WAEC Photography Syllabus 2025 [UPDATED]

The WAEC photography syllabus is designed to test students’ knowledge of photography as a way to communicate visually and their ability to use photographic equipment creatively. It also checks their understanding of the economic and social benefits of photography.

The syllabus includes various topics, from the basics of photography and its history in Nigeria to practical skills in taking and developing photos.

WAEC Photography Syllabus

Here is the detailed WAEC photography Syllabus;

Objectives

Candidates will be tested on their ability to understand:

The meaning and importance of photography as a medium of visual communication.
The evolution of photography and its historical development in Nigeria.
The scope of photography and its associated terminologies.
Photographic equipment and their uses.
Skills in taking, processing, presenting, and preserving photographs.
The use of digital technology in photography.

Scheme of Examination

The examination consists of three papers: Papers 1, 2, and 3. Papers 1 and 2 are composite papers taken at one sitting, while Paper 3 is a practical paper.

Paper 1:

40 multiple-choice objective questions.
Duration: 1 hour.
Marks: 40.

Paper 2:

Six essay questions, with candidates required to answer any four.
Duration: 2 hours.
Marks: 60.

Paper 3:

Practical paper with Sections A and B.
Duration: 3 hours.
Marks: 100.
- Section A: Two compulsory questions on the analysis of photographic images.
- Section B: Three questions on processes and equipment, with candidates expected to answer two.

Alternative to Practical Work Paper:

In the event of constraints on materials.
Sections A and B.
- Section A: Analysis of two (black and white) photographs for 50 marks.
- Section B: Three compulsory questions on photographic processes and equipment for 50 marks.
Duration: 2 hours.
Marks: 100.

Detailed Syllabus

1. Introduction to Photography

(a) Meaning of Photography:

Understanding the concept of photography.

(b) Functions / Uses of Photography:

Recording events.
Visual communication (advertising, journalism, scientific, artistic expression).

(c) Branches / Areas of Photography:

Fashion
Advertising
Photojournalism (Documentary, Photo-Essay)
Forensic
Nature
Underwater
Sports
Architectural
Events (Wedding, Birthday)
Portraiture
Still Life

2. History of Photography

(a) Origin of Camera and Photography

(b) Development of Photography in Nigeria

(c) Pioneers of Photography:

Europe & America: Nicephore Niepce, Louis Daguerre, William Fox Talbot, Edwin Land, George Eastman.
Nigeria: Jonathan Adagogo Green, Dotun Okubanjo, J.D. Okhai Ojeikere, Sunmi Smart Cole, Philip Trimmnel, Peter Obe, George Oshodi, Andrew Esiebo, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Akintunde Akinleye, George Dacosta.

3. Terminologies in Photography

Exposure
Develop
Print
Enlarge
Focus
Aperture (F-Number)
Shutter Speed
Perspective
Image
Intensity
Light
Composition

4. Light in Photography

(a) Sources of Light:

Natural (Sun, Moon).
Artificial (Flash, Studio lighting).

(b) Properties of Light:

Absorption
Reflection
Transmission
Refraction
Dispersion

5. The Camera

(a) Principles of Camera Design (Pinhole Camera):

Light tight (insulation from unwanted light).
Light inlet (opening for wanted light).
Viewing system.
Image formation.

(b) Basic Parts of an SLR / 35mm Camera and Their Functions

(c) Categories and Types of Camera:

Categories: Analogue and Digital.
Types: Compact, Range Finder, Single Lens Reflex (SLR) / 35mm, Medium Format (Twin Lens and SLR), Large Format Camera, Instamatic.

(d) Lenses:

Principles: Refraction, Reflection, Dispersion, Diffraction.
Concave (negative) vs. Convex (positive) lenses.
Focal length (normal, short, long).
Relationship between lens and apertures.
Types: Normal / Standard, Wide angle, Telephoto, Zoom.
Uses of camera lenses.

(e) Maintenance of Camera:

Keep away from dirt and oil.
Protect lens from dust.
Use camera strap.
Careful handling.

6. Film

(a) Nature of Film:

Light-sensitive and chemical composition.

(b) Types and Format:

Types: Black and White, Colour.
Format: 110, 35mm, 120 / 220, Sheet film.

(c) Film Speed (ISO):

Slow Speed: ASA 32 – 125.
Medium Speed: ASA 40 – 200.
Fast Speed: ASA 400 and above.

7. Taking of Photographs

(1) Processes Involved:

Preparation:
- Loading film.
- Setting the camera.
- Preparing subject.
- Setting up lighting equipment (studio).
- Studying outdoor weather condition (outdoor).
- Setting appropriate aperture / shutter combination.

(b) Taking Photograph:

Handling the camera.
Composing.
Focusing.
Shooting.

(2) Composition:

Meaning.
Elements: Line, Shape, Space, Color, Angle, Center of Interest, Background, Closeness, Form, Texture.

8. The Dark Room / Film Development

(a) Layout and Requirements:

Layout: Dry and wet areas.
Requirements: Light tight, good ventilation, water, waste outlet, flat working surfaces.

(b) Tools and Equipment:

Measures, containers, funnels, thermometers, timers, developing tanks, safe light, enlarger, dryer, developing trays / dishes, spiral spool, light box.

(c) Chemicals:

Developer, fixers, stop bath.

(d) Film Development Processes:

Dilution of developer.
Loading of the film into the tank or see-saw method.
Pouring and timing the action of developer in the tank.
Rinsing with water / stop bath.
Fixing of film.
Pouring out of fixer and rinsing with water / stop bath.
Drying of negative.

(e) Safety Measures:

Apron / lab coat, rubber gloves, avoid sudden movement, first aid for chemical burns, proper storage of chemicals.

9. Printing of Photographs

(a) Materials and Equipment:

Enlarger, safe light, printing paper, printing frame, developer and fixer, developing trays / dishes, dryer, guillotine / trimmer.

(b) Printing Process:

Dilution of developer and fixer.
Printing of photograph (using enlarger).
Production of contact print.
Selection of exposure for printing.
Exposure on paper.
Developing.
Rinsing with water or stop bath.
Fixing.
Rinsing with water or stop bath.

(c) Drying and Storage of Photographs:

Drying Methods: Dryer, open air.
Storage Methods: Negatives (printing paper pack, cellophane jackets), photographs (photo albums, mounting on photo frame), chemicals (jerry can, preferably black).

10. Digital Photography

(a) Differences and Similarities between Traditional (Analogue) and Digital Photography

(b) Development of Digital Photography

(c) Equipment for Digital Photography:

Digital camera, computer, printer.

(d) Software for Digital Photography:

Adobe Photoshop, PhotoEditor, Photopaint, Fireworks, Picasa.

(e) Input / Output Methods and Devices:

Input Devices: Scanner, digital camera, compact disc, flash drive, zip.
Output Devices: Printer, computer monitor, internet.

11. Exhibition of Photographs

Procedure:

Mounting and framing.
Space acquisition.
Publicity.
Display of photographs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key areas covered in the JAMB photography syllabus?

The syllabus includes topics on the meaning and importance of photography, the evolution and history of photography in Nigeria, photographic equipment and their uses, and practical skills in taking, processing, and preserving photographs.

How should candidates prepare for the practical paper?

Candidates should practice analyzing photographic images, understand the processes and equipment involved in photography, and become familiar with both analogue and digital photography techniques.

What are the recommended reading materials for the JAMB photography syllabus?

“A Short Course in Photography” by London and Stone, and “Fundamentals of Photographic Production and Techniques” by Otunla are suggested readings.

Conclusion

The WAEC photography syllabus is thorough, covering everything from theoretical concepts to hands-on skills. It ensures students are ready to use photography both as an art form and a communication tool. Being well-prepared in all the outlined areas is key to doing well in the exam.

WAEC Photography Syllabus 2025 [UPDATED]