About GCSE Photography

Photography

Photography is defined here as the practice of producing images using light-sensitive materials such as photographic film, or digital methods of development and production to create static or moving images.

Areas of study

In Component 1 and Component 2 students are required to work in one or more area(s) of photography, such as those listed below:

  • portraiture

  • location photography

  • studio photography

  • experimental imagery

  • installation

  • documentary photography

  • photo-journalism

  • fashion photography.

They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.

Knowledge & understanding

The way sources inspire the development of ideas, relevant to photography including:

  • how sources relate to historical, contemporary, social, cultural and issues-based contexts and external considerations such as those associated with the cultural industries and client-oriented requirements

  • how ideas, themes, subjects and feelings can inspire creative responses informed by different styles, genres and aesthetic considerations and/or an individual's distinctive view of the world.

The ways in which meanings, ideas and intentions relevant to photography can be communicated include the use of:


  • figurative and non-figurative forms, image manipulation, close up, and imaginative interpretation

  • visual and tactile elements such as:

      • colour

      • line

      • form

      • tone

      • texture

      • shape

      • pattern

      • composition

      • scale

      • sequence

      • surface

      • contrast.

      • Skills

SEQUENCING OF KNOWLEDGE IN ART & PHOTOGRAPHY - KS1-5

The National Curriculum for Art directs how knowledge should be built up over time from KS1-3, these then feed into the KS4 and 5 exam board assessment objectives. Below are all the details you need to understand that journey.

SKILLS

Within the context of photography, students must demonstrate the ability to:


  • use photographic techniques and processes, appropriate to students’ personal intentions, for example:

      • lighting

      • viewpoint

      • aperture

      • depth of field

      • shutter speed and movement

      • use of enlarger

      • chemical and/or digital processes

  • use media and materials, as appropriate to students' personal intentions, for example:

      • film

      • photographic papers

      • chemicals appropriate to darkroom practices

      • digital media, programs and related technologies

      • graphic media for purposes such as storyboarding, planning and constructing shoots.

Below are some videos explaining what you would need to do to achieve a 6 or above in GCSE Photography:

Grade 6

A Reflections Project

Grade 7

A Texture Project

Grade 7-9

Advice on how to get top grades