Course Title: Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: VART6519C

Course Title: Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 

 

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5411 - Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

Course Contact: Nat Morawski

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5583

Course Contact Email: nat.morawski@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Martin Reftel

reftel.larsmartin@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 required.

Course Description

In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to investigate photo imaging trends and emerging technologies and assess their creative and commercial applications.

 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAPHI532 Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies

Element:

1. Investigate trends and emerging technologies in photo imaging industry

Performance Criteria:

  • 1.1 Investigate theories and commentators on conceptualisation, production and use of photo images
  • 1.2 Investigate use of photo images in various modes and media
  • 1.3 Evaluate meaning of photo image in context of its use and effectiveness with target audience
  • 1.4 Critique a range of photo images and themes according to visual communication theory

Element:

2. Assess opportunities in industry trends and technologies

Performance Criteria:

  • 2.1 Determine target audience and intent of work for photo images
  • 2.2 Apply photo image themes and selected aspects of visual communication theory to photo images
  • 2.3 Produce photo images using range of visual communication modes and media

Element:

3. Review impact of opportunities

Performance Criteria:

  • 3.1 Evaluate effectiveness of visual communication in production of photo images
  • 3.2 Evaluate how applying visual communication theories to photo images impacts on own creative practice, equipment needs and work opportunities


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 may include but are not limited to:

 

  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures  
  • practical demonstrations in studio  
  • Blog/Wiki or other online discussion and participation  
  • analysis/critique of relevant reading material  
  • seminars/workshops  
  • design activities or projects  
  • group projects  
  • peer learning  
  • guest lecture/presentation  
  • class presentations  
  • group discussion  
  • research  
  • independent project-based work  
  • group activities/projects  
  • ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback  
  • visits to galleries and events  
  • practical placement  
  • simulated workplace activities.  


Teaching Schedule

Please refer to Canvas for detailed info and updates.

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 - 2025WeekDateTopicAssessment / Learning activities
Week 1  

Delivery:

Introduction to the course, including course overview and explanation of course structure + assessment tasks.

What is a trend?

How trends evolve

What is your creative/commercial direction?

Trend forecasting

Style/Technique In focus: 

Cliche's

 

Group Activity: Mindmap

 

Activity:  Research A01 Inspector Gadget 

Cliche activity

Week 2  

Delivery:

Introduction to RMIT Library resources

What is good research?

Microsoft SWAY instruction for A02

Style/Technique In focus:

The classics - Homage

Individual consults

 

Activity:  

Research A02 - Inspiration | Innovation

Homage activity

A01 - Inspector Gadget (Research Project) due

Week 3  

Delivery:

 

Trends as subject matter, idea generator, social commentary.

 

Style/Technique In focus:

Photography as truth

Photography as fiction

 

 

Activity:

Research A02 - Inspiration | Innovation

Truth or fiction activity

Week 4  

Delivery:

Developing creative ideas and contemporary photographic practice.

Style/Technique In focus: 

Product photography

Still life 

 

 

Activity:

Research using our discussion post.

 

 

 

A02 - Inspiration | Innovation (photographer analysis)  due PRIOR to class

Week 5  

Delivery:

Pitching & SWOT analysis

1 on 1 appointments

Delivering ideas

Style/Technique In focus:

 

Activity:

1 on 1 appointments for Week 7 submission

 

Week 6  

Delivery:

1 on 1 appointments

Graduates Presentation -  Folio Presentation Trends/Ideas

Style/Technique In focus:

Street photography

 

Activity:

Elevator pitch development/idea consolidation

Week 7  

 

ASSESSMENT WEEK 

 

Panel Presentations of elevator pitch + SWOT analysis may occur during VIS COM or PI Trends class time.

 

A03 -Elevator Pitch + SWOT Analysis due

 

 

Pitch to panel  

Week 8  

Delivery:

Social media as a trend 

Being a creative in a digital world

Understanding client/audience needs

Professional social media strategies

Being ahead of the times

Style/Technique In focus:

Memes and popular culture

 

 

Activity: 

Making memes

 

Proposal & Presentation

Week 09  

Delivery:

Art and culture

Representation

Why representation matters

Class matters

Gender diversity - Queerness

Style/Technique In focus:

First person storytelling

 

Activity: 

What is your story

Week 10  

Delivery:

HiTech. Essential or Frivolous  technologies

Drones as a professional tool

Back to the future

Style/Technique In focus:

 AI, VR, AR

 

Activity: 

 

   

MID SEMESTER BREAK

April 18th - 25th

 

Week 11  

Delivery:

Curator talk - MGA

Refining ideas part 1

In Conversation - Online artist talks/creative discussions

Style/Technique In focus:

Fine art photography

Museum quality

 

Activity: 

Refining project concepts

Making quality work

Week 12  

Delivery: 

Slow Process

Developing and refining ideas

Making changes to projects in process. Will it help or hinder?

Why a professional portfolio matters and what should be included

Style/Technique In focus:

 

Activity: 

Refining project concepts

Elevator pitch development/idea consolidation

Week 13  

Delivery: 

Self publishing

Working for the *man or being independent

Books in a digital world

To print or not to print?

Alternative portfolio possibilities

Style/Technique In focus:

Books

Publication

Self publishing

Street photography

The stranger

Consent

 

 
Week 14  

Delivery: 

Immediacy. "I want it now!"

It's not always linear

Pathways to different industries

Further study or straight to the Workplace? What direction works for your individual needs.

Style/Technique In focus:

Instant photography

Analogue process

 
Week 15  

 

 Delivery: 

 1 on 1 feedback sessions

 

Activity:

1 on 1 appointments f

 

 

Week 16  

Delivery:

WATCH LISTEN READ & REVIEW

Style/Technique In focus:

What is trendy now?

 

 

A04 -Proposal & Presentation due

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The library provides free study support services and resources to help you build your academic skills. This includes subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and other services. You can also access one-on-one consultations through the library. For further information:  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/study-support


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

Please see Canvas for the specific details of your assessments. 

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 expected 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. 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.

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