Photo Shoot Day

Year Level

Year 10

Duration

48 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Learning Area and Curriculum Context

Subject: Visual Arts – Photography
Victorian Curriculum Alignment:

• VCAVAE046: Explore ideas, concepts, and viewpoints in images and develop intent in their own photographic artworks.
• VCAVAR052: Use visual conventions and processes to produce photographic works that communicate ideas.
• VCAVAR053: Experiment with the elements of art and principles of design when composing photographic images.
• VCAVAR054: Reflect on and refine photographic artworks using specific criteria, concepts, and personal intent.

This lesson corresponds to the Arts Curriculum: Visual Arts, Years 9–10 Photography focus, incorporating key Victorian Curriculum descriptors relevant to applying art elements and principles in photography composition.

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Values Emphasised

Respect | Integrity | Creativity | Excellence | Community

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Lesson Title

Photo Shoot Day: Capturing Art Elements and Principles

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Lesson Description

Students will participate in a guided photo shoot activity, working in pairs or small groups. They will apply their acquired knowledge of art elements (line, shape, form, texture, colour, space, value) and principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity) by capturing photographic images that demonstrate effective compositional choices and creativity. The activity includes preparation, practical photography, and a reflective discussion to consolidate learning.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Apply elements of art and principles of design intentionally in photographic composition.
2. Collaborate respectfully with peers to plan and execute creative photo shoots.
3. Explore and manipulate photographic techniques such as framing, perspective, focus, and lighting to enhance artistic expression.
4. Reflect critically on their photographic choices and the visual impact of their images.
5. Evaluate how their work communicates ideas and personal intent through art elements and principles.

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Resources Needed

• Digital cameras or smartphones with camera functions for each pair or small group
• Printed checklist of art elements and principles for reference
• Reflective journal or worksheets for post-shoot reflection
• Access or permission to move safely to areas suitable for creative photography (classroom, school grounds or controlled outdoor area)
• Projector or screen for group discussion
• Timer or clock

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Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Introduction & Briefing (7 minutes)

• Briefly recap the key art elements and principles relevant to photography learned in previous lessons.
• Present the objectives of today's photo shoot activity.
• Explain the expectations for respectful collaboration (linking to school value of Respect and Community).
• Distribute the checklist handout summarising art elements and principles as prompts during shoot.
• Explain safety and movement guidelines for the photo shoot zones.
• Clarify pairings or groupings (optimise for mixed ability, including learners with autistic, AuDHD, ADHD, intellectual needs and extension requirements).

2. Planning (6 minutes)

• Students plan their photo shoot concept with their partner/group, discussing which elements/principles they will emphasise.
• Encourage quick sketching/mapping of ideas or shot list in reflective journal.
• Teacher circulates to support diverse learning needs, offering extension prompts or simplified scaffolds as required.

3. Photo Shoot Activity (25 minutes)

• Students move to assigned areas and commence shooting photographs.
• Encourage experimentation with:
  • Framing and composition (rule of thirds, leading lines, balance).
  • Focus (sharp foreground vs blurred background, depth of field).
  • Lighting (natural shading, contrast).
  • Perspectives (high angle, low angle, close-ups).
• Remind of respectful use of space and peer collaboration.
• Teacher moves around to facilitate, offer feedback and encourage reflection during shoot.
• Support students needing sensory breaks or alternative accommodations as necessary.

4. Reflection and Group Discussion (10 minutes)

• Reconvene class in circle or seated arrangement.
• Students share one or two selected photos from their shoot and explain which elements/principles they focused on and why.
• Prompt questions:
  • "What element/principle did you find easiest/hardest to capture?"
  • "How did your photographic choices enhance the message or feeling in your image?"
  • "What did you learn about collaboration and creativity today?"
• Teacher highlights examples of excellence and creativity, linking back to curriculum objectives and school values.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observations during planning and photo shoot focusing on understanding and application of art elements/principles and respectful collaboration.
• Reflective: Completion of reflection sheet/journal entry describing photographic choices and their effectiveness, demonstrating critical thinking and self-assessment aligned with Victorian Curriculum descriptors VCAVAR054.
• The reflective task can be tailored for individual needs (use oral reflection, visual notes or simplified prompts for learners with intellectual or autism spectrum needs).

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Adjustments for Diverse Learners

• Provide visual prompts, examples or templates to support understanding of art elements/principles.
• Allow use of assistive technology where needed.
• Provide structured roles within groups to support focus and engagement.
• Offer quiet zones or sensory tools for students who require them.
• Present extension tasks such as creating a photo series with a thematic focus or experimenting with abstract compositions.

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Teacher Reflection

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the guided photo shoot in engaging all learners.
• Reflect on how well students applied and articulated art principles in photography.
• Consider adjustments for pacing or support for upcoming lesson 5 (final unit reflection or exhibition).

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This lesson plan offers a highly interactive, hands-on learning experience grounded in the Victorian Curriculum, tailored for year 10 students in art photography. It builds creativity, teamwork, technical understanding, and critical reflection, aligned explicitly with curriculum codes VCAVAE046, VCAVAR052-054, and respects the school’s core values. The lesson balances inquiry, creativity, and structured support to cater inclusively for a diverse classroom.

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If needed, I can also help generate the reflection worksheet or the checklist of art elements and principles for this lesson.