Constructing Media Messages
Learn the basic processes of how producers make media.
Communicating with Photography
They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. In this course, learn how you and your students can tell a story with photography and practice creating meaningful photos. You’ll use lighting, framing, and composition principles like the “rule of thirds” to communicate mood, emotion and even abstract concepts in your photos.
6 Hours
Free
Certificate of Course Completion
| Understand how photos communicate | Learn the basics of photo composition | |
| Explore the difference between literal and suggestive meanings, and how photographs can be used as depictions, examples, or representations. | Understand how to employ the rule of thirds, balance, framing, simplicity and leading lines to create a photograph that resonates with your audience. | |
| Explore how lighting, perspective and filters change an image's story | Create your own photo essay | |
| Practice using filters and changing the perspective of your image to communicate different messages. | Make and share a photo essay that uses composition techniques and can serve as an example for a student photography project. |
- Intro to Photography
- How Photos Communicate
- Media Analysis
- Composition Basics
- Practice: Rule of Thirds
- Lighting
- Filters
- Practice: Filters
- Perspective
- Make & Share: Photo Essay
- Lesson Plan: Communicating with Photography
Micro-credential Connection
This course can help you develop the skills needed to earn the Making Media for Classroom Use: Images, Graphics and Interactives micro-credential. Earning eight micro-credentials qualifies you to become a PBS Certified Media Literacy Educator. Learn more.
What we provide:
A space to practice what you have learned
Free online tools recommendations
Certificate of Course Completion
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What is KQED Teach?
We offer a collection of free, hands-on professional learning opportunities focused on Digital Media. Educators can build skills in digital storytelling, data visualization, and critical media use to support all curriculum areas. These skills allow educators to facilitate learning environments where their students can create digital content, develop their communication and technology skills, and engage in deeper learning that encourages critical thinking.
Have a question? email us at teach@kqed.org or check out our FAQ.
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