WJEC Eduqas A level Art and Design (Photography) A656QS

Photography is a two year A Level course that is suitable for all students who have a genuine interest in Photography and want to learn more about subject.

The main emphasis of the course focuses on digital photography and editing but students can explore analogue photography and art based approaches depending upon individual skills. The course is a practical coursework based subject giving you the opportunity to: build an online presence; create a sketchbook portfolio; research the work of other practitioners; record photographs of personal interest; enhance and edit images digitally or physically by hand; attend galleries, visit local and overseas locations.

We promote individuality and encourage students to express their own lines of enquiry when selecting project titles. The course is structured and supportive in the way it is delivered and one to one tutorials provide support for all learners when working on personal projects

The course is divided into two components a coursework project that includes technical workshops and an externally set assignment.

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of the A Level) Students present an individual project based on a personal idea or genre which can be presented in a sketchbook or online portfolio and includes written work of 1000 to 3000 words which supports practical work.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of the A Level) Students respond to a stimulus issued by Eduqas and a body of work is produced on one of the visual or written briefs. This can be in a sketchbook or website. The finished outcome or series of outcomes are created during a 15 hour period of supervised time.

Mechanical structures

Photography Instagram/website:

https://www.instagram.com/jackswildimages

https://jackburton.zenfolio.com/

I graduated from QE in June 2015 and moved on to study Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University. Studying and practising various forms of visual media and journalism. Specifically, exemplifying the media’s impact on natural history, conservation and the environment.

I’m currently working on various projects in London as a freelance photographer and have experience of working as a content creator for a radio company. My successes have taken me as far as working in the cloud forest of Costa Rica, completing a 7-week expedition as the official conservation photographer and head of social media.

With an immense enthusiasm for photography and visual creativity, it was exciting for me to focus on my existing skills at QE college, and to enhance my creative abilities and aspirations of becoming a photographer. I explored various inspired projects and learned proficiencies needed to understand the art of visual imagery. Research into photographers and understanding their artistic approach plays a significant role on the course; learning how to evolve your own creative skills, and to find your own passion for a specific field of photography.

My photography teachers at QE were incredibly supportive in aiding my abilities, supporting me throughout the process of the projects of my choice. They helped me create concepts to focus on, the methodology of production and gave me direction in completing coherent and creative ideas. As an avid wildlife photographer, I was producing work very different from the other students; being original is something to be encouraged in all art forms, and my tutors certainly encouraged this.

Knowledge of how shutter speed, aperture, white balance, composition and ISO, all play a fundamental role in creating the finished art piece. Not only do you learn the theory behind these fundamental controls, on the course I was able to utilise my understanding of these digital tools in the field, often working together in a class of other eager photographers. At University, I had the freedom to work on my own envisioned projects, some lasting a year. However, I had to abide by a brief which is practised on the photography course at QE – this had proven to be a crucial skill. Post-processing (editing) is essential to understand; all photographers edit their images in some form. At QE, I used Adobe software's such as Photoshop, this is used to enhance your images in ways which seem unimaginable.

Being enthusiastic and passionate about any subject is the driving force for an individual to achieve their dreams. I was able to focus my love of photography every week at QE, learning how I could improve my skills and to develop my own projects. It’s a digital world we’re inhabiting and it has never been a more exciting to be a photographer. At QE, you’ll be given the fundamental skills needed to start your own trajectory to be a professional creative.

Photography Facebook/Website:

https://fionakatephoto.wixsite.com/fkphoto

www.facebook.com/FionaKatePhotography/

After I left QE in 2015 I went on to Study BA (Hons) Photography at Nottingham Trent University. During my time at university I started to set up my photography business (Fiona Kate Photography) with primary focus on events photography and then moving into newborn and family photoshoots. Since graduating from university I have continued to grow my business alongside a full time role in Visual Display and Marketing at a department store. This largely involves creating window displays, and creating graphics for in-store posters and advertising.

I really enjoyed the A Level photography course, the teachers were all great, friendly and approachable. The different projects allowed me to explore different types and styles of photography. (Don't rule anything out till you have tried it!)

The style of working is very different to other academic subjects but this really helped with photography at university. Project work is as much about getting out there as it is being in the classroom with a teacher. It takes motivation and passion and makes you a good independent worker. Developing this skill is great when it comes to employment.

You can use perspective to document alternative viewpoints and abstract images that can make the viewer start to question what is in the frame. Think about exploring different camera angles and distances to successfully capture interesting perspectives. Be selective in camera and create a variety of images that portray the object in different ways.

Photography Activity

Select ONE interesting object and photograph it 12 times ensuring each photograph shows a different perspective of the object.

Students will have the opportunity to exhibit work in a local gallery in Darlington which is run through an organisation called Creative Darlington. Every year the title of the exhibition changes and students can put forward work to be showcased in the exhibition.

Creative Darlington link - https://creativedarlington.org.uk/visual-arts/

Do you fancy exhibiting your photography in London?

This is such an exciting opportunity for photography students to get involved with. It's a chance to be creative and play an active role in promoting and presenting work in a publicised exhibition. Last year students exhibited photography work based on the theme 'CLOUD LAND' at the prestigious Alexandra Palace in London. This years theme, 'AT HOME' will be a virtual exhibition.