Level 2 Photography

Course Description 

This course focuses on developing creative ideas and skills in technique and technical knowledge of photography. Students start the year learning technical skills. In Term 2, they move into developing their ideas, creating work toward a portfolio of work (two folio boards) around a self-chosen theme.

We usually go on photo-taking excursions in the first part of the year, providing students with opportunities to ‘shoot’ in context.

Emphasis is placed on imagination, creative problem solving, building technical and editing skills with Adobe software, analysis, and critique within the idea development processes. Students are encouraged to develop independence and self-management skills.

Students can take photos on high-quality phones, and the classroom DSLR cameras. It is an advantage for students to have access to their own DSLR camera but it is not compulsory. The classroom cameras can be borrowed by photography students to work at home.

Topics covered: Photography as a diverse practice across a range of mediums and processes - Technical camera and studio skills - Photoshop and Lightroom skills - Development of an individualised portfolio of work - Critique and self-analysis
Developing Skills In: Photography techniques and conventions, Photoshop and Lightroom software - Creative project development - Creative thinking, innovation, self-management, self-confidence, independence, analysis and critical thinking, and resilience.

Recommendations for subject entry 

Level 2 Photography students come from all backgrounds within the school. Entrance to photography at Level 2 is not limited to an Arts background as the skills learned in photography are useful in many areas of learning and pathways.
Open entry with the following criteria:

• Students must be prepared to work to deadlines in this practical subject

• The desire and willingness to imagine and create

Assessment
2x Internals (8 credits) 1x External (12 credits) = 20 credits

A course endorsement will be available to students who attain Merit or Excellence grades for 14 or more credits, with at least one external assessment at  Merit or Excellence.

Research-based and Finished Project standards are also available for students wanting to expand upon their critical, contextual and presentation skills or gain extra credits

Next steps
Level 3 Photography.

Career paths
Photography prepares students for many creative career paths: Fine Arts, Photography, Design, FX, Animation and Film, Gallery and Museum Curator, Advertising, Education and more. It also teaches students many transferable soft skills valued in the ever-changing workplace.

Course contributions

Students are asked to contribute $45 towards the cost of a comprehensive photography pack to be used in class that includes an SD card & Memory stick. At the end of the rotation, students are free to keep the remaining supplies.