Learning to Take Effective Photographs
This week, our Year 2 class embarked on an exciting journey into digital literacy as we began our new computing unit. To kick off this term’s focus, we dove into the art and skill of taking effective photographs. The students were eager to learn, and it was wonderful to see them engage with technology in a thoughtful and creative way.
Our session began with an introduction to using the camera app on our iPads. We explored how to launch the app, navigate the interface, and switch between different types of pictures, such as portrait and landscape modes. This foundational understanding set the stage for our practical photography practice.
To ensure that our young photographers captured the best possible images, we discussed four top tips for taking effective photographs:
1. Wings in: Hold the iPad with two hands and keep your elbows tucked in by your sides. This helps to keep the device steady.
2. Zoom in with your feet, not your fingers: Instead of using the digital zoom, move closer to your subject to maintain image quality.
3. Plant your feet: Stand firmly with both feet on the ground to create a stable base and reduce camera shake.
4. Press once and review: take one photo at a time and carefully review it to see how it could be improved.
The students embraced these tips with enthusiasm and immediately applied them while taking their photographs. It was impressive to see the level of thought they put into the reviewing process. As they examined their work, they came up with insightful suggestions for improvement, such as choosing locations with clear, uncluttered backgrounds to avoid distractions from their main subject.
The results of this lesson were outstanding. The photos featured on this week’s blog are entirely the children’s own work, showcasing their growth as budding photographers. This activity not only strengthened their understanding of photography techniques but also emphasised the importance of reflection and thoughtful adjustments in creative projects.