Course Title: Work with photomedia in creative practice
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2024
Course Code: VART6502C
Course Title: Work with photomedia in creative practice
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: Brunswick Campus
Program: C5409 - Diploma of Graphic Design
Course Contact: Ruth Wellington
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9187
Course Contact Email: ruth.wellington@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Leigh Milward
Nominal Hours: 65
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This course describes the skills and knowledge required to work with any type of photomedia professional creative practice. It involves exploring and experimenting with different ideas related to photomedia, creating own photomedia work and presenting and evaluating finished work.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAACD522 Work with photo media in creative practice |
Element: |
1.Explore the potential of photomedia in own work |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Research the potential of photomedia in own work using applicable sources of information 1.2 Examine traditional and contemporary ways photomedia is used 1.3 Identify different digital, traditional or experimental tools and methods for the development of photomedia projects 1.4 Develop ideas and establish objectives for work using investigation, discussion and review |
Element: |
2.Experiment with photomedia |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Explore and experiment with particular features of specific tools, including potential for combining them for particular purposes 2.2 Achieve different effects by extending capabilities of digital, traditional or experimental photomedia tools 2.4 Refine ideas through process of experimentation |
Element: |
3. Create and present finished photomedia work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Manipulate tools with increasing skill and confidence to fulfil work objectives 3.2 Conduct a critical assessment of the technical and conceptual aspects of the work during the development process 3.3 Complete technical requirements for integration of photomedia with other media 3.4 Finalise images and files using applicable protocols |
Element: |
4. Evaluate work |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Review work in progress from personal, professional and artistic perspectives 4.2 Identify and respond to opportunities for refinement and review 4.3 Evaluate the work process in terms of its efficiency 4.4 Evaluate finished work in terms of its consistency with project concept, technical resolution and suitability for intended purpose |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place during session activities using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study and preparation for the sessions.
In session activities will include:
- demonstrations and presentations by teacher
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussion
- review and revision
- peer learning
- excursions
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
Out of session activities will include:
- independent project based work
- online tutorials and activities
- independent research
- studio practice
- review and revision
Teaching Schedule
While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.
Week |
Topic |
Assessment / Learning activities |
1 |
Course intro and WHS An introduction to the course and a quick workplace health and safety (WHS) assessment. Please use this time to read through the course and program information. Update your Canvas profile, and use a self-portrait to communicate something about yourself while following technical specifications. Introduction to the course and key concepts. We will have an overview of Photoshop, compositing and the techniques used to make them, both traditional and contemporary. We will also look at the qualities that make for good composites (as opposed to boring or bad ones). |
AT1A due. |
2 |
Traditional & contemporary compositing Workplace health and safety again (in case you missed it). You will then research traditional and contemporary composites from provided sources, and choose exemplar images for AT1. We will also look at referencing. Start compiling the research. |
|
3 |
Compile research. Intellectual Property. Compile your research and analysis for AT1 and ready it for submission. Identify and understand intellectual property issues or legislation that affected this course. We will also look at other aspect of IP aside from referencing. One of the big challenges for making composites is finding images that have the correct license for use. |
AT1C due. In-class quiz. |
4 |
Finish AT1. Photoshop intro Before submitting AT1, you will check it against a checklist to make sure it has all the required content. Check references and writing, then submit. Submit the Intellectual Property quiz this session. We will look at some of the technical things you need to know about working with images. Time permitting, we might start using Photoshop this week by looking at the interface and some basic tools. |
AT1B due |
5 |
Selections and masks We will cover selections in Photoshop, different methods of selecting pixels and how to refine selections. In Photoshop, selections are a way to modify isolated groups of pixels. These pixels can be selected by drawing a shape, or chosen based on attributes such as colour or contrast. Layer masks in Photoshop. Masks are a core skill for graphic designers working with images, and a fundamental component of compositing images. The key idea behind masks is you can selectively and partially hide parts of a layer. this is done using non-destructive editing. They are crucial for creating a believable composite image. Complex Masks. Non-destructive editing. We will look at how to mask images with complex edges – like hair, fur or foliage. This session will cover automatic and manual techniques, and how to refine a complex mask to capture detail. Once you have made the complex mask, you will submit this progress, then give peer feedback on the details that may need to be addressed before refining for better integration. |
Learning Activity 1: Selections |
6 |
Blend modes In this module, we will also look at using adjustment layers. The aim of the adjustment layer exercise today is to show you the difference, and get you in the habit of making your adjustments in a way that can be modified and changed. We will also look at blend modes in Photoshop and their uses. Blend modes are very useful, and a big part of making believable and effective composites. Homework: Read the assignments for AT2 and AT3. |
LA2: Non-destructive editing |
7 |
No class due to public holiday |
|
8 |
Plan. Compositing & lighting You will start AT2 by planning a composite image, and start with identifying assets and researching achievable standards in contemporary photomedia. You will choose an additional image to include. The trick is to find something interesting that is also achievable in the time you have. The emphasis is on combining the skills covered so far. Submit the plan by the start of the next session. To create a believable composite, you will add realistic shadows and ensure that the light direction in each image is consistent. This will mean using a non-destructive workflow. We will look at techniques for making this believable. |
|
9 |
Production & Unity techniques Most of the session will be spent putting the composite together. We will look at typical overall adjustments you can make to a composite image to enhance the integration of elements and aid communication. Some of these are filters, some are adjustment layers we may not have looked at before. Submit a draft before or at the start of the next session. |
AT2a: Plan |
10 |
Review Peer review to give you some direction for finalising. Summarise feedback received; can include insights from seeing the work others. If you miss the review in class, organise a peer review outside of class. Spend the remainder of the session responding to the review and putting your composite together. |
AT2b: Review |
11 |
Finalise AT2. Put together the documentation – even if it is what you have so far. In your documentation, explain the impact of the review process on outcome/process. Spend the remainder of the session finalising the artwork and documentation, and ready it for submission. |
AT2c: Believable Composite (inc. discussion board post) |
12 |
Concept After an introduction to the last assessment task, get into groups to get an understanding of the assignment, the key requirements and then start putting together a concept. Have your concept ready for approval and discussion by the next session at the latest – can get approval from peers and/or assessor in class to give you more time on production. A peer may be nominated to review the concept against the criteria and play the role of a client who grants approval, and this will be checked by the assessor. While you are waiting, you can also set up the required social media account and documentation. |
|
13 |
Production Begin construction of your composite image, based on a well-defined idea, sketch (rough) and assets. You will need a draft for discussion by the start of the next session. Experiment with AI Craft a text prompt that encapsulates the essence of the original composited photograph. Utilise the generative AI capabilities of Photoshop (or any other AI tool) to do this. You're welcome to start with the stock images used in your own composite, or from scratch. |
AT3a: Concept |
14 |
Experiment and Refine Submit the draft before the start of this session for discussion and review. The aim is to try and get all the essential elements of your composite together – even if it is a bit loose. Save each different experiment or trial you make to improve the quality of your composite. You need at least two (2) different experiments for the documentation. |
AT3c: Experiment with AI (by next session) AT3b: Progress |
15 |
Finalise production Complete construction of the composite image. Check against specifications and assignment requirements. |
AT3c |
16 |
Evaluate Review the discussion board in this session, and spend the rest of the session putting the Report together. The evaluation is part of a reflective practice. This means being able to look at your work objectively and identify strengths and areas of improvement. This means you can build upon the successes of your outcome for future projects. Complete the report by writing your final evaluation. All evidence for competence must be in by the conclusion of the semester for this course. |
AT3d: Report (inc discussion board post) |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Fair Use Vs Fair Dealing: How Australian Copyright Law Differs (2017), https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/07/fair-use-vs-fair-dealing-how-australian-copyright-law-differs/ |
|
Faking It: Manipulated Photography Before Photoshop (2012), https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2012/faking-it |
|
Ergonomics & protecting your body (n.d.), https://rmit.instructure.com/courses/98493/pages/body-ergonomics-and-protecting-your-body |
Other Resources
Prescribed Texts
There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course. This course has recommended texts listed under ‘References.’
You are advised to look at the Learning Lab at myRMIT site for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year.
You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.
Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access Lynda.com for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.
https://rmit.libguides.com/graphic-design The Library provides guides on academic referencing
https://www.lib.rmit.edu.au/easy-cite/ Easy Cite Referencing Guide (RMIT Harvard)
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
This course has 3 assessment tasks. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
Due dates for assessment tasks dependent on access to specialist facilities and equipment may change. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.
Assessment Task 1: Photomedia knowledge
WHS. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) as it applies to this course. Show your knowledge and skill in assessing a workstation and equipment for good WHS practice.
Research. Researching and review of traditional and contemporary compositing that use photomedia.
Intellectual property. Answer four quiz question on IP and image licensing, including moral rights.
Finished by Week 4.
Assessment Task 2: Believable composite
In this assessment you will demonstrate key techniques to produce an example of photomedia, with a focus on believability; consistent lighting, detail and perspective. You are supplied some images and will chose another that plays with scale and proportion in the scene. ‘Believable’ means everything looks like it belongs together; it can be believable while playing with scale (e.g. make some that is big look small or vice versa).
You will plan, sketch out your ideas, provide and gain peer feedback and create one composited image with documentation.
Due week 11
Assessment Task 3: Creative Composite
The aim of the task is to demonstrate an ability to create a composite image that demonstrates the skills covered in the course by using nondestructive techniques that shows the qualities of good compositing in response to a provided brief. Show and explain the process, assess your own work for quality and respect IP licensing arrangements.
Due week 16
At the completion of the course, you will be assessed for competency.
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).
Other Information
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Information about your studies
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/academic-integrity
Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e Submission process.
On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your competency assessment.
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted once and this is only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.
Assessment
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview