Week 19: Photography

by | Feb 4, 2026 | Creative Fun with Photography

Color & Shape Photography Challenge

  • Practice seeing and photographing details in their environment.

  • Explore color, shape, and composition through a 3×3 photo grid.

  • Create a visually interesting panel of images that share a common theme.

 

    Proverbs 25:2 – “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”

     

    Observing details in color and shape helps us notice the beauty in creation.

    Course Content

    Introduction to the 3x3 Photography Challenge

    1. Students will create a 3×3 photo grid of 9 images.
      They may choose either a color theme or a shape theme:

    • Color: Each photo should prominently feature the assigned color.

    • Shape: Each photo should focus on the assigned shape, including objects or shadows.
      Emphasize creativity, variation in angles, and careful composition.

    1. Technical & Composition Tips 

    • Angles: Try shooting from above, below, or at eye level to add interest.

    • Lighting: Use natural or artificial light to highlight your subject.

    • Framing & Detail: Consider close-ups, wide shots, and environmental context.

    • Consistency: The 9 images should feel like a cohesive set.

    1. Hands-On Practice 

      Option 1: Color Challenge
      Assign each student one main color. They must find and photograph nine different things that clearly show that color in the environment.

      Examples:
      Red: stop sign, brick wall, red shoe, fire extinguisher, apple, book spine, painted door, backpack, art supply
      Blue: sky reflection, blue folder, jeans, painted pole, water bottle, poster, locker, tape, marker cap

      Rules:
      All nine photos must include the assigned color as the dominant element.
      No repeating the same object type twice.
      They should vary angles and distance.
      Light matters. They should avoid flat or dark photos.

      Option 2: Shape Challenge
      Assign each student a shape theme.

      Examples:
      Circles: clock, doorknob, cup rim, wheel, light fixture, logo, button, drain, basketball
      Triangles: rooflines, signs, stair rails, shadows, paper corners, cones, flags, architecture
      Rectangles: books, doors, windows, phones, lockers, frames, screens, posters, tables

      Rules:
      Each photo must clearly show the assigned shape.
      They should look for shapes in both objects and shadows.
      They must use at least three different camera angles across the grid.
      No two photos can be taken from the same exact viewpoint.

      How they turn it in:
      They upload 9 individual images.
      Then they assemble them into a 3×3 grid in Canva, Photoshop, or Google Slides.
      They label the grid with their name and their theme color or shape.

      Extra challenge if you want to push them:
      One of the nine photos must use creative lighting.
      One must use a strong leading line.
      One must include a reflection or shadow.

     

    1. Upload to Stream

    • share your photos in the stream

    Homework

    • Finish and assemble the 3×3 grid if not completed in class.

    • Upload or turn in 9 images labeled with student name and theme (color or shape).

    • Include a one-sentence caption for each image describing the subject and why it fits the theme.