Photography (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in English language plus a GCSE in art or design, if taken, or a suitable portfolio of work (see a member of staff for details).

About the Subject

Photography is a relatively new course to College but is becoming increasingly popular with students who enjoy the creative elements to the subject. The emphasis is placed on digital photography (using Photoshop) with the opportunity to experience some traditional developing techniques in the second year. Students are encouraged to explore their own interests whilst studying the work of professional photographer’s. The course provides a natural progression for those who have studied Photography, Art, Design or Media at GCSE level. It is a creative rather than technical course in photography. The course provides those who wish to pursue a career in photography with the opportunity to progress into creative imaging, fashion photography, photojournalism, advertising or commercial photography.

Course Content

Year 1

The year begins with a series of technical workshops, such as Photoshop re-touching and studio lighting. This is an opportunity to try a range of different styles and subjects. The workshops are designed to introduce a range of techniques and to develop visual communication skills. In the first unit students are given a theme to research which is developed and influenced by the style of a professional photographer. Students will begin to understand different styles of photography through critical analysis of the work of others. Ideas are created and developed through the use of digital manipulation to form a set of final outcomes that demonstrate a variety of techniques and compositional awareness. This work is presented in a suitable format and submitted for assessment.

The second unit in the first year is a practical examination where students are required to respond to a theme. At this stage students prepare work in their preferred style of photography consolidating their knowledge from year one.

Year 2

During the second year projects become more focused and students chose a particular area of photography to study. Throughout the year students continue to digitally manipulate their images and are introduced to basic traditional photography techniques and more specialist equipment. Students continue to evaluate and draw influences from the work of others, extending their understanding of styles and techniques. Students are encouraged to continually analyse their own work to improve the quality and develop concepts further. A portfolio of work and a set of final images are then presented for assessment.

The first unit is a personal study into a genre of photography that the students are interested in such as, reportage, fashion photography, photomontage or commercial photography. The study comprises of a 1000 word essay that investigates who some of the pioneers were and how the style has developed. Students demonstrate their understanding of the genre through their own practical experimentation resulting in a final outcome that consolidates their knowledge.

The second unit is a practical examination where students are again required to respond to a theme. Students work in their preferred style and have the option of working in either traditional, digital or a mixture of techniques.

Assessment

All the units are submitted for assessment at the end of May and externally moderated during the summer term.