Introduction to the principles of photography
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse and take photographs using key principles.
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.
Teacher tip
You might want to extend the discussion that compares mobile phone photogrpaghy with using cameras.
Equipment
Camera.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do we use a camera for?
Q2.What is one important thing all photographs need?
Q3.Match the definition.
helps us take pictures
a picture taken with a camera
needed so we can see things clearly
Q4.What should you do before taking a photo?
Q5.Match the parts of the camera to what they do.
focuses light onto the sensor
lets you see what you’re photographing
captures the image digitally
Q6.What does the "rule of thirds" help a photographer do?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Introduction to the principles of photography, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Introduction to the principles of photography, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 art and design lessons from the Photography unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.