A / AS Level Photography

Programme Aims

The course offers an introduction to photography within a framework of general art and design issues such as contextual awareness. It provides a basis for progression to Art and Design related qualifications such as the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or Higher Education.

Programme Content

The course will explore how photography is used to convey messages and meaning. You will explore traditional and digital photography in this course.  Work will form a means of personal enquiry and expression involving the selection and manipulation of images. Students must employ creative approaches which go beyond mere observation and recording. Areas which are explored include:-

• the use of photography to record in a personal way experiences, ideas information and insights appropriate to intentions
• the analysis and critical evaluation of photographic images to demonstrate an understanding of purposes, meanings and contexts
• the use of photography to develop ideas through sustained investigations and selection of materials, processes and resources, identifying and interpreting relationships and analysing methods and outcomes
• the use of photography to present a personal, coherent and informed response, realising intentions, and articulating and explaining connections with the work of others
• the different genres, styles and traditions of photography
• the use of equipment and techniques
• experimentation beyond the traditional flat print using a variety of techniques and settings including montage, printing onto/incorporating other materials/media, 3D constructions, installations and work presented as visual essays, for example a book may be produced
• contextual references and the work of others

In particular students will be expected to develop a knowledge and understanding of:

• the uses of light as the most important element in photography
• film types, film speeds, grain of film stock, infra red and other specialised films which will facilitate the processes of generating and developing ideas
• view points, composition, depth of field
• dark room techniques involving the recognition of appropriate paper types, developing and printing, emulsions, exposures, tone and contrast
• manipulation of the image through electronic and mechanical means including laser, computer, scanners, photocopiers.

 Teaching and Learning Styles

Much of the learning is done through practical work in studios and darkrooms. There will also be lectures and demonstrations. Each student is encouraged to interpret set projects in their own way to develop a personal style.