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

Photography Careers

AFTER GCSEs

Photography is a dynamic field that blends creativity with technical expertise. After your GCSEs, many students opt to study A Level/Level 3 programs.

The world of photography is diverse, encompassing genres such as portraiture, landscape, still life, photojournalism, fashion, experimental, and multimedia. Each style offers unique challenges and opportunities for artistic expression.

In an A Level/Level 3 photography course, you'll master essential equipment like cameras, tripods, and lighting systems. You'll explore both traditional darkroom techniques and cutting-edge digital technologies, gaining proficiency in industry-standard software like Photoshop and Illustrator. The course also emphasizes the importance of sketching and maintaining a visual journal to develop your ideas.

Photography complements a range of subjects including art and design, media studies, graphic design, and business, offering interdisciplinary opportunities.

A background in photography can lead to diverse career paths beyond professional photography. Graduates often find success in graphic design, web development, animation, advertising, game design, filmmaking, visual effects, and art curation. The visual literacy and technical skills acquired are highly valued across the creative industries.

Photographer

Information from the National Careers Service:

Average Salary: £17,00 - £45,000

Typical Hours: 39-41 hours a week (Variable)

Typical Work Time: evenings / weekends / as customers demand

Career path and progression

Many photographers are freelance and you could do a mix of contract work and following your own interests.

You could extend your range into other areas of photography like product, property, aerial or corporate work.

Specialist photographers

With training, you could work as a press or police photographer.

If you do specialist qualifications, you could find jobs in medical photography or illustration.

Starting your own business

You may decide to become self-employed and set up your own business.

Photography is very competitive, so you'll need creativity and technical skills to make money. You'll also need finance for equipment, a space to work in and some business and admin skills.

You could increase your income by selling your images independently.

Step One: Recognising your natural talent

To succeed as a photographer you need to be creative, have fantastic people skills, have a strong eye for detail, and have good technical prowess

Step Two: Gaining qualifications

Entering into a higher education program or a university degree can help to improve your odds of securing a job. More importantly, these qualifications can help you to develop your skills, hone your talent, and enable you to establish important industry connections.

Step Three: Experience

It is pivotal that you also gain as much experience as possible before you apply for a job.

The best ways to gain experience are:

Taking photographs of your friends.
Offering to take pictures for businesses free of charge.
Shadowing a professional photographer in their studio.

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