New
New
Photographing for resources: what makes a good photograph
I can take photographs to inform and support my creative work
Lesson 9 of 18
New
New
- Year 10
Photographing for resources: what makes a good photograph
I can take photographs to inform and support my creative work
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When photographing for resources, whether for inspiration, documentation, or research, what makes a good photograph?
- Try different angles and perspectives to find the most dynamic view of your subject.
- Consider notes about each photograph, including the context, location and any relevant information about the subject.
Keywords
Subject - the main focus of the image
Focus - to intentionally highlight or emphasise something
Viewpoint - the position or angle from which the photographer takes the photo
Common misconception
A common misconception about this lesson is that photography is just about capturing what you see, when in fact it involves making creative choices.
Photography is about deciding how to show the subject to communicate an idea or feeling. Understanding that really opens up creative possibilities.
Encourage the students to think of symbolic photographic opportunies to explore when confined to a classroom.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Cameras or phones, sketchbooks, pens, digital technology.
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.Which three of the following makes a good photograph?
Which three of the following makes a good photograph?
It’s always taken with a professional camera
Q2.Match the terms to the best definition:
Match the terms to the best definition:
Q3.Where should you position the subject of a photograph?
Where should you position the subject of a photograph?
The subject should always be in the exact centre
At the edge of the photo so there's more background
As far away as possible so they look small
Q4.In what three ways can changing the viewpoint of a photograph affect its impact?
In what three ways can changing the viewpoint of a photograph affect its impact?
It guarantees the photo will be in perfect focus
Q5.What is the 'rule of thirds' in photography?
What is the 'rule of thirds' in photography?
A rule that says a photograph must include exactly three objects
A guideline that tells photographers to take three photos of every subject
Q6.Why might artists incorporate annotation, writing, or text directly into or alongside their photographic work?
Why might artists incorporate annotation, writing, or text directly into or alongside their photographic work?
To cover up technical flaws in the photograph
Because all professional photography must include text
To make the photograph look more like a poster
