Purpose: 

The purpose and intent of this project is to develop an on-line tutorial to help students develop a better understanding of photo composition elements and principles, as well as picture design. The topic is 'Basic Rules of Photography' which is a sub-topic in the elective course Photo Journalism 11/12 in British Columbia. Learning about photo composition elements, principles and design are important to recognize and master as the students will be expected to take great pictures for the yearbook.

Project Overview: 

The deliverable for this project will be a website. We intend to set the material in some sort of module fashion with assignments where students will need to search for pertinent information to complete the modules. We intend to create an interactive self assessment within the website to test specific objectives related to the elements and principles of photo composition.

Students will also create an electronic portfolio of their work as well as other people's work as part of the Photo Journalism 11/12 course. The evaluation will be in the form of a rubric.

The intended audience for our project are senior high students in grades 11 and 12.  This course is an elective course which fulfills a 4 credit requirement for Applied Skills 11 according to the British Columbia Ministry of Education guidelines (IRP's - Integrated Resource Packages)..

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

Applied Problem Solving

• use appropriate problem-solving models in the design of products, the provision of services, the development of systems, and the utilization of ideas
• analyse and use appropriate problem-solving strategies and critical thinking when resolving problems in a variety of contexts
• identify and apply appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes when making choices and defending decisions
• use appropriate criteria and standards to assess and evaluate products, services, systems, and ideas

Communication

• use effective communication skills when gathering and sharing information independently and in groups
• select appropriate information gathering and communication tools when solving problems related to applied skills areas
• use appropriate multimedia and information technology in presentations

Technology

• use appropriate technologies in a variety of applied contexts
• maintain an orderly and safe environment when engaged in a variety of activities
• identify and evaluate the impact of technology on the way information is gathered, problems are solved, and work is done

Self in Society

• demonstrate an ability to assess the impact that acquiring applied skills can have on personal and career choices
• demonstrate a positive attitude toward lifelong health and well being
• demonstrate a willingness to participate independently and interdependently in a productive environment

Project Specifications:

Preliminary Collaboration

• decide on topic based on interest and feasibility
• set timeline
• set roles and responsibilities
• decide on tools and material
• breakdown of topic
  • Basic Rules of Photography
    • KISS principle (Keep it Simple Stupid)
    • Fill the frame
    • Facial expression
    • Draw attention to the person
    • Use texture
    • Use close ups
    • Control your background
    • Use framing
    • Use leading line
    • Use Rules of Thirds
    • Add depth
    • Use comparison and contrast
    • Use unique angles
    • Use patterns
    • Use other Elements and Principles
      • shape
      • space
      • contrast
      • balance
      • rythmn
      • form
      • movement
      • emphasis
      • unity

Instructional Design

• create sitemap
• decide on layout and design
• find resource
• create instructional pages
  • discussion board
  • survey
• create assignments
• create interactive assessment

Presentation

• upload to host - beta test
• tweak
• web unveiling
• celebrate with a virtual toast

Instructional Unit Draft Proposal - February 14, 2003
Instructional Unit Final Proposal - February 28, 2003
HTML Content and Flash Content Creation - March 3, 2003
Photoshop Graphics Creation - March 3, 2003
Assignments, Quizzes and Self-Assessment - March 24, 2003
Upload to the Internet (Beta Test) - April 1, 2003
Deadline - April 5, 2003

Resources: