Application
Photographers apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. On large photo shoots, this role could be assigned to a photographer’s assistant. Photo shoots could be for the fashion industry, marketing and promotional activities, live entertainment events, as well as for film and television productions. Artists who use photography as a medium also apply these skills and knowledge.
At this level, work may be independent or supervised depending on the work context.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Set up lighting for photo shoot | 1.1. Confirm lighting characteristics required for subjects in consultation with relevant personnel as required 1.2. Select lighting equipment and accessories that best fit the purpose of images 1.3. Determine work environment needs 1.4. Select appropriate camera system and accessories 1.5. Correctly assemble camera and lighting systems according to work requirements 1.6. Undertake work with due regard to safety considerations 1.7. Use equipment and materials in a manner that minimises waste |
2. Light subjects | 2.1. Position models and props as required 2.2. Test lighting techniques to determine their fitness for purpose 2.3. Adjust, modify and calibrate camera settings to meet lighting requirements 2.4. Work collaboratively with others when required to meet timelines associated with photo shoots |
3. Complete and review shoot | 3.1. Capture images using appropriate camera features 3.2. Review images against work requirements and adjust lighting as required 3.3. Document work process as required |
4. Complete post-shoot activities | 4.1. Safely 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 organisational procedures 4.4. Safely transport and store equipment and materials and ensure readiness for future use |
Required Skills
Required skills
literacy skills to interpret written instructions, safety labels and procedures
numeracy skills to interpret technical charts and diagrams about lighting
planning and organising skills to assemble and test lighting equipment in a logical sequence
self-management skills to comply with OHS requirements and work to project parameters
technical skills to:
assemble and disassemble lighting equipment for photo shoots
use different types of light-measuring devices.
Required knowledge
electromagnetic spectrum as it impacts on photo imaging practice
colour temperature and colour synthesis in photo imaging practice
ways in which light-sensitive materials, including films and digital sensors, respond to light
effect of light on exposure of light-sensitive media
physical properties and capabilities of camera systems and lighting equipment used in the exposure of photographic film and digital sensors
elements and principles of design and their application to photographic lighting
theoretical and historical contexts of lighting for photo imaging and a range of other art forms
work, ideas and techniques of other photographers, especially with regard to lighting
issues and challenges that arise in the context of lighting photo shoots
sustainability considerations for photo imaging practice
OHS issues and procedures associated with lighting.
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.
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the ability to: select appropriate camera and lighting equipment and accessories for range of different subjects in different physical environments apply appropriate lighting techniques to a range of different subjects in different physical environments. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: materials, resources and equipment needed to select, set up, adjust and apply camera and lighting systems. |
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 setting up lighting equipment for a photo shoot and applying lighting techniques evaluation of lighting in images where the candidate was responsible for lighting review of case studies to assess knowledge of how to apply lighting techniques in a range of situations written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit 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: CUVPHI401A Capture images in response to a brief. |
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.
Subjects may include people or objects photographed for purposes, such as: | photo-documentary: the built environment the natural environment portraiture: formal candid scientific medical technical still life. |
Relevant personnel may include: | supervisor manager client art director designer: set designer costume designer production designer director production manager make-up and hair personnel model. |
Lighting equipment and accessories may include: | fibre optics floor pack electronic flash systems French flags and gobos light-modifying devices: scrims umbrellas honeycombs and grids soft boxes reflectors light absorbers portable (monobloc type) systems portable electronic flash portable photoflood and tungsten light systems exposure: grey card readings incident/reflective readings lighting ratio and brightness range readings off the film (OTF) and through the lens (TTL) plane metering spot meter readings light-sensitive materials: different types of film and electronic sensors response of light-sensitive material to different colours of light source light sources: candle flame and other ambient low light sources fluorescent lighting incandescent, tungsten and photoflood metallogenic and discharge lamps ultraviolet and infra-red. |
Work environment needs may include: | chairs stools posing equipment and tables dust free environment electricity lighting: natural/available studio portable equipment and materials: ground sheets backgrounds portable generator ventilation and air conditioning work tables storage areas and facilities. |
Camera systems and accessories may include: | 120 camera 4 x 5 camera 35mm SLR camera cable release digital cameras and backs exposure meters film and media filters range of lenses tripods batteries camera stands. |
Safety considerations include: | complying with federal, state and territory legislation, regulations and standards checking that electrical equipment is correctly tagged and tested ensuring that the work space is free of trip hazards. |
Materials may include: | gaffer tape ground sheets power cables multi-outlet power boards for electrical equipment props transport cases equipment bags. |
Techniques may include: | field of view framing dynamic range composition background effects colour balancing and the use of colour temperature meters and filters combined lighting and the illusion of movement feathering the light lighting for silverware lighting for textured surfaces lighting glassware and gloss ware lighting techniques for translucent surfaces painting with light shadowless lighting synchro sun and fill flash white balance and custom colour optimisation for electronic sensors techniques for special situations: scientific technical forensic. |
Ways to adjust camera settings for lighting may involve: | aperture exposure lens focal length lens hoods shutter speed. |
Sectors
Visual communication – photo imaging
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.