Teachers begin by dividing students into small groups (4 to 8 students), and providing each group with 1 or 2 paper frames. (see illustration to the right).
Students close one eye and look through the frame with the other eye. What do they see? Teachers point out that the frame can either be horizontal or vertical.
Next teachers can provide each group with a portrait picture. One student will pretend to be the person in the picture. The other students should then adjust their frames until what they can see in the frame is exactly what they see in the picture. Students pay careful attention to the edges of the frame, moving closer and farther, and up and down to adjust what they see through the paper frame.
Learning to Take Pictures
Students should review how to operate the camera (see ‘Using the Camera’).
When taking pictures, students make a series of decisions that, taken together, tell a story. They should pay close attention to the following elements of a picture, and make intentional choices as they operate the camera:
Framing
What is in the picture versus what is outside the frame of the picture?
Point of view/angle
How close to his or her should the photographer stand? Will the picture be taken from above, below or at eye level?
Background
What is behind the subject in the picture? A simple brick or stone wall will more attention to the person in the picture. Any objects surrounding the person (a table, a car, a tree) will become part of the story of the picture.
Expression and gesture
How will the expression on someone’s face and the gestures of their hands tell a story?
Action
What should the subject do at the precise moment the picture is taken? Will the person by jumping, running, eating, waving, dancing, etc.?
Lighting
How can the photographer use light to draw attention to the subject? How can the subject be positioned so that the light shines onto him or her instead of into the eyes of the photographer?
Timing
Since a picture captures just one split second, the photographer must decide when to press the shutter button. What moment will tell the story the photographer has in mind?
Planning and Taking a Picture
Before taking a picture, students should make a plan on paper by drawing a scene that corresponds to what they want to see in their photograph. Students can also plan photographs by discussing ideas with their classmates. They can write a story or make a list to guide their photography.
When taking a picture, students each play a role as they put their plan into action. Students become actors, photographers and directors as they collaborate to make successful pictures. Although just one student will hold the camera, many students can look through the viewfinder and help the photographer frame the scene. Students are encouraged to take many shots of one scene or idea. They experiment with angle, background etc. while attempting to carry out their original vision.
After carefully choosing the best shots, students learn to print their photographs (see ‘Using the Printer‘).