This is a very hands-on, practical creative course, which will help you develop your skills in digital and analogue imaging including camera techniques, studio/location lighting, darkroom photographic processes and image manipulation. A specialised course like A Level Photography needs the best facilities and supportive, expert teachers to guide you and at SCG we offer those benefits to help you achieve your full potential.
You will develop skills in digital and analogue imaging including camera techniques, studio/location lighting, darkroom photographic processes and image manipulation. Written assignments provide the opportunity to explore historical and contemporary photographic practices whilst developing critical, theoretical and practical skills through an individual body of work.
Year 1
A series of assignments will introduce the technical, critical, and creative skills necessary. Visual literacy is developed through contextual analysis of images and the formal elements of composition. Set exercises build skills in key areas such as camera exposure, framing, depth of field, lens focal length and creative lighting as well as the manipulation of images using Adobe Photoshop and traditional photographic processes.
Year 2
- Component 1 – Self-initiated Brief. You will write a personal area of investigation under supervision. Exploratory work is undertaken and images are generated through theoretical and practical approaches toward a final body of images. Work demonstrates extensive development of research skills, ideas and experimentation through a variety of visual communication methods and media. This unit includes a written, analytical, contextual element.
- Component 2 – Coursework and Exam Period. Choose one title from a selection of project briefs set by the exam board. This major project encompasses elements of research, analysis and practical development over a period of ten weeks. After the initial period of research to develop your ideas, a 15 hour exam period will follow to produce a finished outcome. Emphasis is placed on experimentation and the development of ideas.
FAQs
Photography is useful if you are aiming for an Art degree or a degree orientated toward practical Media or Film. It is accepted by all universities, but you may need to combine it with less practical subjects if you are aiming to study an academic subject.
What does photography a level involve? ›
WHAT UNITS/TOPICS WILL BE STUDIED? The course comprises 60% coursework and 40% externally set task. The first year involves short projects and workshops exploring key genres in photography including portraiture, street and landscape, followed by the first phase of their personal investigation.
Can you do photography a level without GCSE? ›
Do I have to have done Photography GCSE? No. A few students have GCSE Photography but we teach the subject from scratch for both digital and traditional film-based photography.
Does Cambridge accept photography A level? ›
Vocational A levels and IB subjects related to a specific profession or career, such as Business, Health, Photography, Performing Arts, Travel and Tourism, and Media Studies. A level Critical Thinking and Key Skills. We don't count these subjects as an A level, but you could take it as your fourth subject.
Is photography a high paying job? ›
The best Photographer jobs can pay up to $142,000 per year.
Photographers may take pictures for their own use, or they may be hired by individuals, groups, or companies. Before the photo shoot, professional photographers offer advice about locations, settings, and poses based on their expertise.
Do you have to draw in a level photography? ›
Students use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work where appropriate. They may wish to develop their drawing skills in order to produce storyboards, thumbnail sketches and/or diagrams, where appropriate. Students may use traditional methods and/or digital techniques to produce images.
What camera do you need for photography a level? ›
We recommend a DSLR and we stock the Canon 4000D but you can buy any model you like however if you would like to loan our lenses then you would need a Canon camera. We suggest you look for good quality second-hand camera rather than buying brand new. MPB and ebay are good sites that our students use.
Is photography a hard class? ›
This can be challenging for beginners, but with practice, studying the works of other photographers and seeking mentorship, it can be mastered. Learning photography also involves understanding and mastering the settings of a camera. This includes knowledge about depth of field, shutter speed, and choosing an f-stop.
What happens in an A Level photography exam? ›
The exam is unlike normal exams – you are given the questions approximately 10 weeks before the exam, you choose which one to work on with teacher support, and then you spend the time before the exam preparing and making your photos – this prep work counts for 75% of your exam mark.
How is A Level photography graded? ›
Assessment. You will be assessed on two core elements: Personal investigation (60% of the A Level grade) Externally set assignment (40% of the A Level grade)
Many professional photographers earn degrees in photography or a related field, though a degree is not required in the industry. You need to have a sharp eye for detail and be creative in staging and selecting locations. Photographers need to be patient and know how to work under time constraints.
Does Harvard look at A Levels? ›
Expected Grades
We do prefer that students take the most rigorous programme available to them, so an A level student, for example, should normally take four A levels rather than three. But we do understand that in some schools three A levels are the norm, and in fact sometimes four are not allowed.
What A Levels are best for Oxbridge? ›
Facilitating subjects include maths, English literature, history and the three sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) amongst others.
Is photography a good college major? ›
A bachelor's degree in photography can support diverse careers in fashion, news media, or forensics. Graduates can work as portrait or wedding photographers, nature photographers, or fine arts photographers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), photographers earn a median annual salary of $41,280.
How is photography A-Level assessed? ›
The exam is unlike normal exams – you are given the questions approximately 10 weeks before the exam, you choose which one to work on with teacher support, and then you spend the time before the exam preparing and making your photos – this prep work counts for 75% of your exam mark.
Is photography a good career option? ›
Being a professional photographer is a wonderful career choice; it's a fun job with many perks. Don't let the curses of being a photographer discourage you from choosing this. If you feel like it's the right choice for you, pursue it. As long as you're not a burden to anyone, feel free to pursue it.
