Creative Photography Skills

Lesson Overview

This 30-minute lesson introduces Year 2 students to basic photography techniques, using tablets to capture images of their artwork. It is lesson 9 of 15 in the "Creative Connections: Art & Tech" unit. The focus is on engaging students in using technology to document and share their creative work, fostering an understanding of visual arts through digital media in line with the Australian Curriculum (v9) for The Arts and Technologies.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand and apply basic photography skills using tablets to take photos of their artwork.
• Experiment with framing and composition in their photographs.
• Recognise how digital tools can be used to document and present visual arts.
• Develop confidence in handling and operating tablet cameras safely and respectfully.

Australian Curriculum Links

The Arts – Visual Arts

• AC9AVA2C01: Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to create artworks. (Focus on documenting own artwork)
• AC9AVA2D01: Experiment and play with visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials. (Explore framing and composition in photography)

Technologies – Digital Technologies

• AC9TDE2P01: Generate and communicate design ideas through describing, drawing or modelling, including using digital tools. (Using tablets responsibly for photography)

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Materials and Equipment

• Tablets with cameras (one per student)
• Students’ own artwork created in previous lessons
• Projector or large screen for group viewing (optional)
• Printed basic photography tips poster (showing framing, focus, and lighting)

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Lesson Activities

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather students and introduce the lesson theme: “Basic Photography Techniques.”
• Show examples of great photos of art and simple rules for a good photo: focus, framing, and lighting.
• Explain that today they will take photos of their own artworks using tablets.

2. Demonstration (5 minutes)

• Teacher models how to hold a tablet correctly for stability and how to frame the artwork in the camera screen.
• Demonstrate how to tap the screen to focus and check lighting conditions.
• Discuss the importance of capturing artwork clearly and completely.

3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

• Students each take turns using a tablet to photograph their own artwork on a table or display stand.
• Encourage them to try different angles and distances, applying the tips discussed.
• Support students individually, helping with tablet use and composition questions.
• Optionally, students can compare their photos on the projector/screen to reflect on what works best in framing and focus.

4. Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite students to share their favourite photo with the group and briefly say why they chose it.
• Discuss with classmates what makes the photo interesting or clear.
• Reinforce how photography can be a way to share their art with others digitally.

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Assessment

• Observation of students’ ability to handle tablets safely and follow basic photography steps.
• Informal assessment of students’ photographs to see evidence of attention to framing and focus.
• Participation in sharing and reflecting on photos indicates understanding.

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Differentiation

• Provide extra support to students unfamiliar with tablets through step-by-step guidance.
• For advanced students, encourage experimentation with different angles or zoom to capture interesting details.

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Safety and Classroom Management

• Remind students to handle tablets carefully and share them responsibly.
• Monitor during photography to ensure respectful use of technology.

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This lesson connects arts and technology by embedding simple digital photography skills within an art-focused activity. It aligns with the Australian Curriculum standards for Year 2 in Visual Arts and Technologies, supporting students to discover creative connections and digital engagement early in their learning journey.