AS Photography

AS Photography

EdExcel

Level: This is a beginners course.

What is the Photography AS course?
The course will emphasize photography as a creative medium and will be taught primarily as a practical subject, although aspects of photographic technology, theory and history will also be covered. In the course you will learn about the basic techniques, theories and principles of black and white photography and have a basic introduction to the use of digital SLR camera and instruction on using Adobe Photoshop CS4.

You will learn to use a wide range of photographic processes and equipment incorporating studio, darkroom and general camera technique, enabling you to create your own photographic imagery in response to the various project themes. You will explore the world of advertising, fashion, photo-journalism, social documentary and many other commercial applications of photography. We also aim to organise field trips.

Course topics
You will work on a series of projects each lasting from 5 to 6 weeks and each introducing you to new processes and different topics. Sufficient basic and specialist equipment is available for use during the course although you will find it advantageous to have access to a 35mm film SLR camera and a digital camera, in order to expand learning and to pursue work outside college.

• Understanding the functions of the digital and film SLR camera
• How to develop your own black and white films
• How to enlarge negatives in the darkroom
• Creative manipulation in the darkroom
• Introduction to studio lighting
• Introduction to Photoshop CS4
• Research and analytical skills
• Developing personal photographic style
• Presentation of photographic image

Teaching and Learning
For many students photography becomes an obsession! Many students find the practical nature of the course fascinating. Once you have seen your own photographs develop in the darkroom you are hooked. But don†t forget you will have to document technical information and critically analyze your practical project work in your work journals, researching and exploring the work of other photographers and artists.

All lessons will take place in the newly refurbished specialist photographic teaching rooms, IT suite, darkroom and studios. Whilst most lessons will be practical you will be studying and discussing the work of other artists and photographers looking at slides and other visual reference material.

You are encouraged to develop your own interests further through extended project work and personal study: 4 to 5 hours private study per week is expected.

Assessment details
Unit 1 - coursework (60% of A Level).

Unit 2 - externally set assignment with 8 hour controlled test (40% of A Level).

NB This is funded as an examination based course and students should expect to enter the examinations.

Progression
A2 Level Photography (this is not available at College at present).

Notes
NB There will be no class on W ednesday evening 3 March 2010

This is a Learning & Skills Council (LSC) funded course and you may be exempt from the tuition fee, however you would be required to pay the examination fee at the time of application. Tuition fees for overseas students may vary from those quoted.

Extra costs : Film & digital camera, memory stick for saving digital files (this is essential) writing materials and £40 workbook, black and white film, photographic paper and own transport for the field trip.

Related items
Adult Education General Information.