Photography

Photography is embedded in every day modern life .We are all photographers and film makers, weather using our cameras, ‘phones or ipads. Millions more images are taken every year and we are constantly bombarded by pictures and the moving image in what has become a much more visually aware cultural time. Through Facebook and Flickr we exchange pictures and comment on their quality or style.

But through all this technological advancement and renewed interest in the photograph there are still certain “truths”, techniques and rules that need to be learnt and broken so that the individual can become more visually aware and therefore a better photographer. In the first term in AS photography we concentrate on teaching the students to look. This is done by taking hundreds of photographs locally, returning to the studio and then discussing and editing the images with the staff and other students. By having this immediate feedback the students learn quickly what “works” in an image and by half term are more confident in their own ability and the criteria by which their work will be judged.
The students soon are working on their own ideas or projects, individually chosen subject matter by them with consultation with the staff. Projects in the past have been based on portrait, landscape, family, still life and light amongst others.

We are still equipped with an excellent high quality darkroom which all students must experience. Although this area of photography has disappeared form the professional world it is still very much in use by fine Art photographers and students often enjoy the more hands on and creative quality it can offer.
The first year ends with an externally set exam of eight hours

More and more of the photography students are turning to film and enjoy making film and animation using the Applemacs to edit  their work. This has resulted in some excellent final films in the summer exhibition and we even created a screening room to show them to the examiner.

The A2 or second year of the course very much builds on the first but students take more control of their work and projects become unceasingly independent, driving their own work through their own ideas or choice of media. There is also an extended essay to write during this year for which students receive advice and guidance. The second year ends with an externally set twelve hour exam.
The department has recently improved its facilities with lights, SLR digital cameras and a small dedicated studio area with a variety of backdrops. The Applemac computers are extremely popular and there is an excellent printer. There are plans to create a video editing suit in the near future.

Photography is a subject where students take control of their own work in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Photography Galleries

Photography Gallery

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Staff

Amelia Barnes - course leader

Amelia first studied fine art at Reigate School of Art, continuing with further study at degree level, gaining a BA in Fine Art Combined Media through the University of Sussex where she discovered a passion for photography. During her degree she worked at various magazines as a picture editor’s assistant. During this time she worked on compilation of images for Cosmopolitan’s Complete Guide to Relationships, organising and managing photo shoots.

She gained an MA in Fine Art Sculpture from Wimbledon School of Art. Amelia has taught in schools and is involved in art education in museums and galleries, being committed to teaching art and craft skills to many different age groups and sections of society. When she is not teaching she continues to work on her own art practice which also informs her teaching. Within this she uses scanning found imagery, digital photography, film photography and B/W processing.

 

Graham Warren - technician

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