Course Title: Enhance, manipulate and output photo images

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: VART6272C

Course Title: Enhance, manipulate and output photo images

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4312 - Certificate IV in Photo Imaging

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teachers:

Robert Gale 
robert.gale@rmit.edu.au

Janelle Low
janelle.low@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 80

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

In this course you will cover digital image processing, manipulation and print output. Tutorials and class exercises focus on practical industry skill sets including photo restoration, portrait retouching and file manipulation. The manipulation and output processes employed are used to enhance and resolve various image concepts. Students will work both independently and under supervision.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUVPHI404A Enhance, manipulate and output photo images

Element:

1. Retrieve work prints or digital files

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

2. Plan image output

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

3. Prepare work environment for analogue or digital work

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

4. Enhance and manipulate the image(s)

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

5. Output image(s)

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Select appropriate materials and/or equipment for output
option
5.2 Safely output image by digital or analog means

Element:

6. Restore work environment, equipment and materials and ensure safe storage

Performance Criteria:

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


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.

 You will be able to:

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


Details of Learning Activities

In class activities include, but are not limited to:

  • lectures
  • group discussion
  • peer teaching
  • workshopping
  • online research
  • teacher directed group activities/projects

Out of Class Activity

  • Visit to a professional photographic lab


Teaching Schedule

 

  Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources  
Week Class content Assessment
1 LECTURE – The Basic Building Blocks of Digital Systems (1hr)
Introduction to course, content, assessment & facilities.

• The basics about pixels
• How digital capture works.
• The structure of Photoshop & setting up preferences
• The importance of using keyboard short cuts
• What is a ‘Colorspace’
• Demonstration: Introduction to Photoshop fundamental tools and menus, working in Layers

Class Exercises Briefing: ‘Flag Flag’
Task: Replication of a supplied digital image
Purpose: Application of Photoshop fundamental tools and menus to enable precise accuracy and accuracy

LAB CLASS – Photoshop fundamentals
(2hrs)

Practical Session: Students to work on the Class exercise , ‘Replicating a digital image’ assignment. ‘Flag Flag’

 

 
2  LECTURE – Digital Image Workflow
(1hr)

• What is ‘Workflow’?
• Image capture RAW or JEG?
• Processing in RAW file converters?
• The importance of Non – destructive editing
• White balancing
• Apply lens profiles
• Demonstration: Working in Adobe Camera RAW to obtain high end result efficiently
• Demonstration: Tips and strategies to speed up and gaining control Photoshop editing.

Briefing for Assignment 1: ‘Workflow’
Task: Process multiple files in Adobe Camera RAW
Purpose: Experience the flexibility, quality, efficiency and wide scope of RAW file processing.

Tips & techniques to assist accurate completion of ‘Flag Flag’


LAB CLASS – Image processing Workflow
(2hr)

Practical Session: Students to work in Adobe Camera RAW with supplied files. Processing - Non-Destructively

Students to also continue working on their, ‘Flag Flag’ replicating a digital image’ exercise.

 

 

 
3

LECTURE – Restoration of damaged image retouching.
(1hr)

• Analysis of restoration range of issues
• Workflow considerations
• Application of a variety of retouching tools
• Problem solving/retouching strategies as the job progress
• Feedback session with all students in the tute groups on common errors and in the replication of the ‘Flag Flag’ exercise.

 Briefing on Assignment 2:The Family image restoration

 Assignment 2: The Family image restoration
Task: In Photoshop restore the supplied, damaged image to an acceptable professional level. You will be required to closely match your final image to a professionally retouched version of this image.
Purpose: Develop proficiency with selected techniques for image manipulation & enhancement.

 

LAB CLASS – Restoration of damaged image retouching
(2hr)

Class exercise ‘ Flag Flag’
Due (at the start your class)
Practical Session:
• Students to work with Photoshop to restore the supplied old, damaged image to an acceptable professional level using the demonstrated techniques.
• Students to work in Adobe Camera RAW with supplied files. Processing
 

 

 

4 LECTURE: – Restoration of damaged image retouching.
(1hr)

• Recap of retouching strategies used in the family image
• Recap of tool applications key points
• Achieve a consistent colour/tone across the image
• Apply the boarder
• ‘History Brush’ tool application
Class exercise: – Briefing
The ‘History Brush’ is a unique tool in PS that can be used in the elimination of dust and scratch’s on an image.
Task: Removal of large amounts of dust and scratches
Purpose: Training in fast repair of particular types of damaged files.


LAB CLASS – Restoration of damaged image retouching
(2hr)

Practical Session:
• Assignment Students to work with Photoshop to restore the supplied, damaged file of a family portrait to an acceptable professional level using the demonstrated techniques.
• Class Exercise: Students to work in Photoshop with the ‘History Brush’ to restore the supplied, damaged file of a women’s portrait
 


Assignment 1.
DUE

‘Workflow’
(at the start your class)

 

5 LECTURE: Portrait Retouching Techniques 1 –
(1hrs)

‘Portrait Retouching a couple’ (Supplied File)

• analysis of key retouching issues in relation to final output
• softening wrinkles
• teeth & eyes corrections
• skin blemishes corrections
• soft focus techniques
• skin colour correction

Class Exercises Briefing: ‘Portrait Retouching a couple’

Task: Apply the demonstrated retouching techniques to the portrait of a couple.
Purpose: Students through practice to acquire selected image enhancement techniques & tools required in portrait retouching.


LAB CLASS – Portrait Retouching
(2hr)

Practical Session:
• Class exercise in Photoshop to enhance and manipulate a supplied ‘portrait of a couple’ file.

 

 

Assignment 2:
DUE

The Family image restoration
6 LECTURE: Workplace equipment, materials , maintenance & safety + Portrait Retouching Techniques 2 –
(1hrs)

Workplace equipment, materials, maintenance & safety issues
A. Selection of workplace environments.
B. Selection and set up of relevant equipment.
C. Safe set up for equipment relating to screen based issues.
D. Selection of output devices and strategies.
E. Restoring work environment and resources.

Briefing on Assignment 3 and 4

Assignment 3: Online Quiz
Task: Research answers to a series of questions relating to Workplace equipment, materials, maintenance & safety issues.

Purpose: Developing understanding of effective, safe, workplace procedures.


Demonstration

Portrait Retouching of a ‘heavily lined face’


Assignment 4: Portrait Retouching of a ‘heavily lined face’

Task: Apply the demonstrated retouching techniques to the portrait of a couple.
Purpose: Students through practice to acquire selected image enhancement techniques & tools required in portrait retouching.

 

LAB CLASS – Portrait Retouching
(2hr)

Practical Session:
• Students to continue work with Photoshop to enhance and manipulate a supplied ‘portrait of a couple’ file.
• Begin work on Portrait Retouching of a ‘heavily lined face’

 



 

7 LECTURE: Retouching
(1hr)

• Recapping of Portrait Retouching of a ‘heavily lined face’ demonstration.
• Demonstration of retouching techniques applied inline with specific required outcome

Briefing on Assignment 5


Assignment: ‘Self Portrait’
Task : Make a head and shoulders image to be retouched as an idealized (beautiful) version of yourself & an alternative (unattractive) version of yourself.
Purpose: To apply a variety of techniques to first enhance and then manipulate a single image.

 

LAB CLASS
(2hrs)

– Students to work on their class exercise and assignment under supervision
 


 

 

8 LECTURE: Retouching
(1hr)

Demonstration
Portrait Retouching in line with specific image outcome of various images

Preparing for Print
• Preparation of test prints to send to a lab.
• Types of services available and labs to use.
• How to send your test strip to a lab via FTP.
• Do I have to send .tif files or will .jpg do
• Demonstration

 

LAB CLASS
(2hrs)

– Class portrait retouching exercises

Students to work on their assignment images under supervision
– Class exercise Photoshop Quiz


 

Assignment 3: DUE Online WHS quiz


Assignment 4:
DUE
Portrait Retouching of a ‘heavily lined face’

 

 

9  LAB CLASS
(3hrs)

Demonstration of Test Strip Preparation

Students to creating test strips of final prints for ‘self portrait’ sent lab via FTP for colour testing

Lab time for students to work on their assignment images under supervision.

Class exercise
‘Test Prints returned from lab for assessment’.

 

 


 
10  LAB CLASS
(3hrs)

Class exercise
‘Test Prints returned from lab for assessment & correction.’

Lab time for students to work on modifications to their ‘Self Portrait Assignment’ under supervision.

 
11
LAB CLASS
(3hrs)

Test Prints returned from lab for assessment under colour corrected light.

Lab time for students to work on modifications to their ‘Self Portrait Assignment’ under supervision.



 

 
12

 LAB CLASS
(3hrs)

Group Feedback session: Review of submitted prints for
‘Self Portrait retouching’

Briefing on Assignment 6


Demonstration: Alternative Digital Post Production Effects
Practical Session: Lab time for students to work with supplied images to practice demonstrated special effects techniques.

Assignment – ‘Special Effects’
Task: Research and identify Special Effect(s) manipulation that when combined with an image enhances a concept.
Purpose: Student lead exploration and application of image manipulation techniques in line with a concept.

Assignment 5.
DUE

‘Self Portrait retouching’
(at the start of class)



 

13

 LAB CLASS
(3hrs)

Students to work on their ‘Special Effects, Images under supervision

Class exercise
‘Test strips for ‘self portrait’ sent to print lab

 
14

 LAB CLASS
(3hrs)
Test Prints returned from lab for assessment under colour corrected light.

Lab time for students to work on modifications to their ‘Special Effects Assignment’ under supervision.

Class exercise
Test Prints of Special Effects Assignment returned from lab for assessment & correction

.
 
15   LAB CLASS
(3hrs)
Discussion and feedback of final print submissions
 
Assignment 6.
DUE
‘Special Effect’
(at the start of class)
 
16  LAB CLASS
(3hrs)
Further review, and feedback as required with individual students

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Photoshop CS5 Essential Skills - Mark Galer


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

Due to the large file sizes a large portable 350 - 500Gig Hard Disk is required


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and will include a series of practical tasks including the application of new photographic techniques.


Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessment and where indicated, you will receive a grade. Graded assessment tasks are equally weighted and will determine your final result for this course.
You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course.

 UNGRADED
Assessment 1 : ’Workflow’
Task: Process multiple files in Adobe Camera RAW
Purpose: Experience the flexibility, quality, efficiency and wide scope of RAW file processing. Due Week 4. (Week starting March 2)

Assessment 2 : The Family image retouching restoration
Task: Restore the supplied, damaged image to an acceptable professional level. You will be required to closely match your final image to a professionally retouched version of this image.
Purpose: Develop proficiency with selected techniques for image manipulation & enhancement. Due Week 5. (Week starting March 9)

Assessment 3 : Online Quiz. Due
Task: Research answers to a series of questions relating to Workplace equipment, materials, maintenance & safety issues.
Purpose: Developing understanding of effective, safe, workplace procedures. Due Week 8. (Week starting March 30)

Assessment 4: Portrait Retouching of a ‘heavily lined face’
Task: Apply the demonstrated retouching techniques to the portrait of a couple.
Purpose: Students through practice to acquire selected image enhancement techniques & tools required in portrait retouching. Due Week 8 (Week starting March 30)

GRADED
Assessment 5: Self Portrait retouching and printing - Classes review & discussion Due Week 12. (Week starting May 4)
Assessment 6: Special Effect processing to your portrait and print output - Classes review & discussion. Due Week 15. (Week starting May 25)

For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.

Grades used in this unit are as follows:


CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competent Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

Assessment matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
 

Other Information

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training or other life experiences. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies if a student has previously successfully completed the requirements of a unit of competency or module and is now required to be reassessed to ensure that the competency has been maintained.

Assessment and Feedback
You will receive verbal feedback during scheduled class times, and written feedback from teachers on your work . Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Special consideration for Late Submission
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you will need to apply for special consideration.

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 go to Academic Integrity.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview