Four-part Photography Project

The first day of the project I invite a photographer to come in and explain to them the "rule of thirds", and what makes up good composition. He includes as part of his presentation a CD with many of his own pictures, many "before and afters", and many "unsuccessful" shots (what NOT to do), but the majority is a collection of excellent shots. Gather a collection of quality images to show the students for a slide presentation. (Contact the photographers for permission, but about 90% of the photographers I contact have absolutely no problem letting me use their images in the classroom setting, in fact they are proud I ask!) It's also a good idea to use images students from previous years have taken. Then for the rest of the allotted time, allow students to walk around the building, inside and out, monitoring their use of the equipment, critiquing the shots at the end of the project, and allowing students to self- and peer-critique. I have several special needs students and they love this project, and do exceptionally well with it! Later, the classes use the architectural shots for a monochromatic watercolor, and their landscape shots for an acrylic painting.