Photography · Week 3 · Seeing Like a Photographer

Framing and Attention

Using a paper viewfinder, students frame the same scene several ways and notice what they choose to include and leave out.

Self-awarenessGrades 9 to 12About 20 minutesProficient

Open this activity All Photography activities

Students will: Students use a paper viewfinder to generate several framings of one scene, set an artistic goal, and explain what they chose to include and leave out.
SEL skill: Notice and name what draws my attention in a frame
What it looks like: Students use curiosity to notice how their attention and feelings guide creative choices.
Content focus: Framing and attention: what I notice and what I leave out
Format: Think write pair share

Self-awareness

Self-awareness means recognizing your own emotions, thoughts, values, and strengths and seeing how they shape what you do. More self-awareness activities

What you get

A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.

Standards

MA:Cr1.1.HSI: Media Arts, Creating, Anchor Standard 1 (Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work), High School Proficient
Artistic process: Creating
Level: High School Proficient

More self-awareness activities for Photography

My Life Through a Lens Self-awarenessStudents take five photos that show who they are and name the feelings behind each choice.
Light and Mood Self-awarenessStudents photograph one subject in direct sun, shade, and backlight and describe how light changes the feeling of the image.
Self Portrait Without a Face Self-awarenessStudents create a self-portrait using objects, hands, or shadows and describe the emotions they chose to reveal.
Filters and Real Faces Self-awarenessStudents compare filtered and unfiltered images and discuss how edited beauty standards affect the way they see themselves.

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RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.