1. REGINA STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL
MUD LAKE ART PROJECT 2013
EDUCATION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
2. 3
Proposed curriculum for Mud Lake Art project, Photography Workshops
Photography Basics
Holding camera for clear, vibration-free images
Keeping camera level
Determining subject
Getting to subject level, rather than pointing camera downward
Using light and shadow
Extreme camera positioning
Taking more than one shot (“One more for safety!”)
Photo Composition
Framing subject
Avoiding distractions in foreground/background
Contrasting subject from surroundings
Depth of field (grades 4,5,6)
Rule of thirds
Triangle composition in art generally, and specific to photography
Focal lock (grades 5,6)
Shooting now for artwork later
Basic Photo Editing (grades 4-6)
Introducing free online, in-browser photo-editing tool, Ribbet.com and Adobe
Photoshop Elements
Adjusting levels
Cloning out imperfections, distractions
Sharpening images
Saving and sorting photos to files
Tools
2 point-and-shoot cameras
1 dSLR (via tripod) for classes to use
Those old enough to be responsible with smartphones and digital cameras are
welcome to bring their own
3. 4
Steps to curriculum- Day 1:
1. Discuss with students the
purpose for our project;
showcasing to school and
local community the outdoor
classroom in our backyard
that is Mud Lake. Questions:
Why is Mud Lake an
important resource to
students?
What do we want to
share about Mud Lake
with our community?
How can Mud Lake be used as a creative outlet?
2. Introduce photography scavenger hunt premise and use examples. Go
over tips for good photography
3. Go over scavenger hunt list and encourage students to think “out of the
box.” Ask for suggestions to meet the items on the list
4. Review safety practices when on field trips, especially National Capitol
Commission policies for travelling through Mud Lake
5. Provided each student has returned their permission form, head out into
the field in groups of 2-3 students, one list per group
6. Guide and assist student in taking their photos
7. Upon return, upload images to student files for editing on Day 2
Introduction to photo-editing software- Day 2:
1. Help students sort through and choose 5 best/favourite shots
2. Grade 4 - Introduce Ribbet.com and hand out tips sheets
3. Grade 5 and 6 – Introduce Adobe Photoshop Elements and online manual
4. Assist students as needed and provide lots of examples
Activities on Day 3:
Help students who have not completed their five
shots
Begin printing process
4. 5
Names: ________________________________________
Scavenger Hunt Items
For Mud Lake Photography Field Trip
Find, in any order, as many of the following items as you can and capture
them with your camera. Think about how others might photographthese
things and try to be different!
1. Something that flies but is not a bird
2. Seed, bud or pinecone
3. Something that is wet
4. Wind
5. A face (maybe you can find the shape of a face in some bark, in a rock or leaves)
6. Bird(s)
7. Something that is hiding
8. Flower(s)
9. Wood
10.A trio (a set of three similar items)
11.A crack
12.Spider web
13.A nest
14.The brightest natural colour you can find
15.An insect that does not fly
16.A berry
17.Twig(s)
18.Stone
19.Something slimy
20.Moss or lichen
21.Eastern Grey Squirrel
22.A reflection
23.A mushroom
24.A lily pad
25.Leaves
We found ____ out of 25
5. 6
How to use Ribbet.com to edit your favourite photos
Create a free account, upload a photo and get started.
Rotating photos
Remember: You can undo any action, so don’t be afraid to play around.
7. 8
After reviewing all the fun ways to edit your photo, compare before and after
Grades 5 and 6 photo editing:
Open Adobe Elements 10 Manual to go over basic editing techniques. (Students who
prefer Ribbit.com may feel free to use it instead)
Printing:
Saving photos for best printing resolution
Print Preview
Reasons for distorted photos
Photo paper
Melodie Gondek
613-422-2027
