Capture the Moment

Lesson Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 15 students (9 students participating)
Subject: Photography Enrichment
Age Group: Year 9
Aim: Introduce students to basic photography techniques and encourage creative expression through interactive activities.

Curriculum Links

• Art & Design: Develop and apply artistic skills and techniques.
• Photography Guidelines: Understand composition, lighting, and creative vision.
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education: Foster creative self-expression and teamwork.

Learning Objectives

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

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of camera functions (focus, aperture, shutter speed).
• Understand composition principles such as the Rule of Thirds.
• Collaboratively create a photo series that conveys a specific theme or emotion.

Materials Needed

• Digital cameras or smartphones with camera functionality (1 per student).
• Tripods (if available).
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Printed handouts on camera functions and composition rules.
• Art supplies for posters (markers, paper, scissors, glue).
• Projector (optional for showing examples).

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Overview (5 minutes)

   • Briefly outline the lesson's objectives and activities.
   • Explain the importance of photography as an art form and its impact on storytelling.

2. Camera Basics (5 minutes)

   • Introduce key functions of cameras: focus, aperture, and shutter speed.
   • Discuss the Rule of Thirds and how it can enhance composition.

Activity 1: Camera Exploration (15 minutes)

1. Hands-On Practice (10 minutes)

   • Divide students into pairs and allow them to explore their cameras.
   • Encourage them to practice adjusting focus and exposure settings on different subjects in the classroom or surrounding area.

2. Reflection (5 minutes)

   • Regroup and ask students to share their experiences. What did they find challenging? What did they enjoy?

Activity 2: Themed Photo Challenge (25 minutes)

1. Theme Selection (5 minutes)

   • In pairs, students will choose a specific theme for their photo series (e.g., nature, emotions, urban life).
   • Discuss how they can convey their theme through photography and what techniques they might use.

2. Photo Capture (15 minutes)

   • Students will venture outdoors or roam the classroom to take photos that reflect their chosen theme. Encourage creativity and experimentation with angles and lighting.
   • Remind them to apply the Rule of Thirds in their compositions.

3. Preparation for Sharing (5 minutes)

   • Once students have taken their photos, instruct them to select their top three images that best represent their theme, and prepare to discuss their choices.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Photo Sharing (5 minutes)

   • In pairs, students will present their selected photos to the class, explaining their choices and how they conveyed their theme.

2. Class Reflection (5 minutes)

   • Lead a discussion on what students learned about photography today. How did their understanding of composition and camera functions evolve? What were their favourite parts of the lesson?

Assessment

• Observe student engagement during activities and group discussions.
• Assess their understanding of camera techniques through their presentations and the photos they selected.
• Provide constructive feedback to each pair on their choices and techniques used.

Differentiation

• For advanced students: Encourage experimentation with advanced camera settings or the use of filters/apps to enhance their photos.
• For students needing support: Pair them with more confident peers for additional assistance with camera functions and composition.

Extension Activity

• Suggest students create a photo book or presentation showcasing their work from the lesson. They can include thoughts on their photographic journey and the techniques they used, which can be presented in future sessions.

Resources

• Provide printed guides on camera settings and composition rules for students to keep for future reference.
• Create a shared digital folder where students can upload their best photos for evaluation and feedback in subsequent lessons.

Note: Ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to during outdoor activities, and use photography equipment responsibly.