CUVPHI509A
Make wedding photoimaging products

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide photoimaging services for wedding clients.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

This unit applies to the provision of wedding photoimaging services and deals with the recording of key moments, moods and activities of a wedding day (including individual portraits) plus presenting the images in various forms. The wedding photographer creates and delivers images with a quality/consistency greater than that achieved by an enthusiast. Wedding images/creative products have no agreed resale value by the subject and are for personal collection/use. Wedding photographers work with a range of photographic service providers (e.g. processing, printing, mounting, framing and presentation services) and recording professionals (e.g. videographers) and are often responsible for supervising assistants.

This unit aligns to the workflow associated with the professional wedding photoimaging sector and requires the application of skills and knowledge in order to respond to the needs of wedding clients, plan/prepare shoots, process/optimise images, supply images and/or integrated presentation products and liaise/consult with a range of associated and allied persons, work teams, government agencies and private enterprises.


Prerequisites

The following units or demonstrated equivalence are required prior to undertaking this unit:

CUVPHI04A Apply photoimaging lighting techniques

CUVPHI05A Use a 35mm SLR camera or digital equivalent

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

CUVPHI07A Process photoimages to work print/file stage.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Develop a range of wedding services based on a studio style.

1.1 Research sources of information for contemporary styles and conceptual/aesthetic approaches to wedding photoimaging styles, subjects and locations.

1.2 Develop a studio style and ascertain relevance/suitability to intended target audience.

1.3 Make test shots to refine studio style.

1.4 Prepare sample albums representative of studio style for marketing/promotional purposes.

1.5 Prepare pricing schedule, order forms, terms of trade and contracts.

1.6 Research/adopt professional practice arrangements for wedding services and confirm with appropriate person/s.

1.7 Promote and market wedding photoimaging services to potential clients.

2 Liaise with client and prepare for shoot.

2.1 Meet with client to confirm shoot responsibilities, shoot requirements and pricing schedule.

2.2 Discuss assignment of copyright/licensing arrangements with client.

2.3 Negotiate/complete contract with client and employ appropriate deposit and payment plan arrangements.

2.4 Make appropriate shoot preparations.

3 Shoot images, proof and optimise work to client specifications.

3.1 Capture images within shoot context and be prepared for changed circumstances.

3.2 Coordinate and work with a shoot team and seek feedback from client on shoot progress and image selection.

3.3 Prepare proofs and samples and liaise with client to finalise creative product/s content.

3.4 Optimiseimages and output creative product/s to agreed client specifications using industry standards.

4 Wrap up and review shoot.

4.1 Maintain quality and working condition of equipment, studio and props.

4.2 Prepare work and final account for client (for collection and payment).

4.3 Review client response and personal performance within shoot context.

4.4 Appropriately catalogue and archive images/files.

4.5 Maintain contractual and financial records for business and taxation purposes.

4.6 Update work samples of wedding photoimaging services for marketing/promotional purposes.

4.7 Identify future opportunities, work directions, equipment needs and workflow changes resulting from the shoot.

Required Skills

Required skills:

photoimaging skills sufficient to:

create meaningful images in private/public spaces in a respectful manner

file/film optimisation/creation to wedding photoimaging industry standards

use industry standard digital media, design and presentation technologies

research skills sufficient to:

compare contemporary styles and conceptual/aesthetic approaches to wedding photoimaging

maintain professional practice arrangements for wedding photoimaging

critical thinking skills sufficient to:

recognise/address barriers to effective photoimaging workflow

employ reflective questioning to analyse performance

literacy skills sufficient to develop and interpret business documents and contracts

numeracy skills sufficient to:

maintain contractual/financial records for business/taxation purposes

prepare pricing structures, payment plans, budgets, quotations and invoices for clients

planning and organising skills sufficient to:

coordinate activities of models, assistants, and creative and shoot teams

interpret and respond to photoimaging briefs

organise shoots on location/in studio and prepare shoot management timelines

learning skills sufficient to review personal performance within shoot context

problem solving skills sufficient to identify/rectify equipment malfunction/failure and adjust for unforeseen or changed circumstances of the wedding shoot

teamwork skills sufficient to work with a shoot and post-shoot team

communication skills sufficient to:

conduct interviews and consultations

develop rapport with subject/s and recognise/overcome tension and nervousness that may arise from subjects having photographs taken

establish/nourish industry links with suppliers, contractors and employees

make business presentations

negotiate prices/fair exchange of services with clients and project stakeholders

resolve complaints/disputes

seek feedback from clients on shoot progress and image selection

work effectively with diversity and deal empathetically with subjects

technology skills sufficient to check and reinstate equipment, studio and props.

Required knowledge:

business practice (e.g. partnerships, contracts, intellectual property, copyright, legal, moral, insurance, financial, budget, political, OHS, licences and permits)

relationship between photoimaging practitioner and wedding clients

selection, testing and evaluation of technology to ascertain suitability for wedding production purposes

the broad wedding photoimaging environment - the styles, where and how the image products are utilised

traditions and contemporary issues that inform wedding photoimaging practice

working with government institutions/regulations relating to the wedding environment.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to apply a typical workflow in wedding photoimaging professional practice

ability to apply business, coordination and negotiation skills to own photoimaging practice

ability to apply technical and imaging skills, including capturing/optimising wedding images

ability to interact and liaise with clients and associated professionals within the context of a wedding shoot (including empathetic communication skills)

ability to work within a diverse range of cultural practices and rituals in a wedding context.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a range of photoimaging production equipment employed in a wedding context (e.g. album layout software, cameras, computers, printers, darkrooms, studios, lighting and accessories)

access to a range of locations and studios for wedding photoimaging shoots

access to sources of information to research contemporary styles and conceptual/aesthetic approaches to wedding photoimaging

opportunity for collaboration with or in allied industries (e.g. designers, fashion stylists, make-up artists, hairdressers, processing labs/printers, bookbinders and presentation specialists)

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

the use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee 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 by candidate

direct observation of candidate applying a typical workflow in wedding photoimaging professional practice

direct observation of candidate participating in wedding photoimaging events and making wedding photoimaging products

case studies to assess candidate's ability to research contemporary styles and conceptual/aesthetic approaches to wedding photoimaging

participation in/observation of wedding photography/photoimaging award/s

review of creative products against wedding industry standards and service specifications.

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

CUVPHI501A Research role and use of the photoimage in visual communication

CUVPHI502A Research and exploit photoimaging trends

CUVPHI503A Explore the descriptive and emotive nature of photo lighting

CUVPHI504A Investigate and exploit innovative imaging options

CUVPHI505A Produce an innovative presentation package of professional work

CUVPHI514A Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace.


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.

Sources of information may include:

contemporary wedding/fashion media, newspapers, television, magazines

internet sites

interviews

personal experiences

professional awards

professional libraries

workshops, seminars, conferences.

Wedding photoimaging styles may include:

contemporary

ethnic or cultural traditions

magazine style

photo documentary/photo essay

traditional.

Wedding subjects may include:

integration of subject/s into architectural and landscape environments

portraits of:

couples

formal and informal groups

individuals

wedding details:

apparel and accessories

automobiles and transportation vehicles

cakes

dresses

flowers

jewellery.

Wedding locations may include:

churches

landscape environment:

beaches, river and stream banks

buildings and architectural

public and private parks and gardens

roadsides, fields and farmlands

urban

photoimaging studio

private homes

reception rooms and hotels.

Studio style may include:

unique and recognisable photographic and print/album look, including factors such as:

depth of field

exposure compensation

fragments and details

framing/cropping

lens focal length

post-capture image treatment

point of view (POV) photography

use of abstraction.

Pricing schedule may include:

payment plans

range of services or packages.

Professional practice arrangements may include:

contracts

copyright, licensing and intellectual property rights

creative product archive/digital asset management

financial management/taxation/GST

insurance (personal public risk, accident and sickness, equipment, completed creative product, transportation and storage)

licences and permits

model/talent and property releases

OHS

project budget management.

Appropriate person/s may include:

bridal agencies and wedding suppliers

members of relevant professional associations

mentors/peers

practising wedding photographers, photoimagists or members of allied fields.

Shoot responsibilities may include:

confirming legal aspects of the shoot

controlling the shoot

controlling/signing-off on the creative product

liaising with bridal party and family to coordinate group shots

negotiating and signing contract

paying deposit/final account

selecting locations, props, backgrounds.

Shoot requirements may include:

analogue or digital capture technologies and supporting accessories

duration of coverage

hire options for equipment

props, backgrounds

photoimaging lighting:

ambient

mixed lighting

supplementary (electronic flash/tungsten/fluorescent/other)

processing requirements for image work created

shoot team:

assistant

fashion stylists

make-up and hairdressers

posers

post-shoot team:

album planners and designers

digital media/audio visual producer

image enhancement and retouching

studio, location (internal/external)

the creative product (how it is to be used/what the client specifies)

timelines for stages of wedding workflow

transportation of equipment.

Shoot preparations may include:

assemble and check all equipment

brief assistants/members of the shoot/post-shoot teams

conceptualise involvement in creative process

confirm time/place/requirements for all aspects of the shoot that will be supplied by others

consider/implement strategies for back-up equipment in case of equipment loss or failure

ensure personal grooming/presentation of self and team match client expectations

negotiate access to location/s with necessary parties

undertake weather check for location shoots.

Shoot context may include:

application of teamwork and management skills conducive to a creative environment

clients contractual agreement

compassionate/empathetic considerations

cultural requirements

physical environment/s of the shoot

the agreed responsible parties for aspects of the shoot

time constraints for locations and associated professionals for the event.

Changed circumstances may include:

changes due to emotional state of the subjects

changes to contractual arrangements

equipment malfunctions

inclement weather

overlooked technical requirements

physical changes of the location

subject changes

substitution of alternate photographer due to illness and unavailability.

Shoot team may include:

album planners and designers

child minders

post-shoot team

digital media/audio visual producer

image enhancement and retouching

shoot team

assistant/s

fashion stylists

make-up and hairdressers

posers.

Optimise images may include:

digital files as specified:

bit depth

colour space

digital asset management

file dimensions/size in pixels

file format (e.g. JPEG, TIFF, PSD, PDF)

file naming, captions and inclusion of file information data

multiple file formats

uncompressed/compressed files

maintain quality/integrity of the digital data

process RAW/JPEG files

retouch, enhance, photo-montage (as requested)

transfer media (e.g. CD, DVD, internet).

Creative product/s may include:

photoimages as:

digital files for use on the internet or for inclusion in personal digital media presentations or documents

DVDs and digital media presentations

framed print/s

loose print/s

mounted print/s

prints in/for albums and books.


Sectors

Not Applicable


Competency Field

Design and Visual Communication - Photoimaging


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor