Introduction to Digital Photography
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| Keywords: Yearbook, digital photography, photography, library, media |
| Subject(s): Art, Photography, Technology |
| Grades 6 through 8 |
NETS-S Standard: - Creativity and Innovation
- Communication and Collaboration
- Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
- Technology Operations and Concepts
View Full Text of Standards |
| School: John Chavis Middle School, Cherryville, NC |
| Planned By: Allison Harbin |
| Original Author: Allison Harbin, Cherryville |
Week 1: Welcome to the World of Digital Photography
Objective:
- Introduce students to the world of digital photography and its significance in modern society.
- Familiarize students with different types of digital cameras and their functionalities.
Activities:
1. Presentation: Explain the history and evolution of photography, emphasizing the shift from film to digital.
2. Camera Types: Discuss the differences between point-and-shoot, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras.
3. Camera Familiarization: Demonstrate the main components and controls of a digital camera.
Week 2: Understanding Camera Settings
Objective:
- Educate students about essential camera settings and how they impact the final image.
Activities:
1. Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO: Explain the exposure triangle and their individual effects on photographs.
2. Hands-on Practice: Organize a photo walk where students experiment with different settings in real-world scenarios.
3. Creative Modes: Introduce creative settings like aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode.
Week 3: Mastering Composition Techniques
Objective:
- Teach students the principles of composition to create visually appealing photographs.
Activities:
1. Rule of Thirds: Explain the rule of thirds and its application in image composition.
2. Leading Lines: Discuss how leading lines can direct viewers' attention and add depth to photos.
3. Framing and Perspective: Show examples of framing techniques and how perspective can enhance a photo.
4. In-class Photo Shoot: Plan a photo session focusing on applying composition techniques.
Week 4: The Role of Light in Photography
Objective:
- Explore the importance of light in photography and how it affects the mood and quality of images.
Activities:
1. Natural vs. Artificial Light: Discuss the differences between natural and artificial light sources.
2. Golden Hour: Explain the significance of shooting during the golden hour for soft, warm lighting.
3. White Balance: Introduce white balance and its role in maintaining accurate colors.
4. Practical Application: Organize a photo session during different lighting conditions to observe the effects.
Week 5: Portraiture and Candid Photography
Objective:
- Teach students techniques for capturing captivating portraits and candid moments.
Activities:
1. Portraiture Tips: Share guidelines for posing, lighting, and capturing emotions in portraits.
2. Candid Photography: Discuss strategies for photographing candid moments in everyday situations.
3. In-class Practice: Organize portrait sessions and candid photo opportunities to apply the techniques.
Week 6: Introduction to Photo Editing
Objective:
- Introduce basic photo editing techniques to enhance and refine images.
Activities:
1. Photo Editing Software/Apps: Introduce popular editing tools and software available for students to use.
2. Cropping and Resizing: Teach how to crop and resize images for improved composition.
3. Exposure and Color Adjustments: Show how to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance.
4. Final Project: Assign a photo editing project where students apply the editing techniques learned.
Week 7: Storytelling Through Photography
Objective:
- Explore the art of visual storytelling through photography.
Activities:
1. Narrative Photography: Discuss how photographs can tell stories and evoke emotions.
2. Storyboarding: Have students create a visual storyboard to plan and execute a photo series.
3. Photo Essay: Assign students to create a photo essay on a chosen theme or topic.
Week 8: Review and Showcase
Objective:
- Review key concepts, assess student progress, and showcase their best works.
Activities:
1. Review Session: Conduct a comprehensive review of the course's essential topics and concepts.
2. Portfolio Compilation: Have students compile their best photographs into a digital portfolio.
3. Exhibition: Organize a photography exhibition where students can display their work to peers, teachers, and parents.
Assessment:
- Regular quizzes and assignments to gauge students' understanding of photography concepts.
- Observation and feedback during photo sessions and practical activities.
- Evaluation of final projects, photo essays, and portfolios for creativity and technical proficiency. |
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| Cross-Curriculum Ideas |
1. Language Arts and Creative Writing:
- Have students write descriptive captions and stories to accompany the photos in the yearbook, improving their writing and storytelling skills.
- Conduct interviews with students, teachers, and staff, and use the quotes in the yearbook to showcase communication and interviewing skills.
2. Graphic Design and Visual Arts:
- Teach students design principles and how to create appealing layouts for the yearbook, fostering their graphic design skills.
- Collaborate with art classes to have students create original artwork or illustrations for the yearbook cover or section dividers.
3. Social Studies:
- Use photography to document and portray school events, field trips, and cultural activities, integrating photography with social studies themes.
- Create a "History of the School" section in the yearbook, featuring archival photos and historical information.
4. Mathematics:
- Teach students about ratios and proportions by discussing how image resolutions and aspect ratios affect the quality of digital photographs.
- Plan a project where students use geometric shapes and angles to compose visually appealing photos.
5. Science:
- Introduce the science behind optics and the functioning of camera lenses, connecting photography with scientific concepts.
- Conduct a nature photography project, where students capture images of wildlife, plants, or natural phenomena, encouraging observation and documentation skills.
6. Technology and Media Literacy:
- Educate students about digital image formats, compression, and storage, emphasizing the importance of media literacy in the digital age.
- Discuss ethical considerations related to photography, such as consent, privacy, and copyright.
7. Community Service and Social Responsibility:
- Use the yearbook as a platform to promote community service initiatives and awareness campaigns.
- Organize a photo project that highlights social issues and encourages students to advocate for positive change.
8. Public Speaking and Communication:
- Have students present their photography projects or share their experiences in yearbook design during class presentations.
- Organize a yearbook launch event where students practice public speaking while presenting the finished product to the school community.
By incorporating digital photography and yearbook creation into various subjects, students can develop a deeper understanding of the topics they learn and apply their skills in creative and practical ways. Additionally, cross-curricular projects foster collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, making the learning process more engaging and meaningful for middle school students. |
| Links: |
Link to cameras
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| Materials: |
Digital Cameras |
| Other Items: |
4 Canon - EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Video Camera with 18-55mm Lens, $399.00 each, total of $1596.00 |
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