What is Photography?
Photography is a visual media that can document a moment in time, communicate creative ideas, or make a visual statement. In many ways it can be related to Fine Art and be as experimental and creative as painting. Alternatively, it can be used in a more commercial manner and is associated with advertising, the media and design.
Why study Photography?
A level Photography is compelling because it combines creativity with real-world skills, teaching students to capture and communicate ideas visually. The course develops technical skills in cameras, lighting, and editing, along with critical thinking and composition.
Is Photography right for you?
When enrolling on the course you will be asked to provide a portfolio of photography work. You should have a keen interest in visual art and enjoy making imagery. You need to show a willingness to dedicate time to the subject outside of lesson time.
What will you study?
Skills development
Using a DSLR camera, Photoshop and Lightroom, studio, landscape, experimental and darkroom work, research, analysis and presenting work
Personal investigation
A major component of the second year, worth 60 per cent of your overall grade. A self-directed project where you explore a theme or idea that interests you
Exam component
Worth 40 per cent of your overall grade. Three months to prepare, then a set time under exam conditions to create a final outcome in response to a theme or brief set by AQA
What happens outside lessons?
Outside the classroom, students engage with live clients, taking on real industry-based challenges and working with local businesses, giving them the chance to see their designs in action. They have opportunities to attend workshops at local universities, exploring both creative practice and university life while building further industry connections. Each year, students can participate in trips; previous visits have included Paris and London, offering visits to museums and galleries and fostering independence, an essential skill for those considering studying away from home.
Where can Photography take you?
A level Photography can lead to a wide range of creative and professional opportunities. Many students go on to higher education in fields such as Photography, Fine Art, Media, Fashion, or Film. It also provides a strong foundation for careers in commercial photography, photojournalism, advertising, graphic design, or the wider creative industries. The skills developed on the course can be useful for a range of careers that require photography form crime scene investigation, through to marine Biology or even content creation.
What subjects go well with Photography?
Subjects that complement Photography include Graphic Communication, Film Studies, Media Studies and Fine Art.
Many of our students combine Photography with their other subjects based on their interests, such as Geography, Geology, History, English, Engineering, Business Studies