Art and Design: Photography

Why study Art and Design: Photography?

Photography falls within the same specification as A Level Art & Design Fine Art and is structured in a similar way. The obvious difference is that, instead of producing work in the medium of pencil or paint, images are produced using some form of lens-based media: i.e. photographs using digital or traditional 35mm film.

Photography teaches pupils ‘how to see’ and adds significantly to their understanding of the visual, digital world we all inhabit. Developing such skills is an essential part of twenty-first century life and will enhance skills in other subjects by teaching pupils what it means to wrestle with ideas, experiment with a wide range of photographic processes and outcomes, and critically evaluate their own successes and areas for development.

Course content

The A Level Photography course provides the opportunity to explore a broad range of photographic techniques and processes. These include traditional black-and-white darkroom techniques, and digital photography, studio lighting and creative post-production software techniques with still and moving images. The course is designed to teach pupils the fundamental technical and experimental skills needed to produce successful photographs and lens-based media outcomes, and ultimately prepare them to make final resolved works using any technique or process they wish.

Pupils are taught: • The SLR and DSLR cameras: technical investigation into how to use a single lens reflex camera • Composition: compositional skills needed in creating exciting images through the lens • Darkroom: the technical process of chemical film development, photograph printing and experimentation • Studio: technical investigation into how to use continuous, strobe and creative lighting setups • Digital Post Production: image organisation, editing, enhancement, manipulation and presentation using industry-standard software,

Adobe CC including Bridge, Lightroom,

Photoshop and Premier Pro • Engagement with the work of contemporary photographers and historical movements

Will I enjoy it?

For pupils who enjoy taking photographs, being visually creative and are interested in exploring new ways to express ideas and meanings, Photography A Level is a great course. It is well suited to those who enjoy a project and coursework-based approach to learning, are inspired by other artists, and love visiting exhibitions and working with other pupils to bring projects and ideas to life.

What else should I consider?

There is no requirement for pupils to have studied Photography or Art before. It is a good choice for pupils who intend to study Photography with Art at art school. It is also a good creative subject to add to any A Level subject combination. It is accepted by most university courses and provides a foundation for a vast and growing range of careers in the creative industries.

Assessment

Examination board: AQA Specification Code : 7206

All assessment takes place at the end of the course and consists of: • Personal Investigation (60%) – Portfolio of practical work – 1,000-3,000 word written element • Externally set assignment: 15 hours (40%)

Who can give me more information? Mrs Mason

c.mason@sherborne.com