Lesson Plan

• Describe the four stages of the photographic creative process.
• Explain how intention, research, realisation and reflection shape image development.
• Apply the process by creating a brief, mood board, and a set of photographs.
• Evaluate work against the original intention and produce a reflective commentary.
• Document technical choices and reflect on areas for improvement.

• Digital camera or DSLR with lenses
• Tripod
• Laptop with image‑editing software (e.g., Photoshop or GIMP)
• Projector and screen
• Mood‑board supplies (magazines, scissors, glue) or digital mood‑board tool
• Reflective journal or portfolio template
• Printed handout of the four‑stage framework

Begin with a quick gallery walk of iconic photographs that demonstrate strong intention and research. Ask students to infer the questions the photographers might have asked before shooting. Explain that today they will explore the four‑stage process and produce a mini‑portfolio that meets IGCSE criteria.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Write a one‑sentence intention for a personal photographic theme.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of the four stages with visual examples on the projector.
3. Mood‑board activity (15’) – Create a physical or digital mood board supporting the intention.
4. Technical scavenger hunt (10’) – Record camera settings for various lighting conditions.
5. Shooting session (30’) – Capture three images, each addressing a different aspect of the intention.
6. Peer review (10’) – Share one image, discuss intention, research, and realisation.
7. Reflection writing (10’) – Complete a brief reflective entry linking back to the original intention.

Recap how each stage contributed to the final images and highlight common strengths. Students finish an exit ticket stating one improvement for their next shoot. For homework, they will expand the series and add a detailed reflective commentary to their portfolio.