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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Compose a photograph for journalism 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246511  Compose a photograph for journalism 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Journalism 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language Media Studies 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for those who are already in the field of community journalism and who wish to expand their repertoire of skills in this sector to include photojournalism. The unit standard will assist the learner in acquiring the necessary technical, theoretical and legal knowledge to work as a photojournalist. Photojournalism is primarily about arranging certain elements in an acceptable format before telling a story in a different way, through photographs.

Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Use, operate and maintain equipment to produce a photograph.
  • Understand and apply the theoretical framework of photography.
  • Apply photojournalism to tell a story.
  • Understand and apply the ethical and legal framework pertaining to photojournalism. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Computer skills and experience with any photography software. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This is an entry level standard into the photojournalism and deals with a straight shoot. It does not entail the competencies required of a professional photographer who engages in highly sophisticated photography, using advanced equipment. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Use, operate and maintain equipment to produce a photograph. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Analogue and digital technology, 35 mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR), range finder, compact cameras. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different parts of the camera are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The functions of the various parts of the camera are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process of light passing through the lens to reach the recording device is discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment for a photo-shoot is selected and prepared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment is maintained to ensure maximum functionality. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Understand and apply the theoretical framework of photography. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Exposure and composition and lighting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationship between shutter speed and aperture is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role of film speed rating to determine exposure under different lighting conditions is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of depth of field and the role of aperture as one of the determinants is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of apparent movement in a still image and the role of shutter speed as one of the determinants are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Concepts are understood and applied to arrange the elements in a scene in a logical way to meet the aesthetic standards of the industry. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Concepts include rule of thirds, framing, leading lines, balance, diagonals, shape and form, repetition, juxtaposition, texture and colour.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The differences between the type of lighting are explained using examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ambient, natural and artificial.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Electronic flash is used appropriately to ensure correct lighting and exposure in scenarios that warrant the use of flash. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fill-in, bounced and direct flash.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The different directions of light and its impact on the mood of the photograph are recognized and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Front light, side light and backlight and silhouettes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand and apply photojournalism to tell a story. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of and challenges to photojournalism in the media environment are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    News values are recognised and applied in order to guide the approach to an event, situation, or photogra. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    This is to determine the news worthiness of an event. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The difference in approach between sub-genres of photojournalism are recognised and applied. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Portraiture, features, news, sport and picture stories.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Knowledge is used to edit appropriate/suitable images from entire body of work in order to tell the desired story. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Edit refers to selecting and arranging.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Relevant information is gathered and captured with a view to write a caption that complements the photograph. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An assignment is interpreted to deliver a picture that meets the expectations of the publication/organization. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand and apply the ethical and legal framework pertaining to photojournalism. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ethical and legal framework pertaining to photojournalism is interpreted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The legal implications regarding the taking and publication of photographs are explained using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The organisational code of conduct is interpreted and used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The legal implications of image manipulation are discussed using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The individual's right to privacy and the public interest are evaluated using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The photojournalist's rights are understood, interpreted and applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Knowledge of contracts pertaining to photojournalists (freelancers) is discussed to ensure fair treatment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Intellectual property rights are interpreted and explained. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Acts and regulations pertaining to media.
  • Private property.
  • Theory of photography.
  • The parts that make up a camera analogue and digital.
  • Work contracts.
  • The newspaper environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when preparing a picture for editorial consideration. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community when dealing with line management at the newspaper or with the editor when working with a freelancer. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when considering the ethical issues in photojournalism. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information that leads to a picture being selected for publication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation when preparing a photograph. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others in the maintenance and usage of a camera. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation in considering all the implications of a photoshoot. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58978   National Certificate: Journalism  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    2. Frayintermedia Cc 
    3. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    4. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    5. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    6. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    7. Posh Multimedia 
    8. Pretoria Technical College 
    9. Together Lifestyle Resort Pty Ltd 
    10. TSP COLLEGE 
    11. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    12. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    13. Whitestone College 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.