports.

Cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment may involve:

ensuring all tools and equipment are dust free and lenses are clean

removing reject prints

replacing protective covers

restoring equipment and settings.


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor