Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basics of photography, including composition, lighting, and subject matter, and apply these concepts to create your own photographs.
Materials and Prep
Materials needed:
- Digital camera or smartphone with camera
- Access to outdoor or indoor spaces for photography
- Computer or tablet for reviewing and editing photos
Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the basic functions of your camera or smartphone camera, and have a basic understanding of how to transfer and view photos on a computer or tablet.
Activities
1. Introduction to Photography: Discuss the basic principles of photography, including composition, lighting, and subject matter. Show examples of different types of photography such as portrait, landscape, and still life.
2. Photo Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items or themes for the student to photograph around their home or in their backyard. Encourage creativity and experimentation with different angles and perspectives.
3. Photo Review and Editing: Review the photos taken and discuss the strengths and areas for improvement. Introduce basic photo editing techniques such as cropping, adjusting brightness and contrast, and applying filters.
Seventh Grade Talking Points
- Composition: "When taking a photo, think about how the elements in the frame are arranged. Try different angles and perspectives to make your photos more interesting."
- Lighting: "Good lighting can make a big difference in a photo. Pay attention to the direction and quality of light, and how it affects the mood of your photos."
- Subject Matter: "Choose subjects that interest you and tell a story. It could be people, nature, or objects around you. Your photos should reflect your unique perspective."