Capturing Moments: Mastering Basic Digital Photography with Smartphone

• FS&L
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Come up with a word related to 'Photography'.

Work out how many points your word is worth?

You cannot use the word ‘Photography’ but you can use each letter more than once!!

Capturing Moments: 

Digital Photography Basic Compositional Techniques

To Capture Engaging Images Using A Smartphone

What do you already know about digital photography compositional techniques?
Can you name any?

Learning Aim

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to apply the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques to capture compelling photos using your smartphone.

Success Criteria

 Implement what has been taught and represent each technique with an image.

Identify the different techniques in end of lesson quiz.

Some of you may explore using more than one compositional technique within an image. 

 

Introduction to Basic Digital Photography Composition

Understanding the fundamentals of photography  composition is essential for capturing stunning images. 

Let's start with how you can use your smartphone as a powerful tool for photography.

What is Composition?

Composition is how the elements of a photo are arranged. A composition can be made up of many different elements, or only a few. It's how you put those things within a frame that help a photograph become interesting to the viewer.

The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a compositional guideline that divides the frame into a 3x3 grid. By placing item or element along these grid lines or at their intersections, you can create visually balanced and interesting photos.

 Practical Tips for Rule of Thirds

1. Activate the gridlines on your smartphone camera settings. 

2. Position key elements along the grid lines or at their intersections. 

3. Experiment with different compositions to find the most visually appealing result.

Practical Element 1

You have 5 minutes to take 3 pictures using what you have just learnt about 'Rule of Thirds'.

When you have taken them please email them to me:

[e-mail]

 Leading Lines

Leading lines are elements within a photo that guide the viewer's eyes towards a specific point of interest. They can be actual lines or objects that create a visual path for the viewer to follow.

Practical Tips for Leading Lines

1. Look for natural or man-made lines in your surroundings. 

2. Position the lines in a way that directs the viewer's attention towards the subject or intersection. 

3. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most impactful composition.

Practical Element 2

You have 5 minutes to go out and take 3 pictures using what you have just learnt about 'Leading Lines'.

When you have taken them please email them to me.

Framing

Framing involves using elements within the scene to create a frame around the subject. This technique adds depth and context to the photo by drawing attention to the subject or intersection and providing a visual boundary.

Practical Tips for Framing

1. Identify objects or elements that can be used as frames. 

2. Position the frame around the subject to draw attention. 

3. Experiment with different framing techniques to create unique compositions.

Practical Element 3

You have 5 minutes to go out and take 3 pictures using what you have just learnt about 'Framing'.

These need to be taken individually!

When you have taken them please email them to me.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.

What technique is being used here?

1. Leading Lines
2. Rule of Thirds
3. Framing

What technique is being used here?

Has the Rule of Thirds
been used correctly using the asymmetrical element?

1. Yes
2. No

What compositional
technique or techniques
have been used here?

1. Framing
2. Leading Lines
3. Rule of Thirds