Photography

OCR

GCSE

Candidates must demonstrate a sustained line of inquiry (AO1) through the manipulation of lens-based media, moving beyond mere documentation to conceptual engagement. The portfolio must evidence the iterative refinement of techniques (AO2), rigorous recording of observations (AO3), and the realization of a personal, meaningful response (AO4). Mastery of the exposure triangle, composition rules, and post-production workflows is essential for accessing top-band marks, requiring a synthesis of technical precision and aesthetic intent.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Credit evidence of sustained investigation into photographers or genres (e.g., Portraiture, Documentary) that directly informs practical development (AO1).
Award marks for purposeful experimentation with camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and post-production techniques (Adobe Photoshop, darkroom processes) (AO2).
Require clear recording of observations through contact sheets, lighting diagrams, and annotated edits that explain decision-making processes (AO3).
Assess the technical competence and visual impact of the final print or digital presentation, ensuring it resolves the initial line of enquiry (AO4).

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"Your analysis of [Artist] is descriptive; move to AO1 by explaining how their use of lighting influences your specific plans for the next shoot."
"Contact sheets are present (AO3), but lack annotation. Identify which frames are successful and explain why regarding composition or exposure."
"Experimentation with ISO settings is evident (AO2). Refine this by testing how grain affects the mood of your portraiture."
"The final print is technically sound (AO4). Ensure the mounting and presentation reflect the professional standard of the referenced photographers."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Credit evidence of sustained investigation into photographers or genres (e.g., Portraiture, Documentary) that directly informs practical development (AO1).
Award marks for purposeful experimentation with camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and post-production techniques (Adobe Photoshop, darkroom processes) (AO2).
Require clear recording of observations through contact sheets, lighting diagrams, and annotated edits that explain decision-making processes (AO3).
Assess the technical competence and visual impact of the final print or digital presentation, ensuring it resolves the initial line of enquiry (AO4).

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure contact sheets are annotated to highlight selection decisions; indicate 'reject' or 'select' to demonstrate critical thinking.
💡Explicitly link camera settings (e.g., f/1.8 for shallow depth of field) to the intended mood or concept in annotations.
💡Balance digital manipulation with high-quality raw capture; post-production cannot rescue a poorly exposed original image.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Producing biographical studies of photographers without analyzing the technical or conceptual influence on the candidate's own work.
Presenting unrefined images with unintentional technical errors (e.g., poor focus, incorrect exposure) as final outcomes.
Failing to document the editing process, resulting in a disconnect between the raw capture and the final manipulated image.

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

The Exposure Triangle (Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO)

Digital and Chemical Manipulation (Darkroom & Photoshop)

Visual Language and Compositional Frameworks

Contextual Analysis of Established Practitioners

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Develop

Refine

Record

Present

Investigate

Explore

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Practice questions tailored to this topic