New
New
Digital photography: creating a series of facial expression photographs
I can take digital photographs of different facial expressions.
Lesson 1 of 6
New
New
- Year 5
Digital photography: creating a series of facial expression photographs
I can take digital photographs of different facial expressions.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Understand how facial expressions convey emotion in portraiture.
- Practise posing and recognising facial expressions.
- Learn basic skills for capturing expressive photographs using digital devices.
- Create a series of photographs showcasing different facial expressions.
Keywords
Facial expression - the appearance of the face that shows feelings and emotions
Photography - the art of capturing images with cameras
Focus - the clarity of a chosen subject
Lighting - how bright or dark a photograph is as a result of the light
Common misconception
Emotions are only conveyed through words and physical gestures.
Facial expressions are a universal way to communicate emotions, even without words.
Encourage pupils to express different emotions through facial expressions as a form of acting or performance. Use a whiteboard to draw a basic face, changing the positions of facial features to highlight how they contribute towards different facial expressions.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Digital cameras, tablets or smartphones with camera functionality (1 per pair). A whiteboard or printed pictures to demonstrate examples of expressive portraits.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a portrait?
What is a portrait?
an image of a landscape
an image of geometric shapes
Q2.What is photography?
What is photography?
the art of mixed media processes
the art of abstraction
Q3.Which of these emotions would likely involve a smile?
Which of these emotions would likely involve a smile?
sadness
anger
Q4.Which area of the face is most important for showing emotion?
Which area of the face is most important for showing emotion?
the nose and ears
the chin and cheeks
Q5.Why is lighting important in photography?
Why is lighting important in photography?
to slow down the process
It is only important for videos.
Q6.What is a good way to make sure a photo is clear and focused?
What is a good way to make sure a photo is clear and focused?
Move the camera quickly.
Use a zoom function at all times.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How are facial expressions primarily used in portraiture?
How are facial expressions primarily used in portraiture?
to add colour to the artwork
to fill up empty space
Q2.What is an important factor in capturing expressive photographs?
What is an important factor in capturing expressive photographs?
number of photos taken
type of camera
Q3.Which of the following is the best way to capture emotions effectively in a photograph?
Which of the following is the best way to capture emotions effectively in a photograph?
Be sure to have the subject wear bright clothes.
Use a lot of background objects.
Q4.When taking a photograph of an expression, why is it important to focus on the face?
When taking a photograph of an expression, why is it important to focus on the face?
to blur the background
to show the entire person
Q5.What can be challenging when photographing facial expressions?
What can be challenging when photographing facial expressions?
choosing the subjects' clothes
filling up empty space
Q6.Why is it useful to take multiple photographs of a facial expression?
Why is it useful to take multiple photographs of a facial expression?
to create a collage
to practise different techniques
