Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to take photos for fieldwork for purposes including identifying flora and fauna, vegetation communities and landscapes, photo-point surveys, photography for compliance evidentiary purposes, photography for publications and project monitoring and reporting.
This unit applies to land managers, rangers, weed officers and project officers who are required to use cameras and take photographs for work purposes. These individuals are usually workers who take responsibility for own work and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to take photographs | 1.1 Determine the purpose and end use of photographs 1.2 Prepare a photograph checklist that includes subject, purpose and requirements 1.3 Assess work health and safety risks associated with conducting fieldwork photography and identify controls according to workplace requirements 1.4 Obtain necessary permits and file according to workplace requirements |
2. Identify and select appropriate equipment | 2.1 Select camera based on suitability for the intended use 2.2 Select and prepare photographic equipment and accessories according to the intended use 2.3 Transport and store photographic equipment and accessories to reduce risk of damage |
3. Take photos using correct methods and techniques | 3.1 Conduct safety risk assessment and apply safe work practices 3.2 Select position from which to take photos that is safe, unobstructed and easily accessible 3.3 Select camera settings to suit conditions and capture subject 3.4 Select the perspective, framing and sequencing of photographs according to the subject and purpose of photographs and the checklist 3.5 Take photos and check quality on site to make sure they are fit for purpose 3.6 Use specialised photography techniques following proper techniques and methods 3.7 Record field notes identifying site location, date, time, conditions, subject details, further photos required at a later date and other relevant details 3.8 Mark the location of the camera so the perspective and framing can be easily reproduced on future shoots. |
4. Download, catalogue and store photographs | 4.1 Download photos from camera to computer hard drive or other storage medium according to workplace and legislative requirements 4.2 Electronically file, name and catalogue photos according to workplace policies and procedures and to meet copyright requirements |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
determine the purpose of the photo
complete permission forms, obtain permits and confirm copyright requirements before taking photos
prepare a checklist that includes subject, purpose and requirements
assess work health and safety risks and apply suitable controls
select the appropriate camera, lenses and equipment for the task
adjust aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, white balance, ISO, macro settings, as required by camera type, to suit the purpose, subject matter and environmental conditions
use the following specialised photography techniques:
macro (close-up)
photo points
evidentiary photos
take photos, check they are fit for purpose and retake if necessary
record appropriate field notes according to purpose, enterprise requirements and with sufficient information to repeat photo in future
download, file and name evidentiary photos following chain of custody policies and legal procedures
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must explain:
legal requirements of copyright, privacy, permission and environmental protection relating to taking photos for fieldwork
hazard identification, assessment and control procedures
purpose of photographic equipment used in fieldwork
principles of photography including aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, ISO, white balance, exposure compensation and dynamic range, where DSLR cameras are used
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Natural Area Restoration (NAR)