FRAMING IMAGES – Types of Camera Shots

Students will be able to:

1. Illustrate 7 basic frames used in motion and still photography;
2. Explain how framing is used in order to tell a story; and
3. Demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity.

Have students:

1. Replicate the frames using a digital device.
2. View appropriate films as a class, first with the sound off, then with it on.
3. Discuss the types of camera angles and shots used in the film.
4. Use critical thinking, bringing together existing knowledge and new understandings, to explain how shot sequences help to tell the story visually. 
5. Support their ideas with evidence found in the films.

1. Ask students to find and bring to class several images from the Internet or magazines that interest them, making sure that each photograph tells a story without advertisement or words. 
2. Review the principles and elements of design.
3. Review the rule of thirds.
4. You may want to have students complete the Coloured Pencil Techniques worksheet available on this website.
   Coloured Pencil Techniques
5. Download camera angle images from the Internet, for example,
   Establishing Shot
   Long Shot
   Medium Shot
   Close-Up
   Extreme Close-Up
   Low Angle
   High Angle
6. Photocopy the Framing Images worksheet, enough for one for each student. (Downloads – Framing_Shots.pdf)

1. View the camera angle images and discuss them paying particular attention to the framing of the dominate element. 
2. Guide students to notice how the dominant element for each shot is being composed concentrating on the top of the frame and the bottom of frame.
3. Discuss how using the rule of thirds can help the photographer compose an image.
   - It helps create a sense of balance without being too static.
   - It makes an image seem more complex without being too busy.
   - It adds variety and interest to the image by creating a dominant element.
4. Ask students to work in small groups to sort their images according to types of shots, and then to display them in categories on their desks.
5. Have students do a quick walk about to view the images/categories, and discuss choices made by each other.
6. Introduce the challenge.

1. Once the drawings are complete ask students to share them in small groups.
   Ask them to:
   - Look closely at the images and determine whether they fit the requirements for each frame.
   - Share thoughts and opinions about what works and what can be improved.
   - Talk about how they might use this information in other projects.
2. Ask some of the students to share their ideas with the whole class.

1. Observe students as they work – attention to detail, transfer of knowledge from lesson to activity, collaboration with classmates
2. Observe students as they discuss their work – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the work and from personal experience.
3. Use checklist to track progress. (Downloads – FramingImages_tracking.pdf)
4. Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Downloads – FramingImages_self-assessment.pdf)