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WAEC · WASSCE

WAEC Photography Syllabus

The West African Examinations Council’s syllabus for Photography, reproduced in full with its own headings, numbering and tables. Search it, open any topic from the contents, or print it.

Examination body
WAEC
Edition
Not stated in the source copy
Topics
27
Source pages
6
PREAMBLE
The Syllabus is designed to assess candidates` knowledge of photography as a visual means of communication, as well as th,eir skill in the creative utilization of photographic equipment. It isalso meant to evaluate their knowledge of the socio-economic potentials of photography. ‘
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Candidates will be tested on their ability to understand the:
a.meaning and importance of photography as a medium of visual communication;
b.evolution of photography and its historical development in Nigeria;
c.scope of photography and its associated terminologies;
dknowledge of photographic equipment and their uses;
e.skills in taking, processing, presenting and preserving photographs;
f.use of digital technology in photography.
RUBRICS AND SCHEME OF EXAMINATION
This subject comprises 3 Papers, (1, 2 and 3) which shall be compulsory for all canidates. Paper 1 shall carry 40 marks, Paper 2, 60 marks and paper 3, 100 marks.
Paper 1:This paper consists of forty multiple choice (objective) questions to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
Paper 2:This paper consists of six essay questions from which candidates are expected to answer four in 2 hours for 60 marks. The two papers will focus on topics such as introduction to photography, importance of photography, the theory of light, photographic equipment and their uses, history and appreciation of photography. Other topics to be covered in the papers are photographic terminologies, digital photography, care and preservation of photographs as well as the procedures involved in organising photo exhibition.
Paper 3:This is an alternative to practical paper that seeks to evaluate candidates’ level of skills in photography. It will also measure their knowledge of photographic equipment and their uses, as well as the processes involved in different aspects of photography. The paper will consit of two Sections: A and B, in which five (5) questions will be on Photo Analysis and Processes /Equipment and candidates will be expected to answer four(4) of the questions in 3 hours for 100 marks.
Section A:Photo Analysis:
This section will comprise of two (2) compulsory questions on analysis of photographic images. It is aimed at measuring candidates’ level of understanding of the dynamics of photography. Two (black and white) photographs will be provided for analysis.
Section B:Processes / Equipment:
This section will comprise of three (3) questions on processes and equipment out of which candidates will be expected to answer two (2).
CONTENTSNOTES
1.INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
a.Mcaning of photography
b.Functions / uses of photography
c.Branches / Areas of Photography
The recording of an object or a subject with the aid of a camera.
i.Record events;
ii.Visual communication e.g. advertising, journalism, scientific, artistic expression etc.
i.Fashion;
ii.Advertising;
iii.Photojournalism (Documentary, Photo-Essay etc.);
iv.Forensic;
v.Nature;
vi.Underwater;
vii.Sports;
viii.Architectural;
ix.Events (Wedding, Birthday etc.);
x.Portraiture;
xi.Still Life etc.
2.HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
a.Origin of Camera and Photography
b.Development of Photography in Nigeria
c.Pioneers of Photography
Camera obscura is the off-shoot of modern day camera (analogue or digital); it was used in 1829 by frenchman Nicephore Niepce to take the world's first photograph.
Photography was brought into Nigeria by the Europeans to record some of their activities especially the construction of railway lines. Thereafter, Nigerians started as studio photographers specialising on portraiture.
i.Europe & America- Nicephore Niepce, Louis Daguerre, Williams Fox Talbot, Edwin Land, George Eastman e.t.c.
ii.Nigeria- Jonathan Adagogo Green, Dotun Okubanjo, J.D. Okhai Ojeikere, Sunmi Smart Cole, Philip Trimmnel, Peter Obe, Goerge Oshodi, Andrew Esiebo, Kelechi Amadi-obi, Akintunde Akinleye, George Dacosita. etc.
3.TERMINOLOGIES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
i.Exposure;
ii.Develop;
iii.Print;
iv.Enlarge;
v.Focus;
vi.Aperture (F-Number);
vii.Shutter Speed;
viii.Perspective;
ix.Image;
x.Intensity;
xi.Light;
xii.Composition. etc.
S/NCONTENTSNOTES
4.LIGHT IN PHOTOGRAPHY
a.Sources of Light
i.Natural c.g. Sun and Moon
ii.Artificial c.g. Flash, Studio lighting
5.THE CAMERA
a.Principles Underlying the Design of Camera Pinhole Camera
i.Light light- insulation from unwanted light;
ii.Light inlet- opening for wanted light;
iii.Viewing system;
iv.Image formation.
b.Basic Part of an SLR/35mm Camera and their Functions.
Lens, Hot Shoe/Flash Socket, film Advanced Lever, Rewind Crank, Shutter Speed, Shutter Release, Film Counter, Rewind Button, Cartridge Chamber, View Finder, Aperture, Focusing Ring, Tripod Stand and so on.
c.Categories and Types of Camera.
i.Categories - Analogue and Digital.
ii.Types:
-Compact;
-Range Finder;
-Single Lens Reflex (SLR)/35mm;
-Medium Format- Twin Lens and SLR;
-Large Format Camera;
-Instamatic.
d.Lenses
i.Principles of Lenses: Refraction, Reflection, Dispersion, Diffraction;
ii.Difference between Concave (negative) and Convex (positive) lenses;
iii.Focal length (normal, short and long);
iv.Relationship between lens and apertures;
v.Types of Camera lenses- Normal/Standard, Wide angle, Telephoto and Zoom;
vi.Uses of Camera lenses.
e.Maintenance of Camera
i.Keep away from dirt and oil;
ii.Protect lens from dust;
iii.Use of Camera strap;
iv.Careful handling etc.
6.FILM
a.The Nature of Film
The nature of film - Light Sensitive and Chemical Composition.
b.Types and Format
i.Types:
-Black and White;
-Colour.
ii.Format:
-110
-35mm
-120/220
-Sheet film
S/NCONTENTSNOTES
c.Film Speed (ISO)
Meaning
Examples:
ASA 32 125 (Slow Speed).
ASA 40-200 (Medium Speed).
ASA 400 and above (Fast Speed)
7.TAKING OF PHOTOGRAPHS
a.Processes Involved
i.Preparation
Loading Film;
Setting the camera;
Prepare Subject;
Set up lighting Equipment (Studio).
Study outdoor weather Condition (Outdoor);
Setting appropriate aperture / shutter combination.
ii.Taking Photograph
Handling the camera;
composing;
Focusing;
Shooting.
b.Composition
Meaning;
Elements of Composition;
(Line, Shape, Space, Colour, Angle, Centre of Interest,
Background, Closeness, Form, Texture etc.).
8.THE DARK ROOM/FILM DEVELOPMENT
a.Layout and Requirements
i.Layout - dry and wet areas
ii.Requirements:
Light tights;
Good ventilation (Air conditioner);
Water;
Waste outlet;
Flat working surfaces.
b.Tools and Equipment
i.Measures;
ii.Containers;
iii.Funnels;
iv.Thermometers;
v.Timers;
vi.Developing Tanks;
vii.Safe Light;
viii.Enlarger;
ix.Dryer;
x.Developing Trays / Dishes;
xi.Spiral Spool;
xii.Light Box etc.
c.Chemicals
Developer, Fixers, Stop bath.
S/NCONTENTSNOTES
dFilm Development Processes
Safety Measures
i.Dilution of developer;
ii.Loading of the film into the tank or see-saw method;
iii.Pouring and timing the action of developer in the tank;
iv.Rinsing with water / Stop bath;
v.Fixing of film;
vi.Pouring out of Fixer and rinsing with water / Stop bath;
vii.Drying of negative.
i.Apron / Lab Coat;
ii.Rubber Gloves;
iii.Avoid sudden movement;
iv.First aid (for chemical burns);
v.Proper Storage of Chemical.
9.PRINTING OF PHOTOGRAPHS
a.Materials and Equipment
b.Printing Process
c.Drying and Storage of Photographs
i.Enlarger;
ii.Safe light;
iii.Printing Paper;
iv.Printing Frame;
v.Developer and Fixer;
vi.Developing Trays / Dishes;
vii.Dryer;
viii.Guillotine/Trimmer.
i.Dilution of developer and fixer;
ii.Printing of Photograph (using enlarger);
iii.Production of Contact Print;
iv.Selection of exposure for printing;
v.Exposure on paper;
vi.Developing;
vii.Rinsing with water or Stop bath;
viii.Fixing;
ix.Rinsing with water or Stop bath.
i.Methods of Drying:
-Dryer;
-Open air.
ii.Methods of Storing:
-Negatives- Printing Paper Pack and Cellophane Jackets;
-Photographs - Photo Albums and Mounting on Photo Frame;
-Chemicals-Jeny Can (preferably black).
10.DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
a.Differences and similarities between traditional (analogue) and digital photography.
Both are cameras capable of recording images of subjects/objects under bright illumination. However, some of their differences include but not limited to:
AnalogueDigital
i.It uses film.
It uses sensor rather film.
ii.It captures images on film for development into negative.
Images are stored in a memory card.
iii.It lacks image preview.
Image viewing is possible in digital photography.
S/NCONTENTSNOTES
b.The development of digital photography
i.It evolves as a product of technological advancement in photography.
ii.It has revolutionised how images are taken, stored and distributed.
iii.It works well with internet technology.
c.Equipment for Digital Photography.
i.Digital Camera;
ii.Computer;
iii.Printer.
d.Software for Digital Photography
i.Adobe Photoshop;
ii.Photo Editor;
iii.Photo paint;
iv.Fireworks;
v.Picasa etc.
e.Input / Output Methods and Devices
i.Input Devices:
-Scanner;
-Digital Camera;
-Compact Disc;
-Flash Drive;
-Zip.
ii.Output Devices:
-Printer;
-Computer monitor;
-Internet.
11.EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS
Procedure
-Mounting and framing;
-Space acquisition;
-Publicity;
-Display of photograph.
SUGGESTED READING LIST
S/NAUTHORTITLEPUBLISHER & YEARS
Langford Michael
Basic Photography
Oxford: Focal Press, 2000
London, B. & J. Stone
A Short Course in Photography, an introduction to Black-and-White Photographic Technique, Third Edition.
New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 1996.
Otunla, A.O.
Fundamentals of Photographic Production and Techniques.
Lagos: ZOLADOT Communications Company, 2010.

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