Digital Photography for Middle School Students and Kids

Today's lesson begins to cover photographic composition and using a technique called the “Rule of Thirds“. The rule of thirds is the most basic composition rule in photography. To use the rule of thirds, you need to imagine this grid on all of your images as you compose them in the viewfinder. This and the following 3 lessons give you 4 photography composition "rules" that you can use to get more interesting images that will make your photos stand out!

*Fun assignment is attached to this lesson in the "Resource" section.

Composition is how you place your subject (and everything else) in your image. It shows how your subjects appear relative to each other, any additional objects, and the background communicates a lot to the viewer. This lesson continues to covers photographic composition and using  “Balance“.  Any part of your image can be balanced. The most common is to balance your subject with another physical element in the frame. But you can also balance tone, texture, color, shape and even the emotion or message behind your image.

*Fun assignment is attached to this lesson in the "Resource" section.

Natural framing elements are doorways, windows, outdoor objects or even different lighting. These create a portal that takes the viewer into the world beyond the frame. It it creates more interest in whatever it being framed in the photo.

*Fun assignment is attached to this lesson in the "Resource" section.

Simplicity is a great guideline to crate interesting and good composition. Look for ways to give the center of interest in your pictures the most visual attention. One way is to select uncomplicated backgrounds.

*Fun assignment is attached to this lesson in the "Resource" section.

There is an idea amongst many,  that absolutely every photo image has to be 100% sharp. However, blurry photos can actually be beautiful and highly engaging. Blur allows an image that captures a single moment in time to convey motion. It also can soften a distracting background or bring the subject into prominence.

*Fun assignment is attached to this lesson in the "Resource" section.

In portrait photography the background is just as important as the subject. Another important part of photographing a person is to make sure the subject is ready and comfortable, relaxed and feeling their best. It is also helpful to schedule your shoot when there is good lighting. Usually the best time to take photos of someone is in the early morning when the sun is rising or in the late afternoon.

*Fun assignment is attached to this lesson in the "Resource" section.

Throughout the history of storytelling, visuals have played an important role. In photography, the photographer lets you discover whatever is being told, on your own - either through history or imagination. Delivering the right message with images can be accomplished by the photographs that you choose. Understanding your theme and the message you want to convey helps you develop your story, and you can do it in a unique way. This lesson covers photo story telling and how to create one.

*Fun assignment is attached to this lesson in the "Resource" section.

If you have the cord that came with your camera or smart phone, you are set! This is an easy way to transfer your photos to a computer. Most cameras allow memory card access when connected to your Mac via the USB cable supplied with the camera. Which card reader you need depends on what kind of memory card your camera uses. Another option that may be available to you is Airdrop. AirDrop runs on WiFi and Bluetooth, and it's incredibly easy to use once you know how.