A-LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY 2026

SAFIA ALI | XAVIER BROZDA | ALEXIA CURRY | BROOKE EDWARDS-DALLEY | ERIN LAWLEY | EMERALD O’BRIEN | DARCEY ROWLEY

A-Level Photography allows learners the opportunity to express themselves creatively while exploring ideas and concepts that are personal and meaningful. This is clearly demonstrated across the wonderful work created by this years A-Level cohort. I could not be prouder of the work and achievements made by each member of the Photography group.

Learners often choose issues within society as a means to connect their Photography to an audience. The course consistently challenges them to problem solve and improve both quality and concept as they progress. This ultimately prepares them for both industry and Higher Education.

Industry-standard software and equipment are embedded throughout the course to again support progression, exploring the Creative Cloud Adobe Suite with programs such as Photoshop and Lightroom for image editing, along with InDesign to create their stunning portfolios and project work. To allow for a deeper understanding of photography, learners are encouraged to work with both modern and traditional techniques such as darkroom and Cyanotypes. This 2-year programme builds theoretical and practical knowledge to allow our learners the creative means to express themselves through Photography.

I hope you enjoy exploring the work from this year’s Photography learners.

Simon Morris, A-Level Photography Tutor, Dudley Sixth

Safia Ali

This collection features some of my best outcomes from Components 1 and 2, showcasing a mixture of flowers and architecture. I wanted to capture the cycle of life, and flowers were the perfect subject for this; in full bloom, they are visually striking with deep tones and vibrant colours, whereas in death, they become faded and shrivelled.

Meanwhile, my images of buildings explore the contrast between modern and traditional design. They juxtapose the intricate craftsmanship of older structures against the flat surfaces and unique geometries of contemporary architecture.

Looking ahead, after finishing college, I aspire to study at Aston University to train as a pharmacist.

This collection features some of my most successful outcomes from Component 1, which focused on commercial photography and highlighting the hidden beauty of products that often go unappreciated by customers.

For my final piece, I investigated how texture and lighting can enhance a photograph, making the subjects stand out and ultimately elevating the perceived quality of the product.

Xavier Brozda

For Component Two in Photography, I selected the brief ‘Change’, aiming to capture the transition from the harshness of winter into the vibrant beginnings of spring. My images explore the shifting tones and structures of nature, emphasising the profound visual impact of the changing seasons.

Throughout each sequence, I wanted to draw a parallel between nature’s ability to regenerate after the near-death of winter and our own human resilience to grow from past experiences.

Ultimately, I am very pleased with how the project and final images turned out. It was a highly enjoyable process that significantly developed my photography skills.

Looking ahead, I plan to attend the University of Birmingham to study Computer Science, where my creative background in photography will be incredibly beneficial for fields such as Game Design and UX Design.

Alexia Curry

For both of my projects, I delved deep into the world of street photography. I focused on exploring various locations and techniques through a series of images, which I then carefully edited to create my successful final pieces. To build these projects, I travelled to a wide range of locations, including Greece, Birmingham, Dudley, and several smaller towns. Ultimately, I found that my most successful images came from Birmingham, as the scenic areas there truly made my shoots stand out.

I believe I have completed both projects to a high standard, and I am incredibly happy with the final outcomes. To present my images and demonstrate the breadth of my work, I curated two comprehensive photobooks. During the editing process, I experimented with multiple styles and themes to offer my audience a diverse array of visuals, ensuring there were many different perspectives to explore across both shoots.

Now that I have successfully completed my Photography A-Level, I plan to go straight into the workplace.

Brooke Edwards-Dalley

In my first project, I explored the concept of location, following subjects through a series of images to create a story-like sequence. I travelled to several different locations, including London, Manchester, Plymouth, and Bridgnorth. I found the most success in London and ultimately decided to return there to capture my final images.

I chose to edit the images in black and white to encourage the audience to form their own assumptions about the narrative, such as the emotions portrayed and the weather conditions. This extended the audience’s engagement, keeping them interested for much longer. I found that longer sequences worked better, as they felt higher in quality and much more personal to the subject.

For my second project, I focused on combining images. Drawing inspiration from cinematography, I created a sequence of still images. I experimented with a few different colour palettes, analysing how they altered the aesthetic and the emotions conveyed. Ultimately, I chose to give my final piece a warm feel with orange hues to evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort.

I shot my final images in Rome; the busy city provided the perfect backdrop for a dynamic sequence, and the ancient architecture beautifully complemented the warm tones I was aiming for. The final piece is displayed as a large film strip, which serves as the best way to view this collection of still images.

Destination: Foundation Art and Design

Erin Lawley

IMy work in the first project was focused on cinematography. The concept I explored was creating sequences that looked cinematic in composition, lighting, and colour. Due to this, I was more focused on these features in my project around change as well, leaving my editing style quite similar whilst still having stark differences. I like to make images look exaggerated and dream-like whilst keeping the actual bones of the photo the same. The final sequences gave a cinematic view of people and the surroundings.

Destination: Newman University, to study Primary Education.

Emerald O’Brien

My project explores street photography and the theme of solitude through both positive and negative perspectives. I wanted to show how solitude can be comforting and peaceful, allowing time for reflection and independence, while also highlighting how it can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Throughout the project, I explored the different emotions and experiences connected to being alone, and how these feelings can vary from person to person. Completing this project has allowed me to develop both creatively and personally.

Destination: After finishing Sixth Form, I aspire to undertake a teaching apprenticeship, where I hope to build a future helping and inspiring others through education.