TEACHER MATERIALS
How can photographic methods be used to preserve an ever-changing place?
“Preserving a Space with Photographic Methods”
In this activity, students will learn about societal systems related to nature in their community by doing a quick internet search. They will also be introduced to the concept of using a photo essay to tell a story. They will explore a number of sources related to conservation photography and photo essays. You may also choose to use the slides that accompany this activity.
“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, the students will learn about the basics of a photo essay as it relates to civic action. During the activity, they 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, the students will learn more about the process of creating an effective photo essay by studying the work of Ansel Adams. First, they will read an article and fill out a corresponding handout. During a class discussion about what they read, you may want to reference a related Loopy diagram (provided below). Finally, the students will watch a video about Ansel Adams and write down their 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, the students will learn about Platon and his approach to photography. First, they will watch a video about Platon’s studio. Later, they 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, the students 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. Use the provided slides to review theme, topic, and story. Then, the students will watch a video about National Geographic Explorers and fill out a corresponding handout. Later, they 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, the students will practice telling the story of a place through photography by taking pictures of a location within school grounds. Before taking their photos, the students should fill out the provided planning handout.
“Photo Essays and Conservation Stories “
In this activity, the students will learn more about the process of creating a photo essay, this time focusing especially on conservation stories. They will listen to Episode #125 of the podcast “Behind the Scenes of a Photo Shoot” and fill out the corresponding handout. Then they 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, the students will learn about the compositional skills demonstrated by Marcos Mateu-Mestre in the Framed Ink comic books. Sample slides are provided for this activity. The students will first take a look at the Framed Ink books (Volumes I and/or II). Then, you should lead them through a photography composition demonstration (instructions provided below). Later, the students will watch a video in which Mateu-Mestre himself explains some of the exercises. At the end of the activity, underperforming students should watch an additional video about composition techniques.
“Frame, Scale, and Position” demonstration instructions
“Marcos Mateu-Mestre Presents Framed Ink 2!” video
“Practice Photoshoots”
In this activity, the students will demonstrate what they have learned about composition, different styles of photography, and posing subjects by completing two photoshoots. A teacher’s guide for this activity is provided below, as well as accompanying slides. When your students are filtering and editing their photos, they will likely discover that they need to do reshoots. To reassure them that this is all part of the process of being a good photographer, consider having them read articles about “Student Photographer of the Year” Travis Dove.
“Photoshoot Tips and Instructions”
Photography styles and compositional skills slides
“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, the students will consider how compositions build meaning and story. They 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, the students will create a plan for their summative photo essay photoshoot. First, they will revisit the photo essay “How the Water Shapes Us.” You should also spend a few minutes discussing the fact that many different factors contribute to changes in a system, and that they often interact with each other; a Loopy diagram is included to help you illustrate your points. Finally, the students will fill out a planning handout for their photoshoot (leaving the final section about shot lists blank at this time).
Creating a Photo Essay – Making a Shot List
In this activity, the students will learn how to make a shot list, and then make one for their upcoming photo essay. Accompanying slides are provided below. During this activity, the students will fill out the final section of their planning handout.
“Creating a Photo Essay – Taking the Photos”
In this activity, the students will visit a place in their local community and take photos for a photo essay. Accompanying slides are provided below; pay special attention to the slide about artist’s statements. As your students write their own artist’s statements, you may want them to reference the Art x Climate gallery website.