Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

CUVPHI404A

This version first released with CUV11 Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

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.

1. Retrieve work prints or digital files

1.1 Clarify and confirm concept for final image  in consultation with relevant colleagues  as required

1.2 Identify and select work prints or files that are consistent with concept or brief

2. Plan image output

2.1 Identify and confirm qualities and characteristics of the work prints or files suitable for enhancement and manipulation 

2.2 Resolve output strategies consistent with the purpose of the final image, including identification of constraints and requirement of specified image use

3. Prepare work environment for analog or digital work

3.1 Select work environment  to meet requirements

3.2 Care for work environment so that it remains clean and safe during the production of work

3.3 Safely set up relevant equipment  and prepare materials for the work

4. Enhance and manipulate the images

4.1 Select techniques for image manipulation  and enhancement consistent with the concept, testing processes and purpose of the work

4.2 Select appropriate materials  and equipment

4.3 Consider screen-based issues  where appropriate

4.4 Apply selected techniques to enhance and manipulate the images to resolve them ready for output, which includes resolving output strategies 

5. Output images

5.1 Select appropriate materials and/or equipment  for output option 

5.2 Safely output image by digital or analog means

6. Restore work environment and resources

6.1 Safely restore work area after use

6.2 Minimise and clean up waste according to safety requirements

6.3 Clean and maintain equipment according to manufacturer instructions

6.4 Store equipment according to workplace procedures and ensure readiness for future use

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• output a body of images that demonstrates command of enhancement and manipulation techniques
• apply knowledge of processes and options for the enhancement of photo images.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• relevant photo imaging materials, tools and equipment.

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 outputting techniques
• evaluation of photographs produced by the candidate
• case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that arise in the context of image production
• 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.

Final image  may be for:

• advertising
• medical and scientific report
• personal expression and art
• photo-documentary
• political commentary
• promotion
• social commentary.

Relevant colleagues  may include:

• client
• supervisor
• others working on the project.

Enhancement and manipulation  techniques may include:

• adjusting density and contrast
• adjusting levels and curves
• correcting colour
• digital tool box functions
• dodging and burning
• exploring different filters
• masking, multiple printing, and multiple exposure
• using a range of print developers
• using liquid emulsions
• using photo relevant menu.

Work environment  may mean:

• darkroom equipped with film developing requirements, appropriate lighting and plumbing
• digital context equipped with:

• computer, scanner, printer or other output devices
• safely installed and managed electrical cabling
• storage for software.

Equipment  may include:

• computer
• electronic storage devices
• imaging applications and software
• output devices
• relevant wet darkroom equipment
• scanner.

Techniques for image manipulation  may involve:

• digital techniques using a range of imaging applications, including Adobe Photoshop and features used by the photo imaging industry, such as:

• batch processing
• colour/contrast and density controls
• conversion to colour files to black and white images
• filters
• image assembly from multiple originals
• layers and channel operations
• masking
• text
• unsharp masking

• wet darkroom techniques:

• emulsion transfer and use of liquid emulsions
• general and local toning and bleaching
• high contrast techniques, including bas relief and tone-line
• image tone modification
• masking, multiple exposure, and multiple printing
• pseudo solarisation (sabattier effect)
• selective contrast control
• use of different print developers.

Materials  may include:

• a range of film types for black and white, colour transparencies and colour negative imaging
• a range of light-sensitive papers
• relevant chemicals for wet darkroom film and paper development
• storage folders and negative carriers.

Screen-based issues  may relate to:

• aliasing
• ambient light
• colour calibration
• colour management
• colour space
• pixelation
• resolution
• screen size
• WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get).

Output strategies  may involve:

• inks and pigments
• metamerism
• paper surfaces and types
• type of printer
• viewing conditions of output.

Output equipment  may include:

• analog:

• contact printers
• enlargers
• enlarging easel
• timers
• wet processing apparatus

• digital:

• dye sublimation
• emerging print technologies
• inkjet (desktop and large format)
• laser printers
• LED and CRT printers

• other print technologies:

• cyanotype
• digigraphs and compugrams
• gravure
• photolithography
• screen printing.

Output options  may be:

• digital print
• file
• film (colour transparency)
• hybrid technology
• photographic print, including black and white, and colour
• web.