Vocabulary for Describing Photography and Art
Objective:
At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to describe the features of a photograph or artwork and the techniques used in creating it, using appropriate vocabulary.
Materials:
Photographs and/or artwork, paper, pencils.
Introductory Activity:
Discuss the importance of descriptive language to describe art and photography. Ask the student to share their experience of trying to capture the beauty of a photograph or artwork with words.
Main Activity:
- Have the student look at a photograph or artwork and write down their observations.
- Introduce vocabulary related to composition and techniques in art and photography. Explain what each word means and provide examples.
Composition Vocabulary:
-Balance: when the elements are arranged in such a way that the visual weight is the same on both sides of a central point.
e.g. symmetrical balance
-Framing: when elements are used to create a natural frame around the photograph or artwork.
e.g. trees, buildings, landscape
-Focal point: the element that captures the viewer’s attention.
e.g. a person, a bright color
-Rule of thirds: a technique used to divide a space into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, in order to create a more interesting composition.
Technique Vocabulary:
-Exposure: the amount of light that is allowed to reach the camera.
-Aperture: the size of the opening in the lens that allows light to enter.
-Shutter speed: how long the camera shutter stays open and how much light is let into the camera.
-Depth of field: how much of the photograph is in focus.
-Zoom: to move closer to or further away from an object.
-Focus: when the object is in sharp focus and everything else is blurred.
Conclusion:
Review the vocabulary and have the student practice describing the photograph or artwork using the vocabulary.
Summary:
-Objective: describe features of photographs or artwork, using vocabulary
-Materials: photographs/artwork, paper, pencils
-Introductory Activity: discuss importance of descriptive language
-Main Activity: observe, discuss composition and technique vocabulary
-Conclusion: review vocabulary and practice describing
Responses