Using Rules to Compose better Photos

Introduction to Photography, Shot composition

This lesson plan will take place over five to six 55 minute class periods with the creation of a final project at the end to show understanding. Students will learn three of the most basic rules of shot composition. These will help them see and set up better shots when in the field. This lesson has a final project that can be presented or shared with the instructor. If everyone one presents it allows everyone to see a few more examples. 

Materials:

• Photo Rubric
• Powerpoint for Composition Rules
• Photo Assignment Handout
• Camtasia Video for Uploading to Bridge/Basic Edits

Equipment:

• Cell Phones
• DSLR Cameras
• Computers or Chromebooks
• Adobe Bridge

Objectives:

• Students will learn the basic terminology involved in shot composition
• Students will learn how to shoot in shutter priority and manual priority
• Students will learn to upload and store photos by using Adobe Bridge
• Students will learn to edit photos in Adobe Bride, using camera raw

Day 1: Shot Composition

Go over the powerpoint with the students teaching them about shot composition. If they have any time remaining have them look at the following websites for some extra guidance.

Shot Composition Google Slides Doc

Review the basics of shot composition

• Leading Lines
• Rule of Thirds
• Framing

Website for Composition Rules

Another set of Composition Rules and Photos

Day 2: Photo practice day

Photo Day: All students need to complete the photo assignment.

Photo Assignment Handout

Day 4: Upload Photos and Prepare to Share

• Watch Camtasia Video on uploading and editing in bridge
• Video on Editing
• Upload photos to the students folder in K drive. Edit and create powerpoint showing and explaining images.

Day 5: Finish Powerpoint and start sharing if ready

See attached for grading criteria

Grading Rubric