How To Become A Photographer
Learning Sequence
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Introduction
This short course, featuring renowned photographer Renato Granieri, aims to enhance creativity in students. They will learn from Granieri’s top photography tips and works, emphasizing how images can effectively communicate complex narratives. This week is dedicated to inspiring students to capture and share key messages through innovative visual storytelling, adhering to the adage, ‘A picture tells a thousand words.’
Important – Each child will need access to a camera of some sort to capture the images and upload them directly to Canva. Mobile phones and Ipads can work perfectly for the purpose of this task.
Hello there, budding photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. During this short course, we are going to be joined by one of the world’s most famous photographers, Renato Granieri.
He is going to share with us his top three tips for photography and, through his own work, demonstrate just how easy it is to capture the perfect photo.We will then delve into some of his work and allow him to explain why photography is such an important skill to have.
This week is all about getting creative, capturing the world outside to narrate the stories of others, and effecting change through images.
Your objective is to capture 10 amazing photographs and put them together to form your very own photo album to change the world.
‘A picture tells a thousand words,’ and during this course we are going to be doing just that!
going to be doing just that!
Keywords Activity
Introduce the spelling word list and choose from this list of tasks that can be repeated and expanded upon if necessary.
Copy the words into a spelling list/vocabulary book for later reference.
Put each of the new words into a sentence and underline the new vocabulary in red pencil
Place the words in alphabetical order in a list.
Use a dictionary to define each of the words and place them into a vocabulary book.
Try to represent each of the words using a picture or a symbol and play the guessing game. (which image is matched to which word)
Write a paragraph containing all of the new vocabulary.
Make a vocabulary wall containing all of the new words.
Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for the words and create a synonym list.
These words will help you during this course. You may already know some of these words however practice makes perfect!
First, read the words and then try to define them as simply as possible.
An example has been completed for you. You can write these into your books, and draw a picture to match or simply complete the task card.
Warm Up Activity - Comprehension
Allow the students to use the video and the information on the task card to discuss and answer the questions, define the worlds and discuss the topics on the task card opposite.
This session should involve lots of verbal interactions and allow children to consolidate their knowledge through healthy discussion and sharing of ideas and concepts.
Take a look at the comprehension task card opposite.
First, read the discussion questions and spend a few minutes talking about these before you start the task.
Once your discussion is over, it is time to define the keywords within the vocabulary list. Take a look at these words and attempt to define them with your partner.
Once this is done, try to answer the two sets of questions associated with the video you have just watched. You may want to watch the video again whilst you answer the questions. Once complete, share your answers with your partner or the rest of the class and see if everyone else agrees with your answers. Finally – take a look at the follow-up activity and end the session with a healthy chat and discussion about what you have just learned.
Designing Your Front Cover
In this lesson, students create a photo album cover, applying the lessons learned from Renato. They’ll use graphic design skills to visually interpret their personal interests, offering a unique expression of self. Using my example of an elephant-inspired design, they’re encouraged to select their own inspirational elements. This promotes individual choice and creative ownership, while fostering their design abilities.
During this course, we are going to ask you to create your very own photo album, inspired by the lessons we’ve learned from Renato.
For this activity, we ask that you design the front cover of your album based on your particular interests. I’ve chosen an elephant as my inspirational image, as this is my absolute favorite animal on earth.
Use the provided template to design the front cover for your very own photo album.
Keeping the Background Simple (Person)
Students will apply the principle of a simple background in their first photo. They should photograph a person, like my example of my grandfather reading, and add an insightful caption. The goal is to inspire thought, like my example.
‘Knowledge is power’
The first photo you’re going to capture will incorporate the principle of maintaining a simple background.
I’ve taken a photo of my grandfather reading a book and added the caption ‘Knowledge is Power’.Try to capture a photo of a person against a simple background and add a thought-provoking caption, similar to the photo in the example opposite.
Remember to get the permission of the person you’re taking a photo of before snapping away.
Keeping the Background Simple (Animal)
In this part of the lesson, students will use simple backgrounds to photograph an animal, inspired by my ‘What’s for Dinner?’ dog photo. They’ll experiment with humor or provocation in their captions. Emphasis is placed on respecting the subject’s comfort and well-being during photography.
The second photo you’ll take will still keep the background simple but now shift focus to a different subject.
I’ve photographed my dog, attentively waiting for dinner, and added the amusing caption ‘What’s for Dinner?’.
Try to capture an image of any animal against a plain backdrop and add a humorous or thought-provoking caption, like the example provided.
Remember to consider your subject’s comfort and well-being before taking any photos.
Rule of Thirds (Person)
In this fourth lesson, students will explore the rule of thirds, focusing on a moving person. Inspired by my example of a friend hiking into a forest, students will capture a similar image, considering the direction of movement within the shot.
They will also craft thought-provoking captions. The lesson reinforces respectful practices when photographing subjects, emphasizing the importance of obtaining necessary permissions. It provides a practical exploration of photographic composition, fostering visual literacy and creativity.
For the fourth photo, we are going to shift our focus to applying the rule of thirds on a person.
In my photo, I’ve captured my friend taking a long hike into the forest placed according to this rule, with ample space within the shot for the person to ‘move into’.
Remember to add a nice caption that gets people to think!
Your task is to take a photo using the rule of thirds, ensuring that any moving object is heading into the space within your shot, rather than moving out of it.
Remember, if you’re photographing a person or an animal, make sure to respect their space and get any necessary permissions before you start snapping away.
Rule of Thirds (Animal)
In this fifth photo, students will further practice the rule of thirds, focusing on photographing animals. Drawing inspiration from my image of a kangaroo hopping on a beach with the caption ‘Big Day Ahead’, students will capture a similar image.
They will compose their shot, paying attention to the direction of movement, and craft thought-provoking captions. This lesson reiterates respectful wildlife photography practices, promoting responsible and ethical engagement with nature.
For the fifth photo, we’ll continue applying the rule of thirds, this time with a different subject.
In my photo, I’ve captured a kangaroo hopping on a beach, strategically placed within the shot, giving an impression of a ‘Big Day Ahead’.
Your task is to capture a photo using the rule of thirds, focusing on an animal in motion heading into the space within the frame. Remember to add a fitting and thought-provoking caption!
Please respect the animals’ space and remember to adhere to local wildlife laws and regulations while taking photographs.
Looking For Behaviour (Animal)
In the eighth photo students will concentrate on capturing unique animal behaviors in their photographs. Inspired by my image of a bird singing in the rain captioned ‘It’s Raining’, they’ll seek out and photograph similar distinctive animal actions. They’ll also craft corresponding captions that emphasize these moments. The lesson reiterates the importance of ethical wildlife photography, advocating for observing and capturing animals without causing disturbance to their natural habitats
For the eighth photo, we’re shifting our focus to animals, specifically capturing unique behaviors they exhibit.
In my example, I’ve photographed a bird singing in the rain, accompanied by the fitting caption, ‘It’s Raining’.
Your task now is to capture an image of an animal or a group of animals showcasing a distinct behavior, and pair it with a suitable caption that highlights this moment.
Remember, when photographing animals, it’s important to respect their natural habitats and to observe without disturbing.
Rule of Thirds (Animal)
In the sixth photo, students will focus on photographing plants, specifically in relation to different lighting conditions and the rule of thirds.
They’ll draw inspiration from my sunflower-at-sunrise photo with the caption ‘Good Morning’. Students are tasked to capture a similar image, utilizing natural light to enhance their subject and crafting a suitable caption. This lesson not only deepens their photographic skills but also fosters an appreciation for nature and encourages respectful interaction with the environment.
For the sixth photo, we’re going to shift our attention back to the world of plants.
In my example, I’ve photographed a sunflower in the embrace of a beautiful sunrise, captioned perfectly with ‘Good Morning’.
Your challenge now is to capture an image of a plant, using the lighting conditions to enhance your photograph, and then add a fitting caption to it.
Remember, be mindful of your surroundings and respect the natural habitats you are capturing in your photography.
Looking For Behaviour (Plant)
The ninth photo challenges students to capture dynamic processes in nature through their photographs. Drawing from my example of a dandelion dispersing seeds with the caption ‘Off They Go’, students will identify and photograph a similar natural process, crafting a story with their image and a fitting caption.
This activity encourages careful observation of the natural world, promoting respect for nature, and fostering students’ ability to find and document compelling narratives in their surroundings.
For the ninth photo, we’re exploring dynamic processes in nature and trying to capture their behaviour. This one is tricky!!
My example shows a dandelion dispersing its seeds into the wind, captured in motion and highlighted with the caption ‘Off They Go’.
Your challenge is to find a natural process – like a dandelion releasing its seeds or leaves falling from a tree – and capture it in a way that tells a story. Complement your photo with a fitting caption.
As always, please remember to respect nature and avoid disturbing any natural processes while capturing your photographs.
Looking For Behaviour (Person)
In the seventh lesson, students will focus on capturing moments of unique or humorous behaviour in their subjects. Inspired by my photo of my niece with the caption ‘Oops’, students are encouraged to look for action moments, involving people.
They’ll also create fitting captions to highlight these instances. This lesson emphasises respect for privacy and obtaining consent before photographing and sharing, reinforcing ethical considerations within photography.
For the seventh photo, our focus will move towards capturing behaviour in our subjects.
In my photo, I’ve captured a candid moment of my niece doing something funny, complemented by the caption ‘Oops’.
Your challenge is to capture a photo that represents a unique behaviour, ideally of a person, and pair it with a suitable caption that highlights this moment.
Remember, always ensure to respect the privacy and comfort of the people you are photographing. Obtain their permission before capturing and sharing these moments.
A Picture Tells a Thousand Words
The tenth and final lesson invites students to capture an image that tells a personal story. Inspired by my image of my rescue cat’s paw in my hand and its accompanying caption, students are tasked with finding a subject that holds special meaning for them.
They’ll craft a unique narrative through their photograph and a corresponding caption. This lesson encourages students to view photography as a personal storytelling medium, fostering deeper emotional connection with their work.
For the tenth and final photo, we’re turning to something personal, something that tells a unique story.
In my example, I’ve photographed my cat’s paw in my hand. This is not just any cat – he’s a rescue who has now become my best friend. I’ve chosen the caption ‘Friendship Comes in All Shapes and Sizes’ to highlight our special bond.
Your challenge is to capture an image that holds a special meaning for you, one that tells an important story. Complement your photo with a fitting caption that conveys this story.
Remember, photography is a powerful tool for storytelling. Use it to share a piece of your world in a way that’s uniquely you.
Putting It All Together - Creating Your Photo Album
In the final activity of this course, students will compile their ten individual photographs into a cohesive photo album. This album will not only showcase their technical photographic skills learned throughout the lessons, but also the stories they’ve chosen to tell.
From capturing unique human and animal behaviors to encapsulating personal narratives, the photo album will serve as a tangible portfolio of their learning journey. This compilation is an opportunity for students to present their progress and creativity to the world, reflecting their personal growth and fostering pride in their achievements.
Great job on capturing all those fantastic photos, everyone! Now comes an exciting part – putting all your work together. You’re going to create a photo album that showcases all the amazing pictures you’ve taken throughout our course.
This photo album will tell a story – your story. It will include the funny, the unexpected, the beautiful, and the personal moments you’ve captured. You’ve learned a lot and tried many different things, and this album will show just that.
Take a look at my example opposite and make your album unique and personal to you by changing the colours, the graphics, and even the layout!
Think of this album as your own personal art exhibition. It’s a chance for you to share what you’ve seen, what you’ve thought, and what you’ve learned. So, let’s get started and create something truly special that you can be proud of!
Remember that your book will need to have an even number of pages and leave two blank pages after the front cover and before the back cover.
You may even want to use this photo album to show other people how a single photo can tell a thousand words.
Keeping the Background Simple (Plant)
In this lesson, students will focus on capturing images of plants, drawing inspiration from my photo with the caption ‘Stand Tall and Stand Proud’. They’ll explore using simple backgrounds while incorporating empowering captions, enhancing their understanding of symbolic representation.
Emphasis will also be placed on respectful interaction with the natural world, promoting environmental awareness during their photography process. This lesson encourages creativity and consciousness through visual storytelling.
For the third photo, the focus will shift yet again, this time to the natural world.
I’ve photographed a tree, towering and robust, with an empowering caption: ‘Stand Tall and Stand Proud’.
Your task is to capture an image of a plant against a simple background and add a caption that inspires or empowers, just like the example given.
As always, consider your surroundings and ensure you are not disturbing any natural habitats while taking photos.
Share your work with Upschool!
If you are feeling proud of your work and would like to share it with Upschool, please click the button below, follow the instructions and send it to us! We may not have a chance to respond to your submission but please know your work will be viewed and enjoyed by our team.