Course Title: Prepare digital images for pre-press processing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2021

Course Code: VART6398C

Course Title: Prepare digital images for pre-press processing

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5351 - Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging

Course Contact: Jessie DiBlasi

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 3020

Course Contact Email: jessie.diblasi@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teachers: 

Martin Reftel
reftel.larsmartin@rmit.edu.au 

Robert Gale
robert.gale@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 45

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 develop the techniques to prepare digital images for pre-press processing according to digital industry/pre-press standards. The focus of the unit involves each student processing and outputting their own digital files from photo editing software into a book template. The unit is taught in conjunction with ‘Make illustrative images for publication & display’ (CUAPHI511), which concentrates on the creation of the materials that are gathered for the book project (documentary narrative).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAPHI514 Prepare digital images for pre-press processing

Element:

1. Consult with pre-press bureau about formatting requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Source printing requirements from relevant personnel and follow throughout preparation process

1.2 Obtain relevant specifications for software and image file formatting from relevant personnel

1.3 Discuss and resolve with relevant personnel any constraints associated with different printing processes and other diffusion techniques

Element:

2. Prepare files for pre-press processing

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Prepare image files using appropriate pre-press processing techniques

2.2 Choose suitable test charts or targets and print to appropriate specifications for ink density and stock on linearised proofer

2.3 Calibrate digital proofing device to examine test charts and use results to generate colour profile

2.4 Print test file on calibrated digital proofing device and use results to generate output profile for press and stock

2.5 Produce sample image, confirm with relevant personnel and modify if required

2.6 Optimise images and output image product to profile specifications using industry standards

2.7 Save image files in appropriate format for pre-press processing and prepare invoice or account for client

2.8 Assemble completed images for electronic or physical dispatch and deliver with invoice or account to agreed location by appropriate methods within agreed timeframe

Element:

3. Wrap up and review print preparation

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Catalogue and archive images according to industry standards

3.2 Review feedback from relevant personnel on final printed product

3.3 Maintain contractual and financial records for business and taxation purposes

3.4 Evaluate own performance in job context and identify future improvements

3.5 Identify future opportunities, work directions, equipment needs and workflow changes resulting from job


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

The Book Project is a clustered unit comprising of Make Illustrative Images for Publication & Display (CUAPHI511) and Prepare Digital Images for Pre-Press Processing (CUAPHI514).

In class activities

  • Lectures
  • Guest lecturers
  • Peer teaching and class presentations
  • Independent project based work
  • Collaborative project based work
  • Work shopping of students’ own ideas
  • Excursions to industry producers

Out of class activities

  • Independent project work
  • Independent research
  • Peer learning


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

Semester 1 2021All classes are delivered remotely via Collaborate Ultra unless otherwise stated in the syllabus.WeekDateTopicAssessment / Learning activities

Week 1

 

 

Introduction to the course, including course overview of subject, assessments requirements and timeline.

Presentation/Handout Time Life Photo Story formula. How to construct a visual story.

Examples of professional photographic book projects
Examples of previous student work.


Discussion of possible subject matter for a photographic book idea

Assignment 01:
Book proposal and Pre-Production Briefing

 

 

On Campus Delivery | Building 94.04.28

Week 2  

Photography of Cooks Cottage for a Brochure

On this field trip, students work in small groups on a set brief exploring
• Camera position 
• Framing & composition for layout
• Use of perspective.
• Shooting for layout restrictions
• Exposure & Lighting for reproduction

Location Delivery

Class Exercise: 
Field trip – Cooks Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens 

 

Week 3  

LECTURE CLASS
Shooting a Photo Story

Class Exercise Feedback Session - Class Critic of Photography of Cooks Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens 

Shooting guide: Hand out & group discussion.

Discussion around examples of photojournalistic work & analysis of strengths and weakness.

 

TBC: Excursion to 'Print House'  

 

TUTORIAL CLASS 
Submission and assessment of book proposal document and one-on-one book proposal presentation appointments 
(Rob + Martin to assess)

ASSIGNMENT DUE
Assignment 01:
Book proposal and Pre-Production 

Assignment 02: Briefing

Week 4  

Project work  
Students have the opportunity to consult with Martin & Rob on their projects

-Capture one black and white workflow

- Review and editing of images in context of individual storyline development, photography capture, continuity of storyline + digital image processing

On Campus Delivery | Building 94.04.28

Week 5  

Project work
Students have the opportunity to consult with Martin & Rob on their projects

Delivery on: 

  • Quoting
  • Terms and conditions
  • Copyright

- Review and editing of images in context of individual storyline development, photography capture, continuity of storyline + digital image processing

Development of A02. Initial images and concept.
Week 6  

Progressive assessment of Book Project
Progressive one-on-one assessment of Book Project by appointment

- Presentation of progression of book project for assessment. The critique assesses aspects of photography capture, development of storyline.

- Review of progress (Minimum 6-8 images )

(Martin + Rob to assess)

ASSIGNMENT DUE

Assignment 02:
Client Meeting 1- Progressive Assessment

 

Assignment Briefing:

Assignment 3: Client Meeting 2 - Progressive assessment 

Week 7  

Project work 
Students have the opportunity to consult with Martin & Rob on their projects

- Review and editing of images in context of individual storyline development, photography capture, continuity of storyline + digital image processing

Delivery:

  • Pagination
  • Indesign

 

Briefing by writing staff
Working with writers and editors/ assignment of projects

Assignment of writing students to photographers

Learning activity: 
Basic image lay out with captions

Week 8  

Briefing of Assignment 4 and 5 

Book production including project feasibility, financials, layout, photography, colour proofing, marketing and distribution

 

Delivery:

  • Calibration and profiling
  • Preparing files for digital printing and colour cast correction
  • Target selection
  • InDesign Links Panel


Project work 

Students have the opportunity to consult with Martin & Rob on their projects
- Review and editing of images in context of individual storyline development, photography capture, continuity of storyline + digital image processing

Assignment Briefing:

Assignment 4: Final Book Output
Assignment 5: Post-production and Review 

Easter Break

 

Week 9  

Progressive assessment of Book Project

Q & A Session for A03

Progressive one-on-one assessment of Book Project by appointment
- The critique assesses further development of photography capture, continuity of storyline, digital image process and potential output issues. 
- Includes first draft of layout, draft text introduction and image captions

 

(Martin + Rob to assess)

 Test prints to be sent to the printer!!!

Week 10  

Assessment class

Rob and Martin will assess assignment three in one on one meetings.

Please consult schedule for your assessment time slot. 

ASSIGNMENT DUE

Assignment 03:
Client Meeting 2- Progressive Assessment

On Campus Delivery | Building 94

Week 11  

Lab class

Students have the opportunity to consult with Martin & Rob on their projects
- Review and editing of images in context of individual storyline development, photography capture, continuity of storyline + digital image processing.

Delivery:

  • How to export the book PDFs from InDesign. 

Editor/Writer Support with Professional writing + editing students

  • Finding the narrative
  • Crafting an introduction
  • Photo book project work (advice, drafting, support)

 

Week 12  

Lab class

Students have the opportunity to consult with Martin & Rob on their projects
- Review and editing of images in context of individual storyline development, photography capture, continuity of storyline + digital image processing.

Delivery:

  • How to calculate the cover of your book's spine width

Editor/Writer Support with Professional writing + editing students

  • Captions
  • Acknowledgements
  • Photo book project work (copyediting)
 
Week 13  

Lab class

Students have the opportunity to consult with Martin & Rob on their projects
- Review and editing of images in context of individual storyline development, photography capture, continuity of storyline + digital image processing.

Books are sent to print this week!

 

Editor/Writer Support with Professional writing + editing students 

  • Photo book final proof reading

ASSIGNMENT DUE

Assignment 04: Final Book Output

 

Week 14  

Guest Lecture – Publishing – TBC 

Lecture on self-publishing process and production including digital/offset production, instruction and costing.

Delivery: 

  • Pre-press and printing technology

Students to work in class on Assignment 5

 

Week 15  

Q & A session for A05

Students to work in class on Assignment 5

ASSIGNMENT DUE

Assignment 05:
Post-production and Review

 

Week 16  

Book Review Week  

On Campus
FACE TO FACE Delivery Building 94

Week 17  

Feedback and review

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing and updated information.


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your assessment tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on myRMIT.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard required in the workplace. 

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria

Assessment Task 1:Book Proposal & Pre-Production 
Propose your book project and complete pre-production documentation
Due date: Week 3

Assessment Task 2:Client Meeting 1- Progressive Assessment
Work in Progress meetings with client on your book progress and images
Due date: Week 6

Assessment Task 3: Client Meeting 2- Progressive Assessment
Work in Progress meetings with client on your book layout, images + text progress
Due date: Week 10

Assessment Task 4: Final Book Output
Finalise book production – your book goes to print this week!
Due date: Week 13

Assessment Task 5: Post Production & Review
In this assessment you will draw conclusions from your book project. Demonstrating and explaining some of the knowledge that you have gained through the process.
Due date: Week 15

 

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment


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:

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.

 

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

 

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

 

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/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

 

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/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview