Photography

Key Contact:  Nigel White, nw@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

Syllabus Information:

Students are introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. They are made aware of both traditional and new technologies. Students should explore relevant responses to practical examples and are given a choice of tasks to complete depending on areas of interest. Examples are shown through practical and critical activities that demonstrate understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

Students use e-portfolios to underpin their work where appropriate.

Areas of study: Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of photography, they may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas, examples include: portraiture, landscape photography, still life photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, fashion photography, experimental imagery, multimedia etc.

Skills and techniques: Students will be required to demonstrate skills in all of the following:

• The ability to explore elements of visual language, line, form, colour, pattern and texture in the context of photography
• Awareness of intended audience or purpose for their chosen area(s) of photography
• The ability to respond to an issue, theme, concept or idea, or work to a brief or answer a need in photography
• Appreciation of viewpoint, composition, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed and movement
• Appropriate use of the camera, film, lenses, filters and lighting for work in their chosen area(s) of photography
• Understanding of techniques related to the production of photographic images and, where appropriate, presentation and layout.

Students must show knowledge and understanding of:

• Relevant materials, processes, technologies and resources
• How ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts created in their chosen area(s) of photography
• How images and artefacts relate to social, environmental, cultural and/or ethical contexts, and to the time and place in which they were created
• A working vocabulary and specialist terminology that is relevant to their chosen area(s) of photography.

Course Content

Year 12

• Half Term 1: Camera Introduction & standard ways of working
• Half Term 2: The Dozen task 1
• Half Term 3: The Dozen task 2 & 3
• Half Term 4: The Dozen task 4
• Half Term 5: Component 1 Introduction and Critical Studies
• Half Term 6: Component 1 Critical Studies (written element)

Year 13

• Half Term 1: Component 1 Critical Studies (practical outcome)
• Half Term 2: Component 1 Development and experimentations
• Half Term 3: Component 2 Critical Studies
• Half Term 4: Component 2 Development and experimentations
• Half Term 5: Component 2 Final developments and imagery

Assessment

Work in year 12 & 13 is assessed on a regular basis. Critical studies and other written elements are a key part of success in the course. Students are asked to submit their e-portfolio at the end of each half term for deep marking and progress check.

Homework

There is a high expectation that students will work on their photography work for at least 3 hours in every week outside of lesson. This includes shoot planning and completion of shoots (travelling to locations etc.).

Useful information, links and resources

More information on course content:  Course Specification

Exam board course information:  Course information

17 of the “best” photographer websites: The 17 best photography websites | Creative Bloq

How to analyse a photograph: Image Analysis – Photography (weebly.com)

Depth of field simulator: DOF simulator – Camera depth of field calculator with visual background blur and bokeh simulation.

(Article) – 50 great photographers of all time: The 50 best photographers ever | Digital Camera World.