Digital Photography

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 1
Unit No:
H/617/1188
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
48 hours

For the full unit details, please download the latest version of the qualification specification. This is available for download on the relevant qualifications page.

Unit Learning Outcomes

To view the assessment criteria and any additional content, please expand the relevant learning outcome below.

1. — Know about photography materials, techniques and processes.

Photography practice in media products:

  • Traditional film-based practice (film camera, aperture and shutter speed, equipment for film processing, chemicals for processing and printing, printing on paper)
  • Contemporary practice (digital camera types and functions, memory cards, accessing computers, image manipulation software, printing)
  • Genre (documentary, portraiture, fashion, press, advertising, studio, location)

Photography materials:

  • Film cameras / Digital cameras
  • Tripod / mounting a camera
  • Framing
  • Lighting (e.g. spots, flash, filters, floods, diffusers)

Photography techniques and processes:

  • Planning a shooting schedule
  • Booking resources (e.g. studio, equipment, models)
  • Image capture (e.g. sharpness, exposure, depth of field, colour, light, white balance)
  • Lighting
  • Composition
  • Image manipulation
  • Storage (e.g. memory cards, file types, file size)
  • Keeping a production log

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.

    Explore the different materials, techniques and processes used in photography.

2. — Be able to generate ideas for photographic images.

Propose ideas:

  • Theme research
  • Initial ideas
  • Mood boards
  • Mind maps
  • Technical considerations
  • Resources

Research sources:

  • Primary sources (e.g. observation drawings, experimental photographs, trial shots, location visits).
  • Secondary sources (e.g. practitioner research, books, websites, blogs)
  • Existing products (e.g. magazine covers, adverts, websites, press)

How to generate ideas:

  • Style of product
  • Purpose
  • Visual communication
  • Visual representation
  • Key messages
  • Mind maps
  • Sketches
  • Layout designs
  • Thumbnails
  • Annotations

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Use different sources to generate ideas for photographic images in response to a proposal.

3. — Be able to produce photographic images.

Using photography materials, techniques and processes:

  • Planning a shooting schedule
  • Booking resources (e.g. studio, equipment, models)
  • Image capture (e.g. sharpness, exposure, depth of field, colour, light, white balance)
  • Lighting
  • Composition
  • Image manipulation
  • Storage (e.g. memory cards, file types, file size).
  • Keeping a production log

Presentation formats:

  • PowerPoint presentation
  • Group presentation
  • Group critique
  • Effective communication
  • Digital portfolio
  • Printed portfolio

Safe working practices:

  • Importance of health and safety
  • Working safely with equipment
  • Working safely with computers
  • Maintaining a safe working environment

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Use photographic materials, techniques and processes to produce images in response to a proposal.

  • 3.2

    Present photographic images in an appropriate format.

4. — Be able to review photography work.

Review photography work.

Include reflections on:

  • how well you worked to produce the photographs (strengths and areas for development in your way of working)
  • the effectiveness of the photographs (how well they met their purpose/the brief)

Draw on:

  • User feedback
  • Own self-assessment
  • Feedback from those who worked with you

Suggest improvements to own work

  • More efficient or effective ways of working
  • Ways to improve the photographs

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Outline strengths and areas for development of photography work produced.

  • 4.2

    Suggest improvements to own work.