Photography provides an interesting activity or project for youth of all ages. Photography introduces you to a useful hobby and a career field; giving you educational guidance as you develop skills in taking and using pictures. You will also gain an appreciation of photography as an art, science and communication tool that will help to observe and appreciate your surroundings. Photography is an excellent way to record events, ideas and situations for later use.

Photography, Level 1

This beginning level is for studying photography. Activities cover four main areas: Equipment, Lighting, Composition, and Skill Building. Topics include flash, black & white photography, and taking selfies. Having access to a camera (phone or DSLR) is essential, as well as deciding how and where to store photos taken during the project. 

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

To complete this level, explore each of the four project areas (equipment, lighting, composition and skill building), take part in two organized project experiences and two leadership/citizenship activities.

MATERIALS

Photography Basics, 01902Y

Photography, Level 2

This is an intermediate level for a serious study of photography. Activities build on the four main areas from Level 1 (Equipment, Lighting, Composition, and Skill Building) and include topics such as the Rule of Thirds, Selecting a Lens, and Panorama. Having access to a camera (phone or DSLR) is essential, as well as deciding how and where to store photos taken during the project.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

To complete this level, explore each of the four projects (equipment, lighting, composition and skill building), take part in two organized project experiences and two leadership/citizenship activities.

MATERIALS

Next Level Photography, 01903Y

Photography, Level 3

This is an advanced level for a serious study of photography. Activities build on the four main areas from Levels 1 and 2 (Equipment, Lighting, Composition, and Skill Building) and include topics such as Smartphone Exposure Tips, Low Light Challenges, and Studio Portraits. Having access to a camera (phone or DSLR) is essential, as well as deciding how and where to store photos taken during the project.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

To complete this level, explore each of the four project areas (equipment, lighting, composition and skill building), take part in two organized project experiences and two leadership/citizenship activities.

MATERIALS

Mastering Photography, 01904Y

Videography, Level 4

This is a digital storytelling project using video cameras. Youth will learn how to use video cameras, a tripod, video tips and how to capture and transfer video footage. Youth will plan and carry out a video project in the form of a family vacation movie, a PSA or a documentary. It is advisable to understand the basics of photography before beginning in this project.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Create a short practice video on a subject of your choice and a longer video that has a script and uses storyboard techniques. This video will demonstrate digital storytelling and follow the rubric requirements in the book.

MATERIALS

Movie Magic, 5325

Photography Independent Study/Advanced