Overview
Photography is all around us and is one of the fast growing and most exciting contemporary mediums. At Esher, you will develop your awareness of the photographic world that surrounds you. We work hard to enhance your appreciation of Photography, teach you how to use our Photoshop suite, DSLR and film cameras, and professional photography studio, and above all help you learn to love the visual world that is ever evolving.
Entry Requirements
Whilst the entry requirement is a grade 4 or above in GCSE Art, Photography, Media or Textiles, it is not essential. Students without the entry qualifications, but with a genuine desire to study this subject make up a large proportion of our cohort. You will need to contact the Head of Department and will be required to submit a portfolio of photographs at enrolment. Acceptance on to the course will be at the discretion of the Head of Department.
Course Details
During the first year of Photography we work with you to develop your camera, Photoshop and studio lighting skills. You will be expected to complete a shoot a week for homework, which will reinforce what you learn in the classroom. You will shoot a wide variety of photographic genres, from fashion to documentary and landscape to portraiture, informed by a variety of photographers, old and new. The emphasis in the first year is skills based which requires a positive work ethic to keep up with the homework set.
In the second year you will further explore the skills you have learnt in Year 1 and develop them with one-to-one guidance and regular peer assessment sessions; your own ideas will be nurtured and you will be encouraged to independently explore your chosen style. We will look closely at the relationship between films, art, music and photography.
Alongside your practical photography, you will produce a 1500 word essay, which is an integral part of coursework in the second year.
Assessment
The coursework, which is completed in the first and second year, is worth 60%. At the end of the second year there is an externally set practical assignment which is worth 40% of the overall A Level mark. Projects are marked by teachers and externally moderated by the exam board.
Subject Combinations
Art, Fashion, 3D Design, Graphic Communication, Media, Film Studies, Maths and English all offer a range of progression routes.
University Destinations
Photography A Level is a highly respected qualification, with 90% of our students progressing on university and arts foundation courses.
Here are some typical university destinations that our Photography A Level students go on to. Click on a destination to see some examples of courses they have taken;
University of the West of England
Typical courses: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science / Photography / Film Making
Careers
BA (Hons) Photography is a popular choice at university. Some students study a Foundation in Art or Photography before progressing to a creative degree, but many go straight from A Level onto a degree course.
There is now a diverse range of careers that will be open to a Photographic graduate, from film making, photography and advertising to a career in design or journalism. A large percentage of our Photography students go on to study Photography at degree level or hope to do so after doing a Foundation Art/Media course. Top creative universities such as Arts University Bournemouth, University of the Arts London and Nottingham Trent are popular with our students.
FAQs
What extra support/enrichment activities are on offer?
We run two residential Photography trips. In the first year students have the opportunity to go on a three day Fashion and Documentary Photography residential course. This trip is based on building professional skills and photographic confidence. We have two professional photographers who run the event, and you will use professional models for the fashion shoots. This is always a popular trip and students relish working with professional photographers and models. In the second year we attend the spectacular Paris Photo exhibition. This is, arguably one of the most prestigious and exciting photography exhibitions in Europe. It’s scale and the variety of work is incredibly inspiring.
At the end of the second year, in conjunction with Media and Film, we hold an Esher Sixth Form College Oscars night. This is a night of glitz, glamour and awards. A suitably celebratory end to their Photography, Media or Film course.
We are also very lucky to have a fully kitted out professional photographic studio that is available to students throughout the College day and after College. This is fully supported by three Photography staff.
What extra support/enrichment activities are on offer?
We actively encourage our students to take advantage of our comprehensive kit loan system, which offers a wide range of photography equipment such as cameras, lenses, lighting, tripods, and creative filters. Our students have the flexibility to use our equipment whenever they need it, even over weekends and college breaks.
We are also very lucky to have a dedicated photographic studio that is available throughout the day, for students to use during their study periods. This is supported by a friendly and knowledgeable full time photography technician who is always on hand to offer guidance and support.
In addition to our outstanding facilities, we organize exciting photography trips, with at least two residential trips during each academic year. These trips include visits to prestigious photography fairs such as Paris Photo and PhotoBrussels, offering our students both cultural experiences and exposure to the newest and most respected photographers across the globe.
We also arrange day trips to popular universities, including Arts University Bournemouth and the University of the West of England in Bristol. Taking full advantage of our closeness to London, we organise visits to a variety of the latest photography and moving image exhibitions, ensuring that our students can engage whenever possible with photography in its wider context.
To finish their time here at Esher in style, we hold an Esher Oscars night in conjunction with the Media and Film departments. This fabulous event is a celebration of our students’ achievements, complete with golden awards statues for the winners in each category.