CUVPHI528A
Plan, capture and exploit stock photo images

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce self-commissioned stock photo images.

Application

This unit applies to the production of images that are self-commissioned by the photographer/photo imagist. Stock image photographers are often responsible for supervising others (e.g. assistants).

This unit requires the application of skills and knowledge in order to research possible subjects or locations suitable for stock photo imaging; conceptualise and create images of a specialised nature suitable for a broad range of uses; plan and prepare for shoots; undertake post-shoot processing and image product optimisation; supply images to image banks, libraries and visual resource management organisations; and liaise or consult with a range of associated and allied persons, work teams, government agencies and private enterprise.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Develop concepts for the creation of stock images

1.1 Research sources of information for contemporary styles and conceptual or aesthetic approaches for possible purchasers of images

1.2 Evaluate, test and refine the technical requirements for a range of stock photo imaging projects and confirm with appropriate people

1.3 Prepare pricing schedules, business documents, quotes, accounts and invoices where applicable

2. Prepare for the creation of stock images

2.1 Research and adopt professional practice arrangements for shoots

2.2 Consider shoot requirements and make test shots to refine skills for shoots

2.3 Prepare shoot management timelines and make appropriate shoot preparations

2.4 Negotiate with necessary parties for access to models, apparel, fashion accessories, locations and other subjects

3. Shoot images and optimise work to anticipated client specifications

3.1 Capture stock images to the preconceived style and content within shoot context

3.2 Check and reinstate equipment

3.3 Optimise images and output creative product to possible end-user specifications using industry standards

3.4 Label and archive images/creative product appropriately

4. Market images and review project

4.1 Place images into a commercial environment where sales can be made to end-users, and make direct contact with possible purchaser of images

4.2 Maintain contractual and financial records for business and taxation purposes

4.3 Review response from potential clients and/or image broker

4.4 Review personal performance within shoot context

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

Required Skills

Required skills

photo imaging skills to:

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

optimise and create files and film to stock photo imaging industry standards

use industry-standard digital media, design and presentation technologies

research skills to:

compare contemporary styles and conceptual or aesthetic approaches to stock photo imaging

maintain professional practice arrangements for stock photo imaging

critical thinking skills to:

recognise and address barriers to effective photo imaging workflow

reflect on and analyse own performance

literacy skills to develop and interpret business documents and contracts

numeracy skills to:

maintain contractual and financial records for business and taxation purposes

prepare budgets, pricing schedules, quotations and invoices for clients

communication skills to:

engage with clients in a meaningful way and explain and describe work practices

establish and nourish industry links with suppliers, contractors and employees

liaise with clients/image brokers and make business presentations

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

negotiate successful contracts and work agreements with clients

negotiate with and relate to clients, models, creative teams and project stakeholders

recognise and overcome tension and nervousness in subjects

resolve complaints and disputes

speak at marketing and networking opportunities

work effectively with diversity and deal empathetically with subjects

learning skills to review personal performance within shoot context

planning and organising skills to:

interpret and respond to photo imaging briefs

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

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

problem-solving skills to identify and rectify equipment malfunction or failure

teamwork skills to work with a production team

technology skills to check and reinstate equipment.

Required knowledge

business practice, including partnerships, contracts, intellectual property, copyright, legal, moral, insurance, financial, budget, political, OHS, licences and permits

relationship between practitioner and professional bodies and associations

procedures for selecting, testing and evaluating technology to determine its suitability for stock production purposes

products and practices of stock photo imaging environment, including practices and products

traditions and contemporary issues that inform stock photo imaging practice

working with government institutions and regulations relating to stock photo imaging practice.

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:

apply a typical workflow in stock photo imaging professional practice

interact and liaise with potential clients, image brokers and associated professionals

apply business, coordination and negotiation skills to own photo imaging work practices

apply technical and imaging skills, including capturing and optimising stock images.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to:

a range of photo imaging production equipment, such as cameras, computers, software, printers, darkrooms, lighting and accessories

a range of locations and studios for stock photo imaging shoots

sources of information to research contemporary styles and conceptual or aesthetic approaches to stock photo imaging

appropriate learning and assessment support when required

opportunity for collaboration with or in allied industries, such as designers, sports people, researchers, field scientists, tour operators and business owners

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

review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners

direct observation of candidate applying a typical workflow in stock photo imaging professional practice

case studies to assess candidate’s ability to research contemporary styles and conceptual or aesthetic approaches to stock photo imaging

participation in or observation in professional photo imaging awards

review of stock image products against industry standards and service specifications.

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:

CUVPHI516A Research the role and use of the photo image in visual communication

CUVPHI517A Research and exploit photo imaging trends

CUVPHI518A Explore the descriptive and emotive nature of photo lighting

CUVPHI519A Investigate and exploit innovative imaging options

CUVPHI520A Produce an innovative presentation of professional work.


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 media, such as newspapers, television, magazines

image sourcing agencies, image banks and libraries

internet and social media sites

interviews

personal experiences

professional awards

professional libraries

workshops, seminars and conferences.

Technical requirements may include:

location requirements:

aerial photography

remote or urban photography

terrestrial specialised locations, such as deserts; jungles; oceans, lakes and seas; and polar or ice and snow regions

models, assistants, support crew and guides

personnel needs

specialist equipment requirements:

batteries and power generation

high-speed cameras

survival gear

telescopes and microscopes

underwater cameras.

Stock photo imaging projects may include:

billboard signage

book and magazine covers

business

CD sleeves and covers

cultural activities and events

current news topics

display panels for conferences, trade displays and corporate promotions

landscape

lifestyles

murals for commercial interior decoration

natural history

print and online training materials

public figures

representation of society and/or demographics

sport

underwater

visual identity images for commercial use.

Appropriate people may include:

members of relevant professional associations

mentors and peers

practising stock photographers/photo imagists and members of allied fields.

Professional practice arrangements may include:

contracts

copyright, licensing and intellectual property rights

creative product archive/digital asset management

creative product transportation and storage

financial management and GST

insurance, including personal, public risk, accident and sickness, equipment

licences and permits

model and property releases

OHS

project budget management.

Shoot requirements may include:

analog or digital capture technologies and supporting accessories

creative product:

how it is to be used

what the client specifies

hire options for equipment

models, props and backgrounds

overall look and feel to satisfy requirements of brief or style or shoot context

photo imaging lighting:

ambient

mixed lighting

supplementary, including electronic flash, tungsten and fluorescent

assistant

post-production coordinators

processing requirements for image work created

production team

studio or internal/external location

technical considerations arising from the technical requirements of shoot

timelines for stages of stock workflow

transportation of equipment.

Shoot preparations may include:

assembling and checking all equipment

briefing assistants and other members of creative team

involvement in concept development phase of creative process

confirming time, place and requirements for all aspects of the shoot that will be supplied by others

undertaking weather checks for location shoots.

Shoot context may include:

application of teamwork and management skills conducive to a creative environment

colour management specifications

format and orientation of image

provision of innovative suggestions and options to improve:

creative product

service being supplied

shoot personnel, including:

park rangers

tour operators and guides

dive masters

pilots

assistants

location scouts

technical requirements of creative product

timelines.

Optimise images may include:

digital files as specified:

bit depth

colour space

digital asset management

file dimensions/size in pixels

file format, such as:

joint photographic experts group (JPEG)

portable document format (PDF)

Photoshop Data (PSD)

tagged image file format (TIFF)

file naming, captions and inclusion of file information data

multiple file formats

transfer media, such as CD, DVD and internet

uncompressed and compressed files

maintaining quality and integrity of the digital data

processing RAW/JPEG files

retouch, enhance and photomontage as requested.

Creative product may include:

photo images and photomontages:

digital files

DVDs and digital media presentations.

Commercial environment may include:

image broker

image library

making direct contact with potential clients

self-publishing or merchandising.


Sectors

Visual communication – photo imaging


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.