Picture taking: motion
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can capture moving subjects in my photographs.
Key learning points
- Motion in photography refers to the way movement is captured or conveyed.
- European and American photographers began using motion photography to analyse and capture motion scientifically.
- Many visual cultures have long used motion to express meaning.
- Motion is no longer just about technique, it’s a form of visual storytelling.
Keywords
Motion - movement, specifically of a subject within a photograph
Blur - the effect caused by moving either the camera or the subject whilst a photo is being taken
Common misconception
Photographers can't control the way movement is depicted in their photographs.
Photographers can freeze action sharply or blur it creatively, depending on the photographer’s intent.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to reflect on how motion can communicate mood or cultural meaning, not just technical skill.
Equipment
Camera.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their meanings.
how far away a subject is when referring to an image
the hole that lets light into the camera, controlling depth of field
how sharp or blurred a subject appears
Q2.Which setting on your camera should you use to make sure your subject can be seen clearly and is not blurred?
Q3.Which of these are a way to control depth of field?
Q4.For shooting a street scene you should use a lower f-stop.
Q5.When taking a photograph, subjects at different distances from the camera appear at different ...
Q6.Which of the following settings can you use to control the amount of light that enters the camera lens?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Picture taking: motion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Picture taking: motion, 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.