Art and Design (Photography)

Course summary

Photography lessons will predominantly be practically based. You will be given clear demonstrations of processes by your teacher and you will be given time in which to explore these both in small groups and independently. You will be encouraged to talk about your work using specialist vocabulary and to discuss your ideas and your understanding of other artists’ work with your teacher and with fellow students. You should be prepared to write about both your ideas and the work of others; written evaluation forms are an extremely important part of this course and your sketchbooks should be thoroughly annotated. Practical workshops in photography and video will enable you to explore: • The uses of light as the most important element in photography • Film types, film speeds and grain of film stock • Viewpoints, composition, depth of field • Darkroom techniques • Manipulation of the image through electronic and mechanical means including digital cameras, computer, scanners, photocopiers • Qualities of lighting in both studio and location-based work • Editing, including knowledge of the variety of ways in which images might be juxtaposed to create appropriate effects • The work of others as a means of extending the photography vocabulary of the student