Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Area Of Photography: Fashion, Sports And Documentation Fields.
Topic: PHOTOGRAPHY TERMINOLOGY
Subject Matter: Zoom, Focus, Print, Exposure, Develop, Image, Subject

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define common photography terms such as Zoom, Focus, Print, Exposure, Develop, Image, and Subject.
Explain the meaning and use of each term in photography.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of understanding photography terminology.
Show interest in learning more about camera functions and photographic processes.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify examples of zoom and focus on a camera or lens.
Distinguish between an image on a screen and a printed photograph.

Discuss the application of various photography terms in practical shooting situations.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Photography (SS1).
Anyanwu, C. N. (2018). Practical Photography for Senior Secondary Schools. Abuja: Excellent Publishers.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A camera lens (zoom lens)
A photo print
A camera screen or a smartphone showing images
Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils to understand the basic language used in photography. Knowing these terms makes it easier for pupils to learn how to use a camera and discuss photographs effectively. It also prepares them for more advanced topics in photography.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of what a camera is and how it is used to capture pictures.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PHOTOGRAPHY TERMINOLOGY

Zoom

Zoom refers to the ability of a camera lens to change its focal length, allowing the photographer to make the subject appear closer or farther away without physically moving.

Focus

Focus is the process of adjusting the lens to make the subject appear sharp, clear, and well-defined, while blurring the background or foreground.

Print

A print is a physical copy of a photograph, typically produced on paper or other materials, from a digital file or a developed film negative.

Exposure

Exposure is the amount of light that reaches the camera’s sensor or film when a picture is taken. Correct exposure ensures that the image is neither too dark nor too bright.

Develop

Develop, in traditional photography, refers to the chemical process used to make a latent image visible on film or photographic paper. In digital photography, it can refer to post-processing software adjustments.

Image

An image is a visual representation of something, captured by a camera. It can be a digital file stored on a device or a physical photograph.

Subject

The subject is the main person, object, or scene that the photographer intends to capture and highlight in a photograph.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they understand by common terms like “zoom in” or “focus” in everyday language. The teacher then relates these to photography.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and share their everyday understanding of the terms.
Learning Point: Pupils connect prior knowledge to the new topic and are introduced to photography terminology.

Step 2: Explanation of Zoom

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the term ‘Zoom’ using a zoom lens (if available) or by showing examples of zoomed-in and zoomed-out photos. The teacher emphasizes its function in bringing subjects closer or wider.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and ask questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and function of zoom in photography.

Step 3: Explanation of Focus

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ‘Focus’ and demonstrates how a camera (or a phone camera) focuses on a subject, making it sharp. The teacher explains that correct focus is important for clear images.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and may attempt to focus with their phone cameras if permitted.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the meaning of focus and its impact on image clarity.

Step 4: Explanation of Print and Image

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ‘Image’ as the digital or captured visual representation, showing examples on a screen. Then, the teacher explains ‘Print’ by showing a physical photograph and discussing how images become prints.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the screen and the physical print, noting the differences.
Learning Point: Pupils differentiate between an image (digital/captured) and a print (physical copy).

Step 5: Explanation of Exposure

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ‘Exposure’ as the amount of light. The teacher describes how too much light leads to an overexposed (too bright) photo and too little light leads to an underexposed (too dark) photo.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and discuss examples of good and bad exposure they might have seen.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what exposure means and its effect on photo brightness.

Step 6: Explanation of Develop and Subject

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ‘Develop’ in both traditional (chemical process) and digital (post-processing) contexts. The teacher then explains ‘Subject’ as the main focus of the photograph.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify subjects in various example photographs.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the meaning of develop and identify the subject in a photograph.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define the term ‘Exposure’ in photography.
What is the main function of ‘Zoom’ in a camera lens?
Explain what ‘Focus’ means in the context of taking a picture.
State the difference between an ‘Image’ and a ‘Print’.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key photography terms discussed and assigns homework: “List five more photography terms you know or would like to learn and try to define them.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the summary and homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to explore further.

Lesson Keywords

Zoom – The ability of a camera lens to change its focal length, making subjects appear closer or farther away.
Focus – The adjustment of the lens to make a subject appear sharp and clear.
Print – A physical copy of a photograph, usually on paper.
Exposure – The amount of light that reaches the camera’s sensor or film.
Develop – The process of making a hidden image visible on film or paper, or digital post-processing.
Image – A visual representation captured by a camera, often a digital file.
Subject – The main person, object, or scene that a photographer intends to capture.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and share additional photography terms. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and more visual examples.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to bring their personal cameras or smartphones to class if possible, to demonstrate the concepts of zoom and focus practically. Real-world examples will greatly enhance understanding.