Photography

Year 7: The Formal Elements of Photography through Natural Forms

In Year 7, pupils embark on their photographic journey by studying the formal elements of photography through the theme of Natural Forms. They explore how photographs are made, beginning with hands-on processes such as creating their own sun prints and cyanotypes, offering a fascinating insight into early photographic techniques. Students also investigate the work of pioneering photographers such as William Henry Fox Talbot and Anna Atkins, whose innovative use of light and natural forms paved the way for modern photography. Throughout the year, students focus on key themes including colour, light, pattern, and negative space. They experiment with these elements to create both 3D and photographic work, drawing inspiration from renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy. Through these exercises, pupils learn how to observe and capture the world around them, honing their technical skills while developing a strong creative vision.

By the end of Year 7, students have a solid foundation in the basics of photography, as well as a deepened appreciation for its artistic potential. This provides them with the skills and confidence to continue developing their photographic practice in Years 8 and 9.

Year 8: Exploring Composition, Lighting, and Contrast through Still Life

In Year 8, students build on the skills developed in Year 7 and begin to focus more closely on the technical aspects of photography, including composition, lighting, contrast, and editing. Through the theme of Still Life, pupils learn how to compose photographs thoughtfully, paying attention to how objects are arranged, lit, and captured to create dynamic and visually interesting images. They explore the creative potential of lighting techniques, using shadows and highlights to add depth and mood to their work.

Students’ learning is enriched through research into influential photographers, including Man Ray, Abelardo Morell, and the photographic duo Peter Fischli and David Weiss. These artists’ innovative approaches to still life photography—whether through the surreal manipulation of light, the exploration of perspective, or the playful deconstruction of everyday objects—serve as inspiration for students to experiment with their own compositions.

The year also includes an introduction to digital editing, where pupils refine their images using software to enhance their work further and explore the artistic possibilities of post-production. By the end of Year 8, students have developed a more sophisticated understanding of photographic techniques and editing processes, empowering them to create more polished and professional-looking images.

Year 9: Advanced Techniques and Photographic Manipulation through Movement and Portraiture

In Year 9, students further hone their photography skills, with a focus on refining their editing techniques and developing their ability to manipulate images creatively. The theme for Year 9 photography is Movement, which allows students to explore how photography can capture dynamic motion and the passage of time. They study the pioneering work of Eadweard Muybridge, whose sequential images of movement revolutionised the understanding of human and animal motion, and Jacques Henri Lartigue, who captured the excitement and energy of early 20th-century life.

Students experiment with creating their own photographic weaves and multiplicity imagery, techniques that involve layering and combining multiple images to portray movement or convey a sense of time.

The year culminates in a focused investigation into photographic portraiture, where students analyse the iconic works of master photographers such as Irving Penn and Richard Avedon. Students learn how portrait photography can convey personality, mood, and context, while also exploring the technical aspects of lighting, composition, and the use of backdrops. Through their own portrait sessions, students refine their technical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the artistic potential of portrait photography.

Numbers permitting, an exciting opportunity is offered to work in the darkroom, learning traditional film photography and developing their own prints. This hands-on experience in darkroom development introduces students to the analogue side of photography, balancing their digital skills with an appreciation for the historical and tactile nature of the medium.

By the end of Year 9, students have developed a diverse skill set, allowing them to approach photography with both technical expertise and artistic confidence, setting a strong foundation for further study in GCSE Photography and beyond.