New
New
Introduction to the principles of photography
I can analyse and take photographs using key principles.
Lesson 1 of 9
New
New
- Year 10
Introduction to the principles of photography
I can analyse and take photographs using key principles.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Photography is a powerful way to tell stories without words.
- Photography is the practice of using light to create images.
- There are six key principles of photographic composition.
Keywords
Photography - the art and practice of using light to create images
Light - what makes a photo possible, it controls how we see the subject and sets the mood
Common misconception
Phones produce high quality photos, so photography with cameras is redundant
Phone cameras are powerful, but professional cameras give more control, lens options, and depth of field, which matters for creative and technical work.
You might want to extend the discussion that compares mobile phone photogrpaghy with using cameras.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Camera.
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 do we use a camera for?
What do we use a camera for?
to cook food
to write stories
to listen to music
Q2.What is one important thing all photographs need?
What is one important thing all photographs need?
paint
water
glue
Q3.Match the definition.
Match the definition.
Q4.What should you do before taking a photo?
What should you do before taking a photo?
turn off the camera
point the camera at the floor
Q5.Match the parts of the camera to what they do.
Match the parts of the camera to what they do.
Q6.What does the "rule of thirds" help a photographer do?
What does the "rule of thirds" help a photographer do?
keep the camera steady
make the photo black and white
focus only on the centre of the frame
