Photography
Photography A Level is a specialist course exploring the deep craft of Photography. It involves work in black and white and colour photography. Your work will also use both digital and darkroom photography and there will be computer-based work as well as handmade development work.
Students also have opportunities to work in video, film, installation and animation. You will study the work of other artists, designers and photographers, including work from primary sources during visits to galleries and museums.
Our Photography course gives you the opportunity to develop a personal and structured approach to project work, by exploring ideas and the work of other photographers. You will also develop your critical faculties, in both practical and written work, and acquire a high level of composition and presentation skills. There are many careers open to students with a photography qualification, including professional photography, journalism, arts administration, advertising, fashion, television, communications, art direction, interactive design and teaching.
Look.
Insights
“If your pictures are not good enough you are not close enough.”
It is important as artists that we observe the world around us. The role of a photographer is incredibly important, to document and capture our society is more challenging than you think.
Below are a number of resources we would like you to explore.
Documentary
“Photography helps people to see.”
There are a number of films that document the important role photography plays within our society, especially in the current Covid 19 crisis.
Below are several examples of how photography has played a key role in documenting this global pandemic.
Covid 19.
Watch.
Engaged
'Design is intelligence made visible'
As an artist it is important to stay engaged with the world around you. Here are a number of documentaries we would like you to watch.
FAQ
What do you do in Photography?
During the first year of the Photography A level course, you will take part in a number of small projects and workshops, learning about different areas of photography, cameras, editing software, the studio and darkroom. During the second year there is more freedom to choose your own project focus and what you decide take photographs of.
Do you need your own camera?
It’s not a course requirement that you have your own camera, we have a college booking system where you can book equipment out via the A&D website. Some students do have their own cameras and this can be useful, especially in the second year. If you do decide to buy, consider buying second-hand equipment as you often get a lot more for your money.
Is the course all digital photography?
We work with a mixture of digital and analogue photography. This means you will learn about cameras and digital editing software, but you will also have the opportunity to develop your own film, taking part in a number of darkroom workshops including camera less and pinhole photography.
Do I need a Mac?
Whilst Mac is the industry standard for Graphic Design and we use Apple technology in college, the software we use is also available on other computers. If you are thinking of purchasing a computer for your college work, feel free to message us for advice on this.
Do I need to have studied an art subject at GCSE?
Whilst lots of important skills are learnt on GCSE courses and it would certainly be a valuable experience, you do not need to have studied any related GCSE courses. Through hard work students are frequently able to reach a very high standard of work, even if they haven't studied related courses previously.
Do you go on any trips?
We normally go on a number of local trips to take photographs, such as Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool. We also visit galleries and go to London in the second year when researching for the Personal Study. All trips are dependent on the easing of Covid restrictions.