People responsible for monochrome film processing from negatives or transparencies apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. They could be working in photo centres, specialised photo processing laboratories or in photography studios.
At this level, work may be independent or supervised depending on the work content.
Not applicable.
1. Prepare work space for monochrome processing | 1.1 Determine appropriate process for pre-exposed film in consultation with relevant personnel as required 1.2 Select work space that is appropriately equipped for processing film and developing black and white photographs 1.3 Check that all aspects of work space comply with OHS requirements and workplace procedures 1.4 Organise materials and equipment required for printing proof sheets/test prints and photographs |
2. Prepare to produce monochrome photographs | 2.1 Clarify the concept for proposed photographs 2.2 Prepare materials and make proof sheets from black and white negatives 2.3 Evaluate proofs to identify images that match the concept 2.4 Select suitable techniques for enhancement or manipulation 2.5 Cut and file film |
3. Produce final photographs | 3.1 Experiment with ways of achieving the best outcome by using a range of techniques on a selection of negatives 3.2 Use and/or combine different techniques, equipment and materials to test, review and extend capabilities 3.3 Seek feedback on work in progress from relevant personnel as required 3.4 Produce photographs consistent with concepts and of a quality suitable for reproduction or display 3.5 Accurately document work progress according to workplace procedures |
4. Restore work environment and resources | 4.1 Clean and restore work environment to its original state 4.2 Clean and maintain equipment according to manufacturer instructions 4.3 Report damage to equipment according to workplace procedures 4.4 Store equipment according to workplace procedures and ensure readiness for future use |
Required skills
communication and literacy skills to:
read and interpret written instructions
read and interpret technical data and material safety data sheets (MSDS)
learning skills to experiment with a range of monochrome processing techniques
numeracy skills to:
interpret technical charts and diagrams pertaining to monochrome processing procedures and techniques
calculate and measure materials required for image processing
planning and organising skills to set up equipment in a logical sequence
self-management skills to:
work to deadlines
comply with OHS requirements
technical skills to use equipment and materials to produce monochrome photographs.
Required knowledge
work space requirements for monochrome processing and printing techniques in a wet darkroom environment
physical properties and capabilities of the materials and equipment used in the processing and printing of monochrome photographs
characteristics of different materials under different treatments and the potential of these characteristics to achieve different effects
elements and principles of design and how they may be used and adapted for monochrome photography processing and printing
traditions that inform photographic practice and how they may be used to inform own practice for processing and printing monochrome photographs
intellectual property issues and legislation associated with processing and printing monochrome photographs
environmental issues associated with the materials and equipment used in monochrome processing and printing techniques
organisational and legislative OHS procedures in relation to processing and printing monochrome work.
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 ability to: produce multiple monochrome photographs that: demonstrate the application of selected techniques consistent with concepts are suitable for display or reproduction. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: materials, resources and equipment needed to produce monochrome photographs. |
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 observation of the candidate using processing and printing techniques for monochrome photographs evaluation of photographs produced by the candidate verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that arise in the context of producing monochrome photographs review of portfolios of evidence review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners. 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). |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: CUVPHI303A Process photo images to work-print and file stage. |
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.
Relevant personnel may include: | clients colleagues managers supervisors. |
Features of an appropriately equipped | benches electricity materials and equipment plumbing process-specific needs required darkroom layout safe lights storage facilities ventilation wet areas. |
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 glass perspex wood time/temperature charts. |
Equipment may include: | a range of cameras of various formats contrast filters developing trays drying cabinet for negatives enlargers focus scope measuring jugs and stirrers negative carriers paintbrushes personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing process tank safe lights scissors spirals sponges thermometer tongs. |
Photographs may be: | a series or sequence prints on a range of photographic or other papers prints on: fabric glass metal wood unique state. |
Concept may relate to: | design elements and principles: balance form line repetition tone scope of the photography: series unique state (e.g. photogram) subject matter or theme of photographs: caricature fauna flora issues: cultural political spiritual concerns landscape personal or imaginative narrative portraits still life the body. |
Ways to prepare materials may involve: | consulting manufacturers’ sheets, data and charts consulting MSDS consulting time and temperature data preparing chemicals. |
Techniques may include: | cyanotypes and/or other antique processes dodging and burning (selective exposure) emulsion transfer and liquid emulsions image modifications that are subject to specific regulations and standards image tone modification and 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 that manipulate the image: multiple exposure multiple printing using contrast control filters using a range of print developers: high contrast warm tone. |
Ways to test capabilities may involve making: | proof sheets test strips work prints. |
Ways to review techniques may involve: | adjustment to subject matter or theme adjustment to take account of principles of design for image making adjustment to use extended capabilities of techniques. |
Ways to document work progress may involve: | diagrams discussion folder of data sheets and notes visual diary written reports. |
Ways to clean and maintain 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. |
Visual communication – photo imaging
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.