Composition & Framing

By the end of this lesson, you will:

  1. Understand the importance of composition in photography.

     

  2. Learn and apply the Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, and Negative Space.

  3. Take photos using at least 3 different composition techniques.

Scripture

  •  Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”

Connect vision in life to vision in photography — seeing the bigger picture and planning your shot.

Course Content

Review Last Week
  • Have students show one of their homework photos.
  • Discuss how changing aperture, shutter, or ISO affected their image.
What is Composition?
  • Composition is how elements are arranged in your photo to make it visually appealing and tell a story.
  • Bad composition can make even a technically perfect photo feel “off.”
Key Composition Techniques
  • Rule of Thirds: Imagine a grid of 9 equal parts; place subjects along the lines or intersections. 
  • Leading Lines: Use roads, fences, shadows, or other lines to guide the viewer’s eye. 
  • Framing: Use objects in the scene (archways, branches, windows) to frame your subject.

  • Negative Space: Leave empty space to highlight your subject and create mood.

     

Hands-On Practice

Activity: “Composition Challenge”

  • Students go outside or around the building.

  • Take at least one photo for each composition technique learned today.

  • Encourage creativity: shoot low, high, from unusual angles.

6. Group Reflection (5 min)

  • Pick 2–3 students to share one photo they took during the activity.

Discuss which composition techniques they used and why.

Homework
  • Assignment: Take 5 photos this week using at least three different composition techniques learned today. Upload to google classroom

     

  • Be ready to share 1–2 favorites next week.

     

Bonus: If possible, take one photo that combines two techniques (e.g., Rule of Thirds + Leading Lines).