Photography - update to Higher specimen question paper

We have updated the wording of question 12 in the Higher Photography specimen question paper, following an analysis of candidate performance, and feedback gathered from markers and photography professionals.

The previous wording of question 12 was:

‘Discuss the technical and creative factors which the photographer would have considered when setting up this shot.’

We have now updated this to:

‘Discuss the technical and creative factors which the photographer could have considered when creating this image.’

This change will also be reflected in the 2024 Higher Photography question paper.

Our aim is to make the question more accessible and allow candidates to consider the wider scope of the photography process when responding to the image. This includes justified responses on post-production enhancement. The updated wording also reflects the reactive nature of some photography styles, rather than fully planned approaches.

There is no change to the skills, knowledge and understanding for question 12, and you should continue to prepare your learners for the Higher Photography question paper as normal. Marks will continue to be awarded for justified responses on technical and creative factors related to the given image.

You can access the updated specimen question paper from the ‘Past Papers and Marking Instructions’ tab on the Higher Photography webpage.