PHOTOGRAPHY 

A-LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Exam Board: AQA

Why study this subject: 

Students will be introduced to a range of stimulating photographic opportunities that will explore how lighting, lens, camera functions, digital and traditional techniques are used to document and manipulate imagery. 

Photography is more than documenting and recording. Students are required to develop personal and meaningful conceptual ideas, that are technically accomplished with individual approaches that reflect their creative styles and visual interests. 

 

Personal skills that will be challenged and developed: 

• Critical, analytical and practical problem solving 
• Risk taking
• Rigorous self-evaluation and critical reflection 
• Organisation skills like planning and time management 
• Working independently and collaboratively
• Presentation skills and public speaking
• Literacy communication through technical descriptions, reports and a 1000 – 3000 word essay

All components are created on Microsoft PowerPoint, supported by a professional portfolio. Students are required to pay for the costing of final outcome prints and a starting pack.

We expect our students to be highly motivated and to be able to work independently.

A high level of attendance and punctuality are essential to success in photography, as well as a passion for creativity. We expect students to be working in breaks and in study sessions.

 

A successful Photography student has genuine passion for documenting the world around us, and have creative individual ideas. Be curious, dedicated and hard-working.

 

We expect our students to be able to take criticism, to reflect and refine mistakes. Photography can often involve repeated practice, till you learn the skill, so be patient and be resilient. It can mean learning to let go of perfectionism and learning to think more flexibly. An open and growth mindset and the willingness to listen and take advice will benefit you hugely during your time at Blackfen.

 

COMPONENT 1   

Project 1:  Formal Elements (workshops)

Project 1 workshops explores, develops and fine-tune fundamental camera skills and functions. 

Students will be exploring the following topics:

• Composition theories: rule of thirds, leading lines, framing and breaking beyond the rule
• Manual DSLR exposure settings; ISO, Aperture / depth of field, fast and slow shutter speed 
• Lighting techniques in the studio
• Traditional methods: developing contact prints in the dark room, cyanotypes and pinhole cameras
• Post production techniques using editing software:  Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Blackfen student examples:

     

Project 2:   

Students will further their knowledge of the skills learnt in project 1, but will explore concept-based photography. Students are expected to contextualise their projects and refine ideas through sustained investigations from start to finish. We start the project with a trip to a London exhibition which inspires the creative decision making to kick start this project. 

Blackfen student examples:

 

Project 3:  Personal Investigation (coursework 60 %)

Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. (1000–3000-word essay).

The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

This project requires engagement with aesthetic and intellectual concepts through the use of traditional and/or digital media, materials, techniques and processes for the purpose of self-expression, free of external constraints.

Areas of study: Students are required to work in one of the areas of photography, such as those listed below.

• portraiture
• landscape photography (working from the urban, rural and/or coastal environment)
• still life photography
• documentary photography,
• photojournalism
• fashion photography
• experimental imagery
• multimedia
• photographic installation
• moving image (video, film, animation).
• micro photography
• fast/slow shutter speed

Blackfen student examples:

 

 

COMPONENT 2  (Exam 40%)

External Set Paper February year 13

Students will choose one topic out of five thematic titles set by AQA and explore that concept with their choice of media and postproduction. They will evidence their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished pieces.

Students will undertake a 15-hour exam in a controlled environment, under the standards and conditions set by the AQA exam board.

Preparatory period 14 weeks + 15 hours supervised exam time

Blackfen Student examples:

Post Education:

Many of our successful A- Level students continue on within the arts. Art and photography degrees teach problem solving, teamwork, independence and self-motivation qualities that every employer is looking for. In fact, the Telegraph recently listed Art/ photography graduates in the top 10 most employable.

This course can lead to a college or foundation course leading to careers in Art:

• Graphic designer
• Magazine features editor
• Medical illustrator/ photographer
• Photographer
• Press photographer
• Television camera operator
• Advertising art director
• Digital marketer
• Film director
• Film/video editor
• Media planner
• Multimedia specialist
• Stylist
• Visual merchandiser
• Web content manager
• Web designer
• Crime scene/ forensic photographer
• Media photography
• Journalistic photography or art-based media
• Lighting technician
• And many more options…