Alternative A - Still photography

1.      Choose one of the following two activities:

a.      Produce 12 photographs, taken by themselves, covering at least two of the subjects from the following:

·         Portrait

·         Still life or similar

·         Land or seascape

·         Sport or similar action

·         Flash-gun

·         Time-lapse photography.

These can be conventional or digital photographs.

b.      Produce six black and white photographs where they have undertaken some part of the processing themselves.

2.      Choose one of the following two activities:

a.      Discuss with the assessor the main functions of a film camera including shutter speeds, apertures, film speed, depth of field and lens focusing

b.      Discuss with the assessor the main functions of a digital camera, including resolution, digital compression and how these effect the final print. Show a knowledge of the types of removable memory available.

3.      Discuss the different types of camera on the market and the various accessories available for them.

4.      Choose one of the following three activities:

a.      Describe the process of developing black and white films and prints, including the use of an enlarger.

b.      Describe the processes and equipment needed to produce prints from a digital camera, including the use of enhancing or editing software.

c.       Describe the processes and equipment needed to produce prints from existing photographs, including the use of enhancement or editing software.

5.      Diagnose faults that occur both at the photographing and printing stages such as over- and under-exposure and high and low contrast. Explain the difference between camera shake and subject movement.

 Alternative B - Video photographer

1.      Produce at least two short films, using two of the following categories:

a.      Documentary

b.      Music video

c.       Drama

d.      Situation comedy

e.      Advertisement

f.        Training film

g.      Environmental

h.     Community

i.        Current affairs.

For each of these they should produce a storyboard and script. The film can be either edited 'in camera' or by using simple editing equipment.

2.      Complete the following two tasks:

a.      Understand the main features and functions of a video camera including zoom, focus, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and common domestic tape formats.

b.      Discuss with the assessor problems that may be encountered when using automatic settings and how these problems may be overcome.

3.      Show an understanding of the following:

·         Camera techniques such as panning, zooming, the use of close-ups, long shots and the use of additional lighting.

·         Production techniques such as editing, how to avoid jumpy cuts, maintaining continuity.