L3 Photography

NCEA Level 3 Photography (3PHO)

Messages - an exploration of contemporary photography practice

Level 3 Photography challenges students to extend their critical and creative thinking in digital photography and lens-based art making. Students will gain confidence and fluency in using the manual functions of Digital SLR cameras and working in the lighting studio. They will develop skills in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and InDesign to refine, edit, and sequence images in ways that communicate clear and considered ideas. Guided by the overarching theme Messages, students will choose their own focus and explore it through experimentation with composition, lighting, viewpoint, and inspiration from established photographic practitioners. Students will use a visual diary to research, experiment and document their creative process. This diary supports assessment for the internal standard, works alongside practical investigations for the external folio, and forms the basis for scholarship submissions. It can also contribute to a portfolio for entry into a range of tertiary art and design programmes.

Curriculum Skills and Key Competencies

Thinking: Students extend their critical and creative thinking by examining the processes, procedures, and conventions used by established photographers. They evaluate how these approaches inform meaning and intention, and apply this insight to refine, extend, and regenerate their own photographic practice. Through this process, students develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, conceptual development, visual literacy, and the ability to adapt and apply ideas across varied contexts. 

Using language, symbols and texts: Students will research, analyse, and interpret the meaning and intention in the work of established photographers, as well as in their own practice. They will develop visual literacy to express complex ideas and communicate meaning through image making. Throughout the creative process, students independently reflect on, evaluate, and refine their artistic decisions to strengthen the conceptual ideas and technical execution of their work. These skills are transferable requiring visual literacy, critical thinking, and effective communication. 

Managing Self: Students will develop strong self-management skills by ensuing both planning, photoshoots and final outcomes are completed by the set checkpoints and deadlines, particularly on the workbook and portfolio assessments. They display resilience by engaging with challenges in their creative process, adapting their approach as needed. They show initiative in researching and exploring sophisticated themes, photographers, and techniques, while actively seeking and responding to feedback to refine and deepen the meaning and quality of their work. 

Relating to others: Students are encouraged to engage and explore diverse cultural contexts, diverse identities and perspectives, and how it can challenge social norms and promote social justice within their photographic projects. Students deepen their understanding of how visual arts serve as powerful tools for social commentary and cultural dialogue. Students attain a greater insight of how their artistic choices have on varied audiences and communities. Through collaborative critique and contextual research, they refine their ability to relate to others thoughtfully and respectfully within the arts community and beyond

Participating and contributing: Students will relate to others by engaging in critical analysis and constructive feedback, learning to give and receive responses in a respectful and supportive manner that enhances their own work and the work of others. They learn to articulate thoughtful, respectful responses and critically reflect on diverse perspectives, enhancing both their own photographic practice and that of their peers. This process fosters a supportive community where ideas are shared, challenged, and refined, preparing students to contribute meaningfully professional conversations.

Careers and Pathways

Year 13 Photography leads to further study at tertiary level in the Creative Industries & Fine Arts. Photography is a UE approved subject. This subject is suited for students interested in careers or industries such as;

• Photographer or Film maker: media and television industry
• Communications: Advertising, Content creation, journalism
• Film or Television Back of house Design; Costume, stage and set, lighting, sound, fashion, makeup
• Designer: Graphic designer, animation, digital designer (web & other media), product designer, illustrator, computer gaming, CGI
• Interior or Architectural Design: Exterior, Spatial, Interior design
• Primary, Secondary or Tertiary Teaching
• Curator / Exhibition manager / Events coordinator / Arts business manager / Arts leader