Photography

Eduqas A656QS Mrs Eliana Nelson Photography

Why should I study Photography?

If you have an interest in Photography, the course will equip you with knowledge and skills of contemporary practice as well as an understanding of its history and diverse genres. These include journalism, documentary, fashion and advertising, sport, portraiture, landscape, natural history, wildlife, and so on. The study of Photography can therefore compliment a variety of interests, not just Art, but also Literature, Sociology, Science, Geography to name but a few. It will also provide entry to Degree or Foundation Art and Creative Media courses.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking Photography?

It is important to have an appreciation of the Arts and a grasp of visual elements and composition, as well as some experience of photographic technique with a keen interest in developing a critical and contextual understanding of our visual culture and media. A good grade GCSE in a Photography or Art related subset would therefore ensure a positive basis of knowledge. Most important, however, is a commitment to work hard and a desire to explore your interest in a creative and independent manner, as quite a lot of practice and study will take place out of lessons.

What will I learn?

You will gain: • An understanding of genres, styles and traditions • in Photography and Visual Arts. Develop skills in expressing and communicating • ideas and concepts creatively. A working knowledge in camera techniques and • the use of studio and outdoor lighting. Practical and creative experience in Digital Imaging using Photoshop and Lightroom. Who is this course suitable for? • Pupils who have a general interest in Photography and our thriving Visual Culture, but do not necessarily want to follow on with further • education. Pupils who wish to undertake further studies in Photography, usually at Art college or further • education. Pupils who are looking to take up careers for which an experience in Photography is relevant. These might include fashion, advertising, publishing, journalism, digital media, film and animation.

How is the course assessed?

A level component 1 60%

Personal investigation Internally set and marked; externally moderated

A level component 2 40%

Externally set assignment Externally set, internally marked; externally moderated

What could I go on and do at the end of my course?

You can go on to do a one year Foundation Course at a college of Further Education before applying to degree courses in more specialist areas of Photography, Art and Media or other disciplines and sciences. It is also possible to go straight into employment where it is useful to have had experience of photography. There are numerous career pathways as mentioned above where you will need to use some of the skills developed during your course such as advertising, marketing, publishing, journalism, including documentary and sport photography, digital media and film.