Knowledge isn't always the first thing you think of when it comes to photography - it's not very often that we'll ask you to recall facts or ask you questions with right or wrong answers. However, you can build your knowledge by studying the work of artists and photographers, engaging in wider reading, visiting galleries and staying up to date with the art world. This knowledge will give meaning and context to your work and help the creative process.
history of photography
Although it's not as long and varied as the history of art as a whole many developments have been made in the 200 years or so that photography has been with us. We've created the following resources that should give you some knowledge of the major art movements, the artists who developed them and also some links to contemporary artists working in that style today.
local galleries
While our art scene is often overlooked in favour of bigger cities we actually have a thriving community of galleries here in the North-East. Looking at art first-hand is the best way of engaging with it and learning more about how and why the artist created the work. Try and take some time to visit a gallery...
reading list
Every subject will have given you a wider reading list. We have spent a while putting ours together; so it can’t have been simply to make your life harder and make you miss out on a social life. Not every book needs reading from cover to cover - but the knowledge contained in these pages will help you develop your photographic skills.
useful magazines
Even in the age of the internet you can't beat a good old magazine. We have back issues of magazines in school and have subscribed to them too to keep you up to date. Click the links below to go to the online versions*.
*Framwellgate School is not responsible for the content of linked websites.
podcasts
Reading articles, watching Youtube videos and practising will only get you so far. For everything else, there are photography podcasts. Try listening to these - they're a great way to broaden your thinking and can kill time on a bus to school or be playing in the background as you complete some practical work.
essential youtube channels
There’s no place on the web that can provide you with photography knowledge in a visual way better than YouTube. And there are plenty of photographers creating great videos that teach you about the tools, techniques and other knowledge you need to improve your photography.
websites we love
If the content above isn't enough have a look at some of these fantastic websites that might point you in a new direction, show you some new work and ideas you haven't considered or inspire you in some other way.