Lighting - Chapter 3

Introduction

Everyone can take a picture, but what differentiates a great photograph from a snap shot?  Why are some photographs better than others?  What techniques do professional photographers and artists used to improve the story they are telling with their shot? Can you identify these techniques within a photo? Can you translate your knowledge into some great photographs?  Ultimately, do you know how to critique photographs to develop a high quality photography museum?

You have been asked to serve as the curator of photography for new online photography “museum”.   Your boss wants you to select quality images by up and coming new photographers to display at the opening exhibit.  The problem is this really isn’t your field, but it is a great opportunity, so you set off on a journey to learn what makes a good photograph and realize it starts with photo composition.

Page Images gathered from:  amazon.com, shutterskills.com, trybpo.com, reasontostand.org, learningandteaching.dab.ca, ted.coe.waye.edu
All documents written by Karin Knapik (edited by Danielle Sabol)

Task

Students will work in pairs to investigate, define and find samples online of ten photographic composition techniques, and then organize their findings on a PowerPoint. 

ROLES:  Each student must contribute to all aspects of the group project components. You should divide up the work to finish it on time.

Process

STEP #1

In groups, students will define the following ten photographic composition techniques:
1) Rule of Thirds
2) Lines
3) Angle/Viewpoint/Vantage Point
4) Framing
5) Texture
6) Balance/Symmetry
7) Patterns
8) Depth of Field
9) Fill the Frame
10) Shapes

Put the definition in a PowerPoint.

Website resources for investigating about composition definitions:
• Rules of Photography Composition
• Digital Photography Composition
• Top 10 Photo Composition Rules
• 5 Elements of Composition in Photography

STEP #2 

Using the resources listed below, each group will find one excellent example of each technique on the Internet and describe why each photo demonstrates that approach, adding both the images and the description to a PowerPoint

Make sure you include a works cited section to your website, listing the websites that you used to find your images.


Websites Resources
• Flickr - Its the Composition
• Flickr - Composition First

Email your finished PowerPoint to Ms. Danielle at danielle.sabol@robeson.k12.nc.us

Evaluation

This is a comprehensive project and students will be graded on a number of components:

1. The quality of the group definitions, Internet examples and PwerPoint.
2. Their group member evaluation.
3. The quality of their photographs, the written descriptions.

Conclusion

After you have completed all aspects of this webquest you will find you no longer take photographs in the same manner.  Now, as you look through your camera you will notice where your subject is positioned, look for balance within your shot and create depth of field through framing or perhaps a low f-stop.  Regardless, you are bound to take better photographs for this course and well as for life.

Credits

Based on  Webquest by Karin Knapik.

Teacher Page

Here are the standards that are addressed:

MA Curriculum Frameworks – Music and Art

1.3 Learn and use appropriate vocabulary related to methods, materials, and techniques
1.6 Create artwork that demonstrates an awareness of the range and purpose of tools such as pens, brushes, markers, cameras, tools and equipment for printmaking and sculpture, and computers
1.10 Use electronic technology for reference and for creating original work
3.1 Create 2D and 3D artwork from direct observation For example, students draw a still life of flowers or fruit, action studies of their classmates in sports poses, or sketches of the class pet having a snack or a nap.
5.2 Classify artworks into general categories, such as painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, pottery, textiles, architecture, photography, and film

MA Instructional Technology Standards


G9-12: 3.6 Use a variety of media to present information for specific purposes (e.g., reports, research papers, presentations, newsletters, Web sites, podcasts, blogs), citing sources.
G9-12: 3.8 Use online communication tools to collaborate with peers, community members, and field experts as appropriate (e.g., bulletin boards, discussion forums, listservs, Web conferencing).