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Process

1) first - travel on the computer

• First you'll be assigned to groups of two to use the classroom computer to start on your photographic journey of discovery.
• You will view examples of wildlife photography. You will also learn how the photographers were able to capture these images.
• You will learn about composition, lighting and many more important components of good photography.
• Brainstorm with your photographer buddy about how to take successful photos of our local wildlife.   (Where will you go, what animal will you look for?)

The following links will help you start your journey:

 

 

2) second- time for the camera!

• With your photographer buddy, you will become familiar with the use of the school digital camera: how to turn it on and off,   how to shoot and preview images and how to download the images to the computer.    (You will begin by using the camera's auto settings. If you wish, you can practice using manual  settings as well.
• You will practice taking photos on the school grounds. We have squirrels, birds & butterflies that will make excellent subjects.

 

3) now - get ready to tame the wild photograph!

•  On a rotating basis, the two cameras may be brought home for you to use.  (If you have your own digital camera, you can use it.)
•  Using the information you have learned from the web sites, take photographs of the animals or birds you have chosen to capture.

 

4) next - edit your wild photographs

•  Download your photographs to the computer and open them in Photoshop
•  Using the skills you have learned in this class, manipulate the photos to create 'portraits' of the  local wildlife you have encountered.

 

5) awesome pictures - now what?

 

•  Choose  at least two of your best images to print.
•  Mat the images, in whatever manner will best enhance your image.
•  Type the title of the photograph & a description of the  subject and process involved in obtaining the image   .(Where did you go? How did you find your subject? What special steps did you follow to obtain the image?   What was it like where you took the photograph? Are there a lot of this type of animal there?)

Teachers:

This photography web quest can be used as an interdisciplinary lesson, incorporating creative writing and the study of animals.
(Art, English & Biology) It can also stand alone as an art topic.

The teacher should be familiar with digital photography and the Photoshop program on the computer.
 Additionally, the teacher should be familiar with the skills necessary to approach the wildlife around us.

This lesson is designed to extend over several class sessions. It would have to be adjusted to consider the following variables:
 how many students have access to their own digital cameras and how many need to use the school cameras,
if there are enough computers for each student to use at the same time to edit their photos.
(for example, in my classroom, there are enough computers for teams of two students to conduct their research,
but for the photo editing, they will need to take turns.)

 Make sure to set additional time aside to have the photography exhibit!

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