Photography

Photography at CHS South allows students to explore the world through a creative lens. Our curriculum encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and self-expression, enabling students to develop technical skills and a unique artistic voice. By combining imagination with practical expertise, students gain confidence in shaping their own outcomes and exploring cultural heritage.

 

Our Intent

Our mission is to ignite creativity, uncover potential, and develop transferable skills, nurturing creative, happy, and successful students.

The Photography Department aims to:

• Develop students’ ability to translate creative ideas into visual outcomes.

• Provide a wide range of photographic experiences, encouraging self-discovery and personal expression.

• Support students to shape and refine their own work.

• Foster cultural knowledge and an understanding of artistic context.

• Empower students to express and reflect on cultural heritage.

• Equip students with skills relevant for future learning, careers, and life.

• Engage students with contemporary photographers and artistic practices to inspire and inform their own creative work.

 

Curriculum

Year 9 Photography Elective Year 10 Photography Year 11 Photography

 

Why Study Photography?

Studying Photography develops skills that extend beyond the classroom:

Creativity – transforming ideas into original visual work.

Critical Thinking – analysing, interpreting, and reflecting on images.

Technical Skills – mastering camera, lighting, and editing techniques.

Self-Expression – developing a unique artistic voice.

Cultural Awareness – engaging with historical and contemporary perspectives.

Transferable Skills – resilience, time management, and visual communication.

 

Meet the Team

Mr. McGill - Curriculum Leader for Visual Arts

Mr. Palmer - Teacher

 

Enrichment Opportunities

Students can extend their photography experience through:

• After-school photography sessions.

• Exhibitions and competitions.

• Collaborative projects with other creative subjects.

• Workshops exploring contemporary photographic techniques.

• Links with live briefs for real companies

 

Further Study

A Level Photography / Art & Design:

• Build on your GCSE skills with more focused study in photography techniques, creative processes, and visual storytelling, preparing you for higher education or creative careers.

Creative Degrees:

Pursue undergraduate courses specialising in:

• Photography: Explore advanced photographic techniques, digital editing, and conceptual projects.

• Media & Film: Learn production, editing, and storytelling across various visual media.

• Visual Arts & Design: Broaden your artistic skills through interdisciplinary study including graphic design, illustration, and multimedia.

University Courses in Related Fields:

Consider degrees in:

• Journalism: Combine photography with writing and reporting skills for careers in media.

• Marketing & Digital Media: Focus on visual communication, branding, and content creation for businesses.

• Cultural Studies: Study the role of photography and visual culture in society, media, and heritage sectors.

 

Career Links

Creative & Media Professional Photographer (Portrait / Commercial / Fashion): Capture images for clients across different industries, from personal portraits to advertising and fashion shoots. Photojournalist / Documentary Photographer: Tell real-life stories through impactful, authentic photography for news outlets, magazines, or online platforms. Film & Video Production / Cinematography: Use photographic skills in moving images, working behind the camera to create films, documentaries, and commercials. Graphic Designer / Visual Content Creator: Combine photography with design skills to produce visual materials for print, web, and social media. Photo Editor / Retoucher: Enhance and manipulate images to improve quality or create artistic effects for publications and brands.

Arts & Culture Curator / Gallery Assistant: Organise and manage photography exhibitions and collections, helping to present photographic art to the public. Arts Administration / Cultural Heritage Specialist: Support photography projects and heritage programmes through planning, funding, and community engagement. Exhibition Designer / Multimedia Artist: Design creative spaces and multimedia installations that incorporate photography alongside other art forms.

Business & Marketing Social Media Manager / Content Creator: Use photography and digital storytelling to build and engage audiences across social platforms for brands or artists. Advertising & Branding Specialist: Develop visual campaigns that use photographic content to promote products and services effectively. Marketing & Creative Campaigns: Plan and execute campaigns where photography plays a central role in communicating brand messages.

Emerging Fields Digital Media & Visual Storytelling: Explore new media formats such as VR, AR, and interactive platforms to tell stories through photography and visuals. E-Commerce Product Photography: Specialise in photographing products for online stores, focusing on clarity, style, and sales appeal. Creative Industries Entrepreneurship: Launch and manage your own photography business or creative venture, combining artistic talent with business skills.

Studying Photography at CHS South empowers students to capture, question, and express the world around them, developing skills and creativity that last a lifetime.