Final Photo Lesson Plan

I was asked today for a brief lesson or lessons to help someone make better photographs. He had been told by his supervisor that his photos were far less communicative than what was required. His supervisor’s language was not that gentle. Making photos is a small but integral part of the job.

He agreed he could do better and signed up for a photo class to improve his job performance. COVID prevented attending the class. It was canceled.

Today he returned to class in an alley in Uptown Westerville. I was both a teacher and an instructor.

• Shoot with the wide-angle lens on the phone. The wide-angle lens should be renamed as the foreground emphasis lens. Instructed him to put the primary subject closest to the camera, when possible, to give it emphasis and separate it from the background.

• Watch the background. Don’t include anything that isn’t necessary to tell why you made the photo. Raise the camera over your head and tilt it down to eliminate objects above the horizon line. Of course, if they are part of the story being told, include them.

• Check the light to make sure it helps define the subject. Check for highlights and shadows. Use that contrast to create depth and detail.

Every photo shoot needs a minimum of three photos. Perhaps from three different directions.

• A wide-angle shot to show the scene and set the stage.

• A medium shot to show the subject or subjects. This might be a closer photo of the first photo.

• A closeup to show detail. This can show action or the result.

Below are three more photos emphasizing the required three minimum photos. They are three photos from the Braun Farm.

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You should also consider subscribing to The Westerville News and PhotoCamp Daily. My Final Photo News also recommends Civic Capacity and Into the Morning by Krista Steele