Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Printing: Printing Materials And Equipment.
Topic: PRINTING
Subject Matter: Contact printing, Enlarging printing, Drying photographs, Photograph storage

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define photographic printing.
Differentiate between contact printing and enlarging printing.
Explain the steps involved in drying photographs.
State various methods of storing photographs.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper printing techniques for quality results.
Value the need for adequate storage to preserve photographs.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the basic process of contact printing.
Demonstrate the basic process of enlarging printing using an enlarger.
Practice suitable methods for drying printed photographs.
Arrange photographs in an album for storage.

Discuss best practices for photo printing and storage with peers.

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 (SSS 1).
Okafor, E. N. (2018). Comprehensive Photography for Senior Secondary Schools. Abuja: Excellent Publishers.
https://www.photographybasics.com/printing_techniques
https://www.photographytips.org/storage_methods

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Darkroom setup (simulated or actual)
Photographic printing paper (light-sensitive paper)
Enlarger
Contact printing frame
Developer, stop bath, and fixer chemicals
Developing trays
Safelight
Timer
Tongs
Drying rack/lines with clips
Photo albums and archival sleeves
Finished printed photographs (examples)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how photographic images are transferred from negatives to paper, which is a fundamental skill in photography. Learning proper printing and storage methods enables pupils to produce tangible images and preserve their work for a long time.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of basic camera operation, film loading, and the chemical process of film development.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PRINTING

Photographic Printing

Photographic printing is the process of creating a positive image on photographic paper from a photographic negative or transparency. This involves exposing light-sensitive paper to light that has passed through the negative, and then processing the paper with chemicals.

Contact Printing

Contact printing is a method of printing where the photographic negative is placed directly in contact with the light-sensitive printing paper. Light is then shone through the negative onto the paper. The resulting print is the same size as the negative.

The following are steps for contact printing:

Place the negative (emulsion side down) directly onto the printing paper (emulsion side up).
Place a sheet of glass or a contact printer frame on top to ensure firm contact.
Expose the paper to a controlled light source for a specific duration.
Process the exposed paper in developer, stop bath, and fixer chemicals.
Wash and dry the print.

Enlarging Printing

Enlarging printing, also known as projection printing, uses an enlarger to project an image from a negative onto a larger piece of photographic paper. This allows for prints that are bigger than the original negative.

The following are key components and steps in enlarging printing:

Enlarger: A device with a light source, condenser, negative carrier, lens, and focusing mechanism.
Steps:
- Place the negative into the enlarger’s negative carrier.
- Project the image onto the baseboard where the printing paper will be placed.
- Adjust the enlarger’s height and lens to achieve the desired size and focus.
- Place the light-sensitive printing paper onto the easel on the baseboard.
- Expose the paper to light from the enlarger for a calculated time.
- Process the exposed paper through developer, stop bath, and fixer.
- Wash and dry the print.

Drying Photographs

After chemical processing and washing, photographs must be dried properly to prevent damage and ensure longevity.

The following are common methods for drying photographs:

Air Drying: Prints are hung on lines with clips or laid flat on clean, non-absorbent screens or racks, allowing air to circulate.
Print Dryers: Specialized machines that use heat and sometimes pressure to quickly dry prints.
Blotting: Excess water can be gently blotted off with a clean, soft sponge or archival paper before air drying.

Photograph Storage

Proper storage is essential for preserving printed photographs from environmental damage, fading, and physical deterioration.

The following are methods for storing photographs:

Photo Albums: Use albums with acid-free and lignin-free pages and covers. Avoid albums with PVC pockets or adhesive pages.
Archival Boxes: Store prints in acid-free, lignin-free archival boxes, often with acid-free tissue paper or dividers between prints.
Archival Sleeves/Envelopes: Place individual prints in polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene sleeves or envelopes before storing in boxes or albums.
Environmental Control: Store photographs in a cool, dry, dark place with stable temperature and humidity to prevent fading, mold, and brittleness.

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, reviews the previous lesson on film development, and asks pupils how they think images from developed negatives become visible prints. The teacher then introduces the topic “Printing” as the next stage after film development.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the lesson’s topic.

Step 2: Contact Printing

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of contact printing, its purpose, and demonstrates the process using a contact printing frame, negative, and printing paper (if a darkroom simulation is available, otherwise uses diagrams/visual aids). The teacher highlights that the print size is the same as the negative.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, ask questions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and basic process of contact printing.

Step 3: Enlarging Printing

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains enlarging printing, contrasting it with contact printing. The teacher demonstrates the use of an enlarger (or uses diagrams/visual aids) to show how an image can be projected and enlarged from a negative onto printing paper. Key components of an enlarger are pointed out.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, listen, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and basic process of enlarging printing and the function of an enlarger.

Step 4: Practical Application (Printing Simulation)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils through a simulated or actual printing process (e.g., demonstrating exposure times, chemical processing steps with trays, developer, stop bath, and fixer). Pupils are encouraged to handle dummy materials or observe closely.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate by observing, asking questions, and attempting to simulate the handling of materials where possible.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical insight into the printing process and chemical handling.

Step 5: Drying Photographs

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of proper drying and describes different methods such as air drying using a drying rack or lines, and the use of print dryers. The teacher also emphasizes avoiding dust and physical damage during drying.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes on the various drying methods.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the different ways to dry photographs after processing.

Step 6: Photograph Storage

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses why proper storage is important for the longevity of photographs. The teacher shows examples of archival photo albums, sleeves, and boxes, explaining what materials to use and what to avoid.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the examples, listen to the explanations, and note down good storage practices.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of and methods for proper photograph storage.

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 photographic printing.
Differentiate between contact printing and enlarging printing.
Mention two common methods for drying photographs.
State two recommended ways to store printed photographs.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson on printing, drying, and storage. The teacher assigns pupils to research different types of photographic paper.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are given a task for further learning.

Lesson Keywords

Printing – The process of creating a positive image from a negative on light-sensitive paper.
Contact Printing – A printing method where the negative is placed directly on the printing paper to create a print of the same size.
Enlarging Printing – A printing method using an enlarger to project and magnify a negative image onto printing paper.
Enlarger – A darkroom device used to project and enlarge photographic negatives onto printing paper.
Drying Rack – A structure used to hold wet photographic prints for air drying.
Archival Storage – Methods and materials used to preserve photographs over a long period, typically acid-free.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research advanced printing techniques like dodging and burning. For those needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams and offer one-on-one explanations during the practical demonstration steps, focusing on the core concepts.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

If an actual darkroom is not available, use detailed diagrams, videos, or a simulated setup to illustrate the processes effectively. Emphasize safety precautions when discussing chemical handling, even in a simulated environment. Encourage pupils to ask questions to clarify any doubts about the technical aspects of printing.