Art - Photography
All Art and Design courses provide a stimulating and exciting exploration into the varied art specialisms. You will develop ideas by researching into other artists and be encouraged to examine the world around you visually. You will work through a variety of techniques and learn to work with appropriate media, materials and processes. As an Art and Design student, you will be expected to write about your work, to express personal, creative ideas and produce final outcomes using a range of approaches and methods. You will primarily develop your art in A3 Workbooks; final pieces are produced in a wide range of sizes. It is possible to study two Art and Design subjects as part of your learning programme.
A level Photography requires you to deal with themes and messages on a visual basis. Photography is designed to encourage you to develop your creativity and self expression. You will explore the world of visual images through a variety of exciting and stimulating photography-based projects.
The course makes you think about visual communication: why is a picture worth a thousand words? Investigations into the work of other photographers and practical experiments help develop an understanding of the creative process used in Art and Design.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
Photography is about using the camera as a creative tool to record the world around us. After gaining an understanding of the technical processes involved, you will be given starting points from which to develop your own ideas through research and practical explorations into different styles and themes. During each unit you will carry out technical exercises related to darkroom practice, camera techniques, composition, and the formal elements of Art and Design.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Equal emphasis is placed on technical learning, practical projects, research, and the analysis of images. As well as traditional darkroom techniques, such as black and white printing, you will be encouraged to spend time investigating digital imaging using scanners and digital cameras in conjunction with Adobe PhotoShop software. At A2 equal emphasis is given to theoretical and practical investigations. You will be expected to take responsibility for directing much of your own practical projects and research work.
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The two AS Units are:
A level Photography requires you to deal with themes and messages on a visual basis. Photography is designed to encourage you to develop your creativity and self expression. You will explore the world of visual images through a variety of exciting and stimulating photography-based projects.
The course makes you think about visual communication: why is a picture worth a thousand words? Investigations into the work of other photographers and practical experiments help develop an understanding of the creative process used in Art and Design.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
Photography is about using the camera as a creative tool to record the world around us. After gaining an understanding of the technical processes involved, you will be given starting points from which to develop your own ideas through research and practical explorations into different styles and themes. During each unit you will carry out technical exercises related to darkroom practice, camera techniques, composition, and the formal elements of Art and Design.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Equal emphasis is placed on technical learning, practical projects, research, and the analysis of images. As well as traditional darkroom techniques, such as black and white printing, you will be encouraged to spend time investigating digital imaging using scanners and digital cameras in conjunction with Adobe PhotoShop software. At A2 equal emphasis is given to theoretical and practical investigations. You will be expected to take responsibility for directing much of your own practical projects and research work.
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The two AS Units are:
· Coursework Portfolio – Documents your creative journey of techniques and ideas explored, producing photographic work that exemplifies activities undertook during this time.
· Externally set assignment – You choose a starting point ranging from landscape to studio photography, which you will explore both creatively and technically through your own area of interest.
The two A2 Units are:
· Personal Investigation – You will develop your personal investigation based on an idea, concept or theme leading to a finished final piece.
· Externally set assignment - Same as above, but the ideas and concepts are dealt with on a more mature and sophisticated level.
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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a grade C in GCSE English Language. If you have studied Photography or Art to GCSE it would be advantageous but not essential. Students who are keen to do A Level Photography but do not have C grades in either GCSE Art or English Language will be considered on an individual basis in September. A keen interest in photography combined with enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard during lessons and in your own time are the most important requirements. To improve your background knowledge you may be required to attend practical workshops. Students will need to be prepared to provide some of their own photography materials such as film and photo paper which can be bought at cost price in the curriculum area.
You should have at least a grade C in GCSE English Language. If you have studied Photography or Art to GCSE it would be advantageous but not essential. Students who are keen to do A Level Photography but do not have C grades in either GCSE Art or English Language will be considered on an individual basis in September. A keen interest in photography combined with enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard during lessons and in your own time are the most important requirements. To improve your background knowledge you may be required to attend practical workshops. Students will need to be prepared to provide some of their own photography materials such as film and photo paper which can be bought at cost price in the curriculum area.
Although a few cameras are available on loan for students, having a good digital camera would be beneficial for your studies. Please ask a member of staff for advice before purchasing any equipment.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH PHOTOGRAPHY?
With an emphasis on visual communication Photography combines well with a range of Arts and humanities subjects. Photography has strong links with Media Studies and Graphic Design, as well as the other Art and Design courses.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
You may go on to study Photography on a Higher Education course or combine it with other creative subjects such as Graphic Design, Web Design, Multi-Media, Advertising or Video Production. Possible careers within Photography could include Journalism, Advertising, Media and Film.
With an emphasis on visual communication Photography combines well with a range of Arts and humanities subjects. Photography has strong links with Media Studies and Graphic Design, as well as the other Art and Design courses.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
You may go on to study Photography on a Higher Education course or combine it with other creative subjects such as Graphic Design, Web Design, Multi-Media, Advertising or Video Production. Possible careers within Photography could include Journalism, Advertising, Media and Film.
View the Art and Design page on the AQA Website.
