Here is a video that can help teachers start to think about how to integrate photography into the classroom.  We have extrapolated some of the key points of the video which are listed below. Watching the video and looking at the main points we have provided will be a springboard for the introduction of photography in your classroom.

Tips for teaching photography:

  • Biggest tip for teaching young learners is to teach them how to hold a camera; kids get easily excited which can lead to blurry photographs 
  • Teach students to hold the camera against their face and brace their arms to their body: this helps stabilize the camera 
  • Other biggest tip: have fun
  • Use photography to bridge the gap between your students and the concepts you wish to teach them  

Critique: 

I agree that this is an extremely important tip to keep in mind when teaching photography, especially for younger grades. When photos turn out blurry because students have a shaky grasp on the camera, it prohibits teachers from realizing the creative vision behind the picture. It can also be incredibly frustrating for students when they go to view their photos after spending time out and about with a camera, only to realize all their images aren’t clear. 

I really like how Gabby Salazar touches on the use of photography as a tool to “bridge the gap” between your students and the concepts you wish to get through to them. Although photography is an interesting and useful skill to have, it is more important to use it in integrated lessons on other topics. 

Exploring various natural spaces with a camera in hand gives students a clear purpose for being outdoors. This leads them to be more mindful of their surroundings, and notice things they might not otherwise. Incorporating photography fits perfectly with Place-Based pedagogy and may even spark spiritual connections between students and their natural environments. Some choose to argue that increasing the use of technology in classrooms inhibits interaction with the outside world, but the use of photography in an outdoor setting proves quite the opposite to be true. 

Suggested equipment:

  • “Give students the tools and encouragement they need and you never know what they will create” 
    • This quote depicts the whole reason for photography. It is such a unique tool that allows for endless possibilities in fostering and developing creativity. Students express themselves in a new way, giving  insight into their individual perspective. It might just surprise you how intuitive they are behind the lense.
  • Cell phones 
  • Basic digital camera such as a point and shoot camera 
    • These tools can be shared with a partner, in a small group or used individually.

Critique:

While many people have cell phones in this day and age it is still important to recognize that not everyone will have a cell phone or a smartphone that has the ability to take high resolution photos. Additionally, the age of the learners determines the percentage of people who have a cell phone. Younger learners will not have a phone and as you move into upper elementary and middle years students, the age at which students will acquire a cell phone is large. Buying cameras for the class does come at an expense as well.  This would be a great opportunity to ask PAC for money or even create an artist and residence experience by applying for a grant through ArtStart. 

 Project Ideas:

  • Make eye contact with a subject
    • Get on the subjects level and find eye contact between the lense and the subject
      • This could be with a pet, an animal at a pet store, a friend’s pet, an animal in nature etc. 
  • Photography competitions 
  • Model behavior towards nature and create a project to photograph students’ relationship with nature and how to be respectful and responsible towards it. 
  • Capture different perspectives of the same object

Have one photo that demonstrates the different a different principle of photography and/or the composition rules

-Alexa, Lauren and Katie