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Lesson 9 of 11
  • Year 10

Photographing for resources: what makes a good photograph

I can take photographs to inform and support my creative work

Lesson 9 of 11
New
New
  • Year 10

Photographing for resources: what makes a good photograph

I can take photographs to inform and support my creative work

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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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. When photographing for resources, whether for inspiration, documentation, or research, what makes a good photograph?
  2. Try different angles and perspectives to find the most dynamic view of your subject.
  3. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: Photographing for resources: what makes a good photograph, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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 (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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which three of the following makes a good photograph?

Correct answer: It clearly captures the subject and tells a story
Correct answer: It uses thoughtful composition, lighting and focus
It’s always taken with a professional camera
Correct answer: It includes interesting textures, colours, or contrast

Q2.
Match the terms to the best definition:

Correct Answer:Subject,The main focus of the image

The main focus of the image

Correct Answer:Focus,To intentionally highlight or emphasise something

To intentionally highlight or emphasise something

Correct Answer:Viewpoint,The position or angle from which the photographer takes the photo

The position or angle from which the photographer takes the photo

Q3.
Where should you position the subject of a photograph?

Correct answer: Anywhere as long as the subject is clear and taken from an intentional viewpoint
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?

Correct answer: It can create a more dramatic or emotional effect
Correct answer: It can reveal new details or perspectives the viewer might miss
Correct answer: It helps the viewer connect with the subject in a different way
It guarantees the photo will be in perfect focus

Q5.
What is the 'rule of thirds' in photography?

A rule that says a photograph must include exactly three objects
Correct answer: A composition technique used in photography, drawing and design
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?

Correct answer: To explain the meaning or context behind the image
To cover up technical flaws in the photograph
Because all professional photography must include text
To make the photograph look more like a poster

Additional material

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