A-level Photography

Course Overview

AQA Photography A Level is a two-year program that develops students’ creativity, technical skills, and conceptual understanding in photographic practice. The course encourages experimentation with different photographic techniques, styles, and processes, including digital photography, film, darkroom work, experimental imaging, and mixed media. Students explore both contemporary and historical photographers and critically engage with visual culture to inform their own work.

Course Structure

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of A Level)

A sustained project exploring a personal theme or concept in photography.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of A Level)

Response to an AQA-set theme released in February of Year 13.

Preparation Period: 8–12 weeks of research, experimentation, and photographic practice.

Timed Examination: 15-hour practical session creating final photographic outcomes.

Assessment Focus: Same as Personal Investigation, emphasizing independent technical and conceptual development.

Assessment Focus:

AO1: Develop ideas through research into photographers, visual culture, and related contexts.

AO2: Refine ideas through experimentation with photographic techniques, lighting, editing, and composition.

AO3: Record visual ideas, experiments, and reflections in a sketchbook, digital journal, or portfolio.

AO4: Produce a resolved body of work with final photographic outcomes.

Key Skills Developed

Technical Photography Skills: Digital and film photography, studio and natural lighting, darkroom processing, digital editing (Photoshop, Lightroom).

Creative Thinking: Visual problem-solving, composition, experimental approaches, conceptual development.

Research & Analysis: Understanding historical and contemporary photographers, styles, and movements.

Recording & Presentation: Maintaining visual journals, planning shoots, documenting processes.

Personal Expression: Developing a unique photographic style and conceptual voice.

Five grade 5s in your GCSEs.

Next Steps

AQA Photography A Level prepares students for:

Higher Education: Degrees in Photography, Photojournalism, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Fashion Photography, Film, or Multimedia.

Creative Careers: Professional photographer, photojournalist, fashion or commercial photography, editorial photography, exhibition curator.

Freelance Opportunities: Commissioned photography, stock photography, social media or content creation.

Higher Education – Photography & Creative Degrees

Photography – Fine Art, documentary, commercial, fashion, or editorial photography

Film / Media – Cinematography, video production, digital media

Graphic Design / Illustration – Visual communication, branding, mixed media

Animation / Digital Arts – Digital imaging, experimental media

Art & Design / Fine Art – Combining photography with broader artistic practice

A strong portfolio of photographic work, showing experimentation, concept development, and technical skill, is critical for university applications.

Vocational or Further Education

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3) – A one-year course to build a more diverse photography portfolio.

BTEC / NVQ in Photography – Practical, career-focused photography courses.

Creative Apprenticeships – Studios, media companies, or creative agencies.

Employment in Creative Industries

Professional photographer (portrait, commercial, editorial, fashion)

Photojournalist or documentary photographer

Freelance photography, stock photography, or content creation

Gallery assistant, curator, or photographic technician

Developing Skills Independently

Freelance projects and commissions

Social media, online portfolios, and networking

Short courses in digital editing, studio lighting, or specialised photography techniques

Combining Photography With Other Fields

Photography + Film/Video → Cinematography / Motion Graphics

Photography + Marketing → Social Media Content, Advertising

Photography + Art → Fine Art Photography or Multimedia Projects