In this lesson, students will focus on conceptual photography, which emphasizes ideas, themes, and messages over technical perfection or realism. Each student will develop a concept or idea they want to express and use photography to create an image (or series of images) that visually communicates this message. They will explore how composition, lighting, symbolism, and staging contribute to the concept, creating images that evoke thought, emotion, or reflection. The final product will be a fully realized conceptual photograph that showcases both technical skill and thoughtful expression.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Develop a Concept: Formulate and articulate a clear idea or theme to express in a conceptual photograph.
Use Symbolism in Photography: Identify and incorporate symbolic elements into a photograph to enhance its meaning or narrative.
Plan and Stage a Scene: Effectively plan and arrange the composition, subject matter, and lighting of a photograph to convey their intended concept.
Demonstrate Technical Mastery: Use camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and lighting techniques to achieve the desired visual effects that support the concept.
Critique and Reflect: Analyze their own work and the work of peers, discussing how effectively the concept is communicated and providing constructive feedback.
How can photography be used to express abstract ideas, emotions, or narratives?
What role does symbolism play in conceptual photography?
How do the elements of composition, lighting, and subject matter affect the interpretation of a photograph’s concept?
What are the challenges in translating an idea into a visual representation?
Photography as Visual Communication: Photography can communicate complex ideas, emotions, and narratives through intentional design and symbolism.
Symbolism and Metaphor in Art: In conceptual photography, everyday objects, colors, and settings can take on deeper meaning and be used to convey messages.
Creative Problem-Solving: Translating an abstract idea into a visual form requires critical thinking, experimentation, and artistic decision-making.
Technical Mastery with Intent: Every aspect of a photograph—from exposure to framing—should be aligned with the artist’s concept, using technical skills purposefully to enhance the message.
Conceptual Photography: A genre of photography that focuses on conveying an idea or message, often using symbolism or abstract themes.
Symbolism: The use of symbols (objects, colors, actions) to represent larger ideas or concepts.
Narrative: A story or sequence of events that is conveyed in a photograph or series of photographs.
Composition: The arrangement of visual elements in a photograph, including balance, focus, and framing.
Staging: The deliberate arrangement of elements within a photograph to create a particular setting or message.
Lighting: The use of light to highlight, shape, and influence the mood or meaning of a photograph.
Mood: The emotional tone or atmosphere of a photograph, which can be influenced by lighting, color, and subject matter.
VA2.CR.1: Develop and apply skills using various photographic techniques to plan and create works of art.
VA2.CR.2: Create artwork through a process that demonstrates conceptual thinking and intentional problem-solving.
VA2.RE.1: Reflect on the influence of photographic works in personal and cultural contexts.
VA2.CN.1: Connect and apply photography to a personal, historical, or cultural perspective.
You will be graded on the following: