Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use digital camera technology for the production of colour separated images.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the individual to use digital camera technology for the production of colour separated images.

Prerequisite units 

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. Assess digital camera qualities

1.1. Camera software compatibility with hardware system is assessed and the appropriate software is selected for the job

1.2. Pixel resolution of the camera is matched to the required quality and resolution of outcome

1.3. The RAM capacity of the camera is checked to be appropriate to the number of images required to be captured

1.4. Shutter speed, focal lengths and camera feature modes (eg flash, scrollage, icon menu, close-up, wide angle and telephoto capacity) are assessed suitable for the quality and use of photographic images required

1.5. Lithium batteries are handled and stored according to OHS requirements

2. Set up for image capture

2.1. Camera is set up for image composition according to job specifications

2.2. Lighting  is arranged according to job specifications

2.3. Light intensity is set for the correct exposure

3. Preview image

3.1. Tone curves are adjusted according to job specifications

3.2. The neutral balance of the image is arranged and adjusted

3.3. Adjustments to image composition and exposure are made

4. Photograph and upload a digital image

4.1. The digital camera is loaded and operated according to manufacturer's specifications appropriate to the quality of image to be photographed

4.2. The computer card interface/disk is uploaded onto the relevant computer and the image saved on hard disk

4.3. Photographic image files are created and stored on the computer according to software procedures

4.4. Photographic images are enhanced, cropped and altered electronically to deliver the required image

4.5. Photographic images are checked for fitness of purpose and conformance to the job brief

4.6. Photographic images are assessed fit for the relevant delivery mode (eg print, CD-ROM) and delivered appropriately

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started
• communication of ideas and information by consulting with supervisors over the processing of digital images
• collecting, analysing and organising information by assessing the suitability of shutter speed, focal lengths and camera feature modes (eg flash, scrollage, icon menu, close-up, wide angle and telephoto capacity) for the photographic image required
• planning and organising activities by planning and coordinating digital image capture sessions
• teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with others
• mathematical ideas and techniques by choosing the correct shutter speed and focal length to capture digital images
• problem-solving skills applied by identifying and correcting problems of image quality
• use of technology applied by using digital camera technology

Required knowledge 

• digital camera use
• pixel resolution and how this affects the resolution of the image
• relevance of the RAM capacity of a digital camera
• importance of shutter speeds and focal lengths
• safety requirements for handling and storing lithium batteries
• uploading and processing digital images using a computer
• uploaded data to a computer from the computer card interface/disk
• process for filing and creating photographic image files on the computer
• enhancing, crop and altering photographic images electronically
• considerations that need to be made to assess a digital photograph suitable for a newspaper, glossy brochure and CD-ROM
• manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept and information that is included in these documents

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.

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

• photographed image meets the quality and look/ feel requirements of the brief. The digital camera functions are used to capture the required image
• underlying skills of capturing a digital image using a digital camera should be transferable across the associated sectors of the printing industry
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• assess the capacity of, and operate, a digital camera to upload and process THREE digital images using industry hardware and software to deliver a designated quality of image outcome
• evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment method is appropriate for this unit:

• direct questioning/observation combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

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.

Lighting  may include:

• direct (main) fill in lighting/fill reflector

Types of systems  may include:

• digital cameras used in the pre-press sector and associated sectors with which a pre-press organisation may be required to work

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Multimedia

Co-requisite units