The
purpose of this unit is to give interested students a brief history of photography
as well as experience in using photography as an art form, all in the context
of God’s
word. As is my book, The
Checklist, I have organized the
unit according to Luke 2:52, "And Jesus increased
in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and man."
Please
remember that all art forms, including photography, contain
images that may be objectionable. Preview all resources
before assigning to your children.
I recommend that this unit for students ages 10 and up, depending upon their
interest. It can be completed in nine weeks; 2-3 lessons per week, 30-45 minutes
per lesson. If your child has a gift for photography and wants to pursue the
optional activities,
you could use it as a 1/2 year or 1 year elective for high school.
During the
unit, read as many of the recommended books as possible (independent or family
reading).
Wisdom, Part I: Acquire
knowledge about God and His story.
(Lesson 1) Photography as an art form. What does the Bible say
about art?
Leviticus 26:1, "Ye shall make you no idols
nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing
image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone
in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD
your God.
We are not to create art (images) to worship; however, Ezekiel
4:1 says, "Now, son of man, take a clay
tablet, put it in front of you and draw the city of
Jerusalem on it." Therefore, we know that
art may be used for other purposes.
God expects us to use His gifts for His Glory. In
1 Kings 7:13-45, we see Huram as an example. He was
gifted in bronze work and used his gift to create pomegranates,
lilies, gourds, bulls, and lions for the Temple.
A brief history of photography:
(Lesson 2) The art of photography began in 1839 with the Daguerreotype
and continues today in many forms. Create a timeline
of important events in the field of photography. Timeline
Resource.
(Lesson
3) Research one or more famous photographers. In addition to their contribution
to photography, try to learn about their relationship with God and how
it affected their work. Resources:
(Lesson 6) Visit a photo lab to see how film is developed,
how enlargements are made, and how photos are restored.
Write a paper or give an oral report on what you learned.
(Lesson 7) Learn the difference between a film
camera and a digital camera. Write a report or present
orally.
(Lesson 8) Write a list of camera equipment needed
to start a photography hobby or business.
(Lesson 8) Create a list (or database) of community
resources in your area for photographers: stores, labs,
courses, galleries.
(Lesson 13) Light. Pick one subject and photograph
it at sunrise, during the daytime, and at sundown.
Take the same photo on a snowy, foggy or rainy day.
Prepare an exhibit and explain what happens to light
and shadows in each scenario.
Art
(Lesson 14) Visit a photography studio that specializes
in fine art.
(Lesson 15) Attend a photography exhibit.
(Lesson 16) Learn to use a film or digital camera.
(Lesson 18) Take pictures to illustrate: shape, lines,
rhythm, texture.
(Lesson 19) Pick one shape (triangle, square, circle,
oval, star, hexagon) and take photos of everything
you can find that contains that shape. Create a display
of these photos and ask your family or friends if they
can identify the theme.
(Lesson 20) Take a series of pictures based on a
theme or idea such as unusual architecture, flowers,
reflections, insects, etc. and create a display.
(Optional) If you can find this book, read Take
A Look Around:Photography by
Jim Varriale (Gr 4-8). Photograph one subject from
several points of view.
Music
(Lesson 21) Take pictures that represent these moods
or feelings: happiness, anger, sadness, loneliness,
pride, fun, contentment, confusion, boredom, fear.
(Lesson 22) Create a slideshow of your photos. Add
music to accompany the photos. Have a “showing.”
Stature
(Lesson 23) Research and talk about ways that photography
can enhance our health. Examples: walking (nature photography,
sports photography) and medical research (biomedical
photography).
(Lesson 24) Research and talk
about ways photography can help us care for our bodies.
Examples: skincare, hairstyling, appropriate dress (advertising
and fashion photography).
In Favor with
God
(Lesson
25) Stewardship – Learn
to maintain, clean, and store a camera and equipment.
(Optional) Use your God-given gifts - If you have a
gift of art, experiment with photography as a potential
career.
Practice portrait photography: Take "head
shots" of friends, family members, and/or pets.
Ask to go along with a professional photographer
as an "assistant" or even to just watch.
Create a photography portfolio.
Create a photography business card.
Select one photography career that interests you
the most and research it: Fine Art, Portraits, Wedding,
Commercial (Fashion & Advertising), Architectural,
Sports, Newspaper, Forensic, Biomedical, Law, Travel,
Public Relations. Find out what type of work is done
and what training is needed.
If possible, obtain a part-time job in a photo store
or lab.
(Lesson 27) Take pictures that tell a story about a
mission program or social issue. Prepare an exhibit or
multimedia presentation of your photos. EXAMPLE:
by Martin W. Sandler (Gr. 7-12)
by Joanne Richter (Gr. 4-8)
by Sandy Pobst
(All ages)
by
Beverly Gherman. (Gr. 6-12)
by Susan
Bivin Aller (Gr. 1-4) 
by
Jenni Bidner (Gr 4-8) 
by Martin
Sander.
by Scott Kelby
(Gr. 9-12)
to “develop” pictures.
by
Jim Varriale (Gr 4-8). Photograph one subject from
several points of view.