STUDENT MATERIALS
How can photographic methods be used to preserve an ever-changing place?
“Preserving a Space with Photographic Methods”
In this activity, you will learn about societal systems related to nature in their community by doing a quick internet search. You will also be introduced to the concept of using a photo essay to tell a story. You will explore a number of sources related to conservation photography and photo essays.
“Ansel Adams: The Role of the Artist in the Environmental Movement”
Platte Basin Timelapse Project Website
Art X Climate (Website showcasing different art mediums at the intersection of art and science)
“What Is a Photo Essay?
In this activity, you will learn about the basics of a photo essay as it relates to civic action. During the activity, you will read an article and a photo essay and take notes on both.
“How to Create a Photo Essay in 9 Steps”
“How the Water Shapes Us” photo essay
“The Legacy of Ansel Adams”
In this activity, you will learn more about the process of creating an effective photo essay by studying the work of Ansel Adams. First, you will read an article and fill out a corresponding handout. Later, you will watch a video about Ansel Adams and write down your three takeaways from it.
“Ansel Adams in Yellowstone” article
“Ansel Adams in Yellowstone” handout
“How Ansel Adams Changed Photography” video
“Investigating Platon’s Studio”
In this activity, you will learn about Platon and his approach to photography. First, you will watch a video about Platon’s studio. Later, you will watch an episode of “Abstract: The Art of Design” about Platon and fill out a corresponding handout.
“Photographer Platon Gives Us a Tour of His Studio” video
Episode of “Abstract: The Art of Design”
“Abstract: The Art of Design” handout
“Distinguishing Between Theme, Topic, and Story”
In this activity, you will learn about the process of planning for a photo essay project by listening to a National Geographic Explorer talk about his experience with applying for grants. You will watch a video about National Geographic Explorers and fill out a corresponding handout. Later, you will watch another video about Grizzly Bears in Yellowstone and identify the themes, topics, and stories in it.
National Geographic Explorers video
National Geographic Explorers handout
“Grizzly Bears in Yellowstone” video
“Investigating the Story of a Local Place – Practice Round”
In this activity, you will practice telling the story of a place through photography by taking pictures of a location within school grounds. Before taking your photos, fill out the provided planning handout.
“Photo Essays and Conservation Stories “
In this activity, you will learn more about the process of creating a photo essay, this time focusing especially on conservation stories. You will listen to Episode #125 of the podcast “Behind the Scenes of a Photo Shoot” and fill out the corresponding handout. Then you will listen to Episode #58.
Episode #125 of the podcast “Behind the Scenes of a Photo Shoot,”
“Compositional Skills – Marcos Mateu-Mestre”
In this activity, you will learn about the compositional skills demonstrated by Marcos Mateu-Mestre in the Framed Ink comic books. You will first take a look at the Framed Ink books (Volumes I and/or II). Later, you will watch a video in which Mateu-Mestre himself explains some of the exercises. At the end of the activity, you may be asked to watch an additional video about composition techniques.
“Marcos Mateu-Mestre Presents Framed Ink 2!” video
“Practice Photoshoots”
In this activity, you will demonstrate what you have learned about composition, different styles of photography, and posing subjects by completing two photoshoots. When you are filtering and editing your photos, you will likely discover that you need to do reshoots. At this time, your teacher may ask you to read articles about “Student Photographer of the Year” Travis Dove.
“Travis Dove Named College Photographer of the Year” article
“Travis Dove Interview” article
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Changing Position in the Frame of Your Own Life”
In this activity, you will consider how compositions build meaning and story. You will watch the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and fill out a corresponding handout.
“Creating a Photo Essay – Planning Ahead”
In this activity, you will create a plan for their summative photo essay photoshoot. First, you will revisit the photo essay “How the Water Shapes Us.” Later, you will fill out a planning handout for your photoshoot (leaving the final section about shot lists blank at this time).
Creating a Photo Essay – Making a Shot List
In this activity, you will learn how to make a shot list, and then make one for your upcoming photo essay. During this activity, you will fill out the final section of their planning handout.
“Creating a Photo Essay – Taking the Photos”
In this activity, you will visit a place in their local community and take photos for a photo essay. As you write your own artist’s statements to go along with your photos, you may want to reference the Art x Climate gallery website.