I'm not convinced of the value of A-level photography. If you want to be an art photographer, fine art/sketching seems to be the preferred route. For travel photo/journalism in lands afar, a foreign language is more valuable. Wildlife photographers are mostly naturalists with biology degrees.
It is a bit like A-level accountancy (which is also of more use to a commercial photographer)
I wonder if being able to draw, speak a language, or have a Biology degree would make you a better photographer?
During my HND I spoke to many professional photographers at the top of their field, all gave me the same piece of advice - if you want to succeed and be good at what you do, get out there and take photos. They all agreed that there was only so much you could learn in the classroom.
I did learn a lot on the A level course and I'm glad I did the course as it gave me a great foundation to build upon.
The majority of my learning after that came from being out there, taking photos and experimenting with techniques - something no classroom or degree could give me. I know many photographers who have no qualifications and are much better than I am!
My uncle worked at the (now defunct) Daily Record.
He won the Queens Commonwealth Photographer of the Year a few times, as well as many other awards, and was a very respected man in his field. He ended his 45 year career as the chief photo editor.
He was the person who showed me how to load a film, fix my camera, taught me techniques etc.
I was 9 years old when I first took an interest in photography and I learned so much over the years from his passion and enthusiasm
