Lesson Plan

• Identify visual styles and techniques of key photographers and animators.
• Analyse how historical and cultural contexts shape photographic work.
• Apply composition, lighting and narrative techniques in a personal photo/animation project.
• Use accurate art‑specific vocabulary to critique visual media.
• Reflect on cross‑media connections between photography and animation for portfolio development.

• Projector and screen
• Laptop with presentation software
• Printed handouts of photographer profiles
• Digital cameras or smartphones
• Image‑editing software (e.g., Photoshop or GIMP)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Visual‑analysis worksheets

Begin with a quick visual hook – show a striking photograph by Steve McCurry and ask students what catches their eye. Briefly recap previous lessons on basic composition, then outline today’s success criteria: students will recognise key artists, analyse techniques, and begin applying them in their own work.

1. Do‑now (5’) – students list three photographers they know and note one technique each.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – slide presentation covering Henri Cartier‑Bresson, Dorothea Lange, Man Ray, Bill Viola and others, highlighting styles and contributions.
3. Group analysis (15’) – each group examines a handout image, identifies composition, lighting, colour/black‑and‑white choices, and connects them to the artist’s context.
4. Cross‑media discussion (10’) – show a short Bill Viola video clip; discuss how photographic aesthetics translate to animation.
5. Practical activity (20’) – students create a quick storyboard or photo series using one technique (e.g., rule of thirds, high‑key lighting) and capture images on their devices.
6. Gallery walk & peer feedback (10’) – display work around the room; peers use a checklist to give constructive comments.
7. Exit ticket (5’) – write one specific way they will incorporate a learned technique into their upcoming IGCSE portfolio.

Recap the key artists and the techniques explored, highlighting how they can inform both still photography and animation. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a brief homework: students must photograph a subject using one of today’s techniques and draft a 150‑word analysis for the next lesson.