Grade 8 Photography Lesson Plan: “Mastering Photography Techniques and Storytelling”

Objective:
Students will refine their photography skills by mastering advanced techniques such as manual settings, creative lighting, and conceptual storytelling. They will create a photo series that conveys a strong narrative or theme, complemented by basic photo editing.

Lesson Overview

Title: Photography as Art and Narrative
Grade Level: 8
Duration: 60 minutes
Materials Needed:

  • Cameras, smartphones, or tablets (one per student or group)
  • Examples of narrative photography and advanced techniques (portraiture, low-light, abstract, and movement)
  • Access to editing apps or software (e.g., Snapseed, Lightroom, Canva)
  • Props for creative photography (textured items, reflective surfaces, fabric)
  • Access to varied environments (indoor, outdoor, natural light, and shadowed areas)

Lesson Breakdown

1. Photography as Visual Storytelling (10 minutes)

Goal: Understand how photography can be used to convey complex narratives and emotions.

  • Discussion:
    • What makes a photo series compelling? (e.g., clear theme, mood, unique perspective).
    • Show examples of narrative photography (e.g., photojournalism, conceptual art, environmental stories).
    • Analyze the use of subject, composition, and lighting in the examples.
  • Class Interaction:
    • Students brainstorm themes they want to explore, such as “Change,” “Conflict,” or “Joy.”

2. Advanced Photography Techniques (20 minutes)

Goal: Introduce and practice professional-level photography methods.

  • Manual Camera Controls (if available):
    • Adjusting shutter speed, ISO, and aperture for desired effects.
    • Use a slower shutter for motion blur or a fast shutter to freeze action.
  • Lighting Techniques:
    • Experiment with different types of lighting:
      • Side lighting for drama.
      • Backlighting for silhouettes.
      • Reflective lighting using props like mirrors or white paper.
  • Creative Composition:
    • Symmetry, leading lines, and intentional cropping to emphasize the subject.
    • Use perspective and scale to create visual interest.
  • Activity:
    • Students take practice shots using the techniques above, focusing on a subject in varied lighting or motion conditions.

3. Thematic Photo Series Project (20 minutes)

Goal: Apply learned techniques to create a cohesive photo series.

  • Project Themes:
    • “Shadows and Light”
    • “Movement and Emotion”
    • “Everyday Life, Unusual Angles”
    • “A Story of Change”
  • Students work independently to capture 5–7 photos based on their chosen theme, experimenting with advanced techniques and creative storytelling.

4. Editing and Presentation (10 minutes)

Goal: Refine photos through editing and share the results with peers.

  • Editing Lesson:
    • Demonstrate basic adjustments: cropping, brightness/contrast, color balance, and selective focus.
    • Discuss subtle use of filters to enhance mood without overshadowing the photo’s intent.
  • Photo Showcase:
    • Students present their photo series to the class, explaining:
      • The theme and story they aimed to convey.
      • The techniques and editing choices they used.
      • How their photos work together to form a cohesive narrative.

Follow-Up Activity

Photo Essay Project:

  • Over the next week, students create a photo essay with 7–10 images on a topic of their choice (e.g., “Nature Reclaimed,” “The Energy of a City,” or “Hidden Stories in Objects”).
  • Write captions for each photo to enhance the narrative.
  • Present the photo essay in a class exhibition or online gallery.

This grade 8 photography lesson encourages students to explore photography as both a technical skill and an art form, emphasizing narrative construction, technical refinement, and creative expression.