A Level Photography

 

Photography is one of the most immediate forms of art available to each and every one of us today. Most of us take at least one photo of some form every day without even thinking or engaging with it as an art form. Just ask yourself, how many times a day do you take a selfie or photo on your phone? How often do you use Instagram or other social media platforms to view or post images? Do you ever think of the skill behind taking a photo and the story behind it?

A-Level Photography will give you a deep appreciation of photography as an artform, bringing together both practical and digital techniques and skills, which you will make use of throughout the course, equipping you for your next steps.

Exam Board: Edexcel

Course Overview:

• Component 1 (60%): Personal Investigation that includes a portfolio of practical work and a written study of 1,000 words
• Component 2 (40%): Externally set assignment

The first year of studying Photography will be focused on short, photographic assignments. Each module, students will explore a key genre within photography, these include portraiture; landscape photography; commercial photography; documentary photography; editorial photography; photographic installation; and the moving image. Across each module, students will learn skills, research photographers, and apply this to a final piece.

In the second year of studying Photography, students will apply these skills to their own fully independent projects. In Component 1 students will be exploring a theme of their own choice and in Component 2 there will be an externally set theme for students to respond to with their own portfolio.

Entry Requirements

No previous subject knowledge is required and there are no subject-specific entry requirements to study Photography A-Level, however if you have studied a GCSE in Art, DT or Media then you will be at an advantage. Students will need to have achieved a Level 4 or above in 8 GCSEs, with an average point score of a Level 5.

Skills Gained

• How to use a DSLR Camera
• Key photography skills, including camera exposure, framing, depth of field, lens focal length and creative lighting
• History of Photography, focusing on influential photographers
• Photo editing software, such as Photoshop
• Photo manipulation
• Printing skills
• Moving image including stop motion video and animation
• Analogue photography techniques
• Photographic instillation

Potential Careers

• Media
• Interior Design
• Architecture
• Graphic Designer
• Events Management
• Advertising
• Animation
• Business
• Fashion
• Fashion Communication
• Film & TV
• Social Media