City & Guilds Level 2 Photography I started my Level 2 Photography course at Exeter College in September 2007. The brochure said it was 'intense', and it certainly was that. College attendance was three hours one evening per week, for 30 weeks. The course was split into three 10-week units, one unit per term. Unit 1: Principles of Photography
An overview of all the main areas of photography. For this unit we were required to produce: (1) a portfolio of ten colour images; (2) a workbook; (3) a written study; plus (4) sit a multiple-choice exam.
Unit 2: Introduction to Black & White Photography
A practical unit dealing with film processing and darkroom printing. For this unit we had to produce: (1) a portfolio of ten black & white images; (2) a workbook; (3) a written study.
Unit 3: Exploring Colour Photography
We were allowed to choose the theme for this unit (the other options were Images Without Lenses and History of Photography, neither of which I felt would help me take better photos). Required for this unit: (1) a portfolio of ten colour images; (2) a workbook.
We quickly realised exactly how much work would be required to complete the course. In a corner of our classroom were some shelves, groaning under the weight of numerous box files and bulging lever-arch files. This was the coursework of the previous year's students, waiting to be collected. We had a good look through it all, then wished we hadn't. Each large file was a 'workbook' — one term's notes, neatly typed (or written) up and generously illustrated with diagrams and photographs. Accompanying the files were display folders containing the portfolios, each photo neatly presented in a window mount. The general reaction was "No way! I can't do all that!" and "What have I let myself in for?"
The first practical task for Unit 1 was to shoot a roll of film and bring the resulting photos into college the following week. The photos were then laid out for all to see, and everyone was encouraged to comment and say what they liked (or didn't like) about them. Which sounds a bit scary, especially if you've never offered up photos for criticism before. But it was actually really useful. The praise was welcome and the feedback only ever constructive. The best bit was hearing the lecturer's comments, pointing out why certain photos worked and others didn't, and what you could have done differently to improve the weaker ones. This page is STILL under construction! (Just can't get the staff these days...) Back to top | Back to Info | 
