New
New
Year 10

Planning and executing a final photographic series

I can plan and begin creating a final photographic series that expresses a clear personal concept.

New
New
Year 10

Planning and executing a final photographic series

I can plan and begin creating a final photographic series that expresses a clear personal concept.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Strong photographic series are carefully planned and clearly connected to a concept.
  2. Visual cohesion is achieved through repeated themes, styles, or techniques.
  3. Composition and framing choices should reflect the meaning or emotion of the concept.
  4. Execution involves balancing planning with creative experimentation.

Keywords

  • Series - a group of related photographs that explore a consistent idea or theme

  • Cohesion - the visual and conceptual consistency across a body of work

  • Shot list - a planned list of images or scenes the photographer intends to capture

  • Composition - the arrangement of visual elements in a photograph

Common misconception

You can just take random photos and pick the best ones later.

Intentional planning makes each photo stronger and ensures the series works as a whole - not just as individual images.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: Planning and executing a final photographic series, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to test and revise their ideas mid-shoot. Remind them that flexibility within a plan leads to stronger, more authentic outcomes - just ensure that changes still align with their concept.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Digital, phone or tablet cameras. Sketchbooks. Pencils or pens.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term with its description.

Correct Answer:series,a group of related photographs that explore a consistent idea or theme

a group of related photographs that explore a consistent idea or theme

Correct Answer:cohesion,the visual and conceptual consistency across a body of work

the visual and conceptual consistency across a body of work

Correct Answer:shot list,a planned list of images or scenes the photographer intends to capture

a planned list of images or scenes the photographer intends to capture

Correct Answer:composition,the arrangement of visual elements in a photograph

the arrangement of visual elements in a photograph

Q2.
Which of the following best supports a strong composition?

Correct answer: placing the subject thoughtfully using the rule of thirds
zooming in as much as possible
always centring the subject
making sure there are lots of objects in the background

Q3.
What is the main purpose of creating a shot list before taking photos?

to avoid wasting time looking for editing apps
to ensure all images have the same filter
to decide which photos to delete later
Correct answer: to keep work focused and aligned with the concept

Q4.
Which of the following is not part of planning purposeful photography?

making a shot list
considering composition ideas
Correct answer: randomly taking photos with no preparation
thinking about subjects and locations

Q5.
What can help create a sense of unity in a photography series?

Correct answer: using similar lighting, tones, or subjects across photos
making sure all photos are taken in different countries
changing the theme in every image
using as many random props as possible

Q6.
Select ways angles can influence the meaning of a photograph.

Correct answer: A high angle can make a subject look small or powerless.
Correct answer: A close-up can create a sense of intimacy.
Correct answer: Lighting choices can affect mood and atmosphere.
Using the same filter makes a photo automatically meaningful.

Additional material

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