What is it?
Photography is not just about technique but about perception and communication. You will explore technical camera facilities using traditional and computer technologies and learn how photographs are used to communicate and express yourself.
Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?
Workshop sessions enhance relevant skills to undertake innovative techniques and processes. Having freedom to develop broad portfolios prepares you for client briefs, trips, competitions, exhibitions, university and professional industries. Inspirational photography excursions including visits to local and international cities and galleries are an integral part of this course.
What skills will I develop?
- Time management and meeting deadlines
- How to develop ideas
- Communication
- Group work and presentations
- Literacy with analysis
- How to size, print and present work
How will I be taught?
Independently, as a whole class or small groups, pairs. Lots of 1:1 discussions. Past example projects. Sharing of ideas with peers.
How will I be assessed?
60% coursework and 40% exam in both years.
Teacher expertise
You are taught by a professional specialist photographer who develops her own photography through freelance projects.
Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
We are always completing live briefs throughout the year as a rule of thumb and good practice. We have had past visits to New York, Paris, Rome, Venice, Morocco. We also encourage local trips for photography Edinburgh and London
Where does it lead?
Students have progressed onto work in various industries. This includes specialise in one of the following areas: portrait, fashion, commercial wildlife, fine arts, scientific and medical, press, sports and travel. Many photographers go on to work in freelance positions, yet some students choose to use their creative skills in related areas such as marketing, advertising, web design and digital marketing, where opportunities exist with a range of businesses and consultancies.
Specific requirements
If you do not have GCSE Art, it is advisable to have attended taster sessions and open events.
Equipment
Memory SD card, sketchbooks. printing – £30 approximately.
Examination board
AQA.
Specific Requirements
- If you do not have GCSE Art, it is advisable to have attended taster sessions and open events.
First year:
- Workshop sessions give you relevant skills to undertake innovative techniques and processes
- Having freedom to develop broad portfolios readies you for client briefs, trips, competitions, exhibitions, university and professional industries
- You will learn the technical aspects of photography ranging from digital to darkroom. Advanced Photoshop editing processes
- How to use images to communicate
- Fundamental camera skills
- Experiment with traditional darkroom techniques and develop studio and flash knowledge
- Work experience
- Live briefs
- Course trips and excursions and taking part in competitions
Second year:
You will develop strong critical, creative and technical abilities; specialise and develop a purposeful portfolio and produce a written discussion of a personal project; work on live client briefs, exhibit at externally set exhibitions and take part in trips. You will be engaged in self-reflection, peer group evaluation, practical work, research and development.