Objective

By the end of this 9-month art lesson plan, the 14-year-old homeschool student will have developed their skills in nature photography and gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

Materials and Prep

• A digital camera or smartphone with a good quality camera
• A computer or device for photo editing
• Access to outdoor locations with natural scenery
• Research and learn about different photography techniques

Activities

• Activity 1: Nature Scavenger Hunt - Explore a nearby park or nature reserve and capture photos of specific elements such as flowers, animals, and landscapes.
• Activity 2: Macro Photography - Experiment with close-up shots of small details in nature, like the texture of a leaf or the patterns on a butterfly's wings.
• Activity 3: Golden Hour Shoot - Take advantage of the soft, warm light during the golden hour (an hour after sunrise or before sunset) to capture stunning nature photographs.
• Activity 4: Silhouette Photography - Learn how to create striking silhouettes by positioning subjects against the light source during sunrise or sunset.
• Activity 5: Long Exposure - Try long exposure photography to capture the motion of waterfalls, waves, or wind-blown trees, creating a sense of movement in the photographs.
• Activity 6: Nature Portraits - Experiment with capturing portraits of animals or people in natural settings, focusing on capturing their unique personalities.

Talking Points

• Understanding Composition: "Composition is the arrangement of elements within a photograph. It's important to consider the rule of thirds, leading lines, and balance to create visually appealing images."
• Exploring Lighting: "Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. Experiment with different types of lighting, such as natural light, diffused light, and backlighting, to see how they can enhance your nature photographs."
• Capturing Motion: "To capture motion in your photographs, you can experiment with different shutter speeds. A faster shutter speed freezes action, while a slower shutter speed creates a sense of motion blur."
• Using Depth of Field: "Depth of field refers to the area in focus within a photograph. Experiment with shallow depth of field to create a blurry background and draw attention to the main subject, or use a deep depth of field to keep the entire scene sharp."
• Editing and Post-Processing: "Photo editing is an essential part of digital photography. Learn how to enhance your photographs using software or apps, adjusting exposure, contrast, colors, and cropping to create the desired effect."
• Developing a Personal Style: "As you explore nature photography, take note of your favorite subjects, compositions, and techniques. Developing a personal style will help you stand out and express your unique vision."