Novice
- Uses a simple "point and shoot" digital camera (perhaps even a cell-phone camera).
- Takes few photographs, with most photographs involving events (rather than subjects).
- Keeps photos that are poor quality.
- Shows no regard for camera care.
- Tends to keep photos on camera media and has only a rudimentary knowledge of photo downloading.
- Fails to set the local date and time on the camera.
- Has no organized way to share photos.
- Utilizes no particular workflow and is often unprepared to take a photo (e.g., dead battery, full memory).
Advanced Beginner
- Uses a good "point and shoot" or simple SLR camera (but uses auto mode or few of the features).
- Takes many photographs using a variety of subjects.
- Deletes most photos that have flaws (e.g., out of focus, poor lighting).
- Performs basic camera maintenance on an ad hoc basis.
- Set the local date and time on the camera.
- Shares some photos on an on-line site (e.g., Picasa, Flickr).
- Organizes some photos on a local computer, likely using a combination of folders.
- Keeps information about images by renaming most photo files.
- Has a general workflow but is inconsistent in its use.
Competent
- Uses a camera with advanced (manual) settings (e.g., zoom or multiple lenses, focus, ISO, f-stop, shutter speed) and regularly uses these.
- Carries an advanced "point and shoot" camera that is rugged (e.g., waterproof) for extreme environmental conditions (or weight/bulk restrictions).
- Uses a daily workflow that insures that all elements of the photo system are organized and available.
- Takes many photographs and selects those worth keeping.
- Processes all kept photos with general software(e.g., Photoshop) to improve the design and quality.
- Adds key metadata to photo collections, including georeferencing information.
- Regularly maintains photo collections on public sites (e.g., Picasa, Flickr)
- Maintains cameras carefully, including frequently cleaning the lens, and the use of filters to protect the lens.
- Keeps photos fairly well organized and generally makes backups.
- Understands and abides by ethical standards in taking and sharing photos.
- Involves other people in taking photos.
Proficient
- Adds quality DSLR lenses and other accessories that allow high-quality capture in difficult situations (e.g., low light, distance).
- Carries a tripod and cable release when the situation requires a stable camera.
- Uses controlled lighting (e.g., reflectors, flash) in some situations.
- Carefully reviews images frequently and makes sure to add photos so that collections are complete.
- Processes all photos with both general software and, when needed, specialized software.
- Maintains a complete collection of photographs in a highly organized way with automatic backup protection.
- Involves other people in capturing needed images, including instructing them in best-practices photography.
Expert
- Uses high-end camera gear very naturally.
- Finds unique opportunities to capture high quality photographs.
- Creates photo collections that are outstanding for their creativity and technical quality.
- Controls lighting in unique ways for optimal results.
Please Note: The skills and behaviors for this topic are under development.
