Photography

Is this course for me?

Digital photography is a way of visually recording, documenting and presenting both the ordinary and the extraordinary. It is explored as an art, but also as practice and in many different forms. It is often considered an art form, an aspect of self-expression, a journalistic process or even an aspect of visual culture. We promote individual creativity in a supportive environment. You will have the opportunity to work with professional studio equipment and develop skills in outdoor, studio and experimental photography along with skills in post-production using packages such as Photoshop and Pixlr.

Areas of Study

Following an introduction to technical skills you will work on personalised themes dependent of your area of interest; themes as diverse as reflections, colour, portraiture, campaign photography and mood. You will then develop an extended coursework project; your own personal investigation, and follow a creative journey and an in depth study into your chosen theme.

THE FIRST YEAR

Component 1: An exploratory unit leading into a personal investigation
You can extend your photographic ability and techniques, digital editing skills, using state of the art software, creative sketchbook development, mixed media techniques and evidence of a high level of critical understanding, involving visits to galleries. Themes are established and you create experimental shoots and techniques relating to your own theme and in response to contextual references and additional research.

THE SECOND YEAR

Component 1 : Focus on personal investigation
An opportunity to develop your own emerging photographic practice in a more personal way, supplemented by research and gallery visits and an opportunity to refine experimental work to reach a final conclusion.

Component 2 : An externally set themed body of work
The research development and photographic experimentation of an externally set of starting points which will lead to a timed examination. You select an appropriate title and embark upon a project in response to their chosen title. You will have 15 hours over 3 days to complete your final outcome.

Assessment weighting
60% Component 1 (coursework)
40% Component 2 (externally set task)

Future Opportunities

Progression to university on to a Media, Photography, or Art related degree course, or a Foundation Diploma or Level 0 Course in Art and Design. Some students have progressed to study Radiography and now work within the NHS.

Careers: Advertising, Animator, Art Director, Artist, Art/ Photography,/ Design teacher/ Tutor, Photographic Journalist, Photographer for magazines, fashion companies, sports companies, other products, radiographer, opportunity to set up, run own photography studio, film and media production, director of photography – there are endless possibilities.