Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

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.

Prerequisite units 

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.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

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 AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

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 GUIDE 

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.