Students photographers add to a landscape collection  in Google Earth and explore the world

"To illustrate the World with shared photos" is the goal of Google's Panoramio site. Students can add their own photography to Panoramio and possibly have those photos published to Google Earth. This photo-sharing site, geared to Earth's images, encourages high quality photography, comments and critiques.

Start at Google's Panoramio Site where professional and amateur  photographers (and your students!) can have their uploaded photos considered for Google Earth and Google Maps. Students create a Panoramio account or teachers can create a class account for use with student photos.

Students read and discuss the Panoramio criteria http://www.panoramio.com/help/.  Unlike many picture upload sites, Panoramio encourages high quality photos. The Panoramio site recommends larger photos over 500 pixels in height and width.  Also have students read the acceptance policy of Panoramio for Google Earth before they "make" their first landscape photographs.

Next explore landscape photography with students. Have students look at the works of famous or published landscape photographers.  An outstanding example is Ansel Adams. Access resources about Adam's photography on the web and in print. The American Experience film "Ansel Adams - A Documentary Film" is a good place for students to explore along with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art web exhibit: http://www.sfmoma.org/adams "Ansel Adams at 100".

Set up a Google Sites or a Google Group for collaborative student reflections on photography. Students read the quotes at the PBS American Experience Site on "Art or Document" and provide responses to the quotes in the Google Site, Group or in a class discussion.

Now Have students research Landscape photography tips.  Access sites like the The Digital Photography School Blog:

• 11 surefire tips for improving your landscape photography
• Urban Landscape photography tips
  

"Making a Photo" Students shoot landscape photos and post their best to Panoramio. Students or teachers click the "upload" in their Panoramio account and:

• Provide a title for their photos.
• Choose "map this photo" and locate photos at the point on the map where they made the photograph.
• Submit their photos. If photos meet the criteria they will appear in the Panoramio Layer of Google Earth and in Google Maps in 3-4 weeks!
  

Students can continue to add photos to their Panormia account, participate in site photo contests and comment and critique each other's photos on the site.

Critique a landscape photo: How does the photograph affect you? Do you think it is successful? What do you like most about the photograph, How well do you feel this photograph uses the elements of art and design?

Cheryl Davis - Acalanes Union High School District