A level photography - is it worth it ?

[Josilou]

My son is deciding what A levels to do at the moment. Ultimately he'd like to become something like an underwater photographer and is trying to decide what subjects to take.

I'm just wondering whether Photography at A'level is actually worth doing, or whether he'd be better off taking Graphic Design at this level.

Does anyone have any advice on this? The other subjects he's going to take are Geology, Biology and Ancient History.

[PhotosGuy]

My personal feeling is the photography would have more applications toward Geology, Biology, and Ancient History. Can he pick up a Graphic Design class sometime later?

[JWright]

If he has the desire to become an underwater photographer, then I would think some marine biology and oceanography classes would be in order.

He also needs to learn to dive and get lots of experience with that before attempting to do photography at the same time. He needs to be completely comfortable in the water.

[Josilou]

the marnine biology or oceanography will come in at degree level but at A level they are not options.

[Spacemunkie]

It's as worthwhile as any other art-based subject. At least it's a practical skill that people pay for. Which is more than can be said of fine art :D

[JWright]

the marnine biology or oceanography will come in at degree level but at A level they are not options.

Am I correct in assuming you are in the UK? I'm in California and not familiar with how the educational system works over there. You have to keep in mind this forum is international in scope and a lot of us won't understand what you mean by "A Level."

[Josilou]

Sorry, yes, I'm in the UK. I thought most people would know what A levels were so sorry about that. They are the qualifications that kids aged 16-18 work on. They usually do 3 or 4 different subjects, and after they have finished their A levels, one pathway is that they go on to University to do a 3 year undergraduate degree.

[tomd]

Sorry, yes, I'm in the UK. I thought most people would know what A levels were so sorry about that. They are the qualifications that kids aged 16-18 work on. They usually do 3 or 4 different subjects, and after they have finished their A levels, one pathway is that they go on to University to do a 3 year undergraduate degree.

Thanks,
I had no clue what "A" levels were.

[Lizzy7]

Hi there,

I did A Level photography, although I did it at night school when I was about 22 I think. I found it a good course, it was mostly technical with some photo history in there as well. This was quite a while ago though so I'm sure it's very different now (no digital back then ;))

I think it would be a good option to go for :)

Lizzy

[yogestee]

At an A level subject there are quite a few art subjects,,photography is one of them although I believe photography should be taught as a science subject..

Many students study art subjects at A levels and become scientists, engineers etc.. Studying any subject at an A level and doing well is a sign of discipline which will put the student in good stead for the future..

[JWright]

Sorry, yes, I'm in the UK. I thought most people would know what A levels were so sorry about that. They are the qualifications that kids aged 16-18 work on. They usually do 3 or 4 different subjects, and after they have finished their A levels, one pathway is that they go on to University to do a 3 year undergraduate degree.

Thanks. I think I have the idea now. It sounds a little like Community College here...

[yogestee]

Thanks. I think I have the idea now. It sounds a little like Community College here...

More like senior years in high school..