Photography Basics for Yearbook
- Learn the basics of yearbook photography: composition, lighting, and storytelling.
- Understand how to take better photos for TreeRing spreads.
- Practice taking usable, high-quality photos.
- Organize collected photos for specific spreads.
Scripture
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” – Matthew 6:22
Seeing Through God’s Perspective
This verse reminds us that our outlook shapes everything.
When you approach photography with a thankful, creative, and pure heart, you’ll notice things others might overlook — smiles, friendships, acts of kindness, quiet beauty.
As yearbook photographers, your goal is to shine light on what is good and true within your co-op.
Course Content
Activity: Photography Bingo
- Give them 5–7 minutes to take as many photos as they can.
- Return and share a favorite image.
Goal: Get students moving, looking for moments, and thinking like a photographer.
Mini Lesson: Photography Tips for Yearbook
Basics
- Rule of Thirds – don’t center everything
- Fill the Frame – get closer to your subject
- Candid vs. Posed – both are valuable
- Lighting – natural light is best when possible
- Focus & Composition – make sure subject is sharp and background isn’t distracting
🟦 1. Rule of Thirds – Don’t Center Everything
Tip: Imagine your frame divided into 9 squares (like a tic-tac-toe grid).
Place your subject where the lines or intersections meet — not directly in the center.
Why: It adds balance and visual interest!
👉 Centered = stiff / Rule of Thirds = dynamic and natural
Show:
❌ “Bad”: Subject perfectly centered, lots of empty space.
✅ “Good”: Subject off-center, eyes on one of the top intersections.
🟩 2. Fill the Frame – Get Closer to Your Subject
Tip: Step closer or zoom in until the subject fills most of the photo.
Why: It draws attention to what matters and removes distractions.
👉 Remember: Simple = Strong.
Show:
❌ “Bad”: Subject small and surrounded by clutter.
✅ “Good”: Subject fills frame — clear, focused, and powerful.
🟨 3. Candid vs. Posed – Both Are Valuable
Tip: Capture both posed portraits (looking at the camera) and candid moments (people being themselves).
Why: Yearbook storytelling needs both — posed shows faces, candid shows personality!
👉 Candid = authentic / Posed = classic
Show:
❌ “Bad”: Everyone stiff, forced smiles.
✅ “Good”: Natural laughter, interaction, emotion.
🟧 4. Lighting – Natural Light Is Best When Possible
Tip: Look for soft light — near windows or outdoors in the shade.
Avoid harsh shadows or direct flash when possible.
Why: Light changes mood and quality of your photo.
👉 Good light = good photo!
Show:
❌ “Bad”: Direct sunlight causing squints or harsh shadows.
✅ “Good”: Even, natural light that flatters the subject.
🟥 5. Focus & Composition – Keep It Sharp and Clean
Tip: Make sure your subject is in focus and your background isn’t busy.
Check your frame before shooting — what’s behind them?
Why: The eye should go straight to the main subject, not get lost.
👉 Sharp subject + simple background = professional-looking shot
Show:
❌ “Bad”: Blurry or cluttered photo.
✅ “Good”: Clear focus, simple background, strong subject.
Wrap-Up Discussion
- What was easy? What was hard?
- Which photo are you most excited over?
Due Next Week:
- Take at least 10 quality photos for your spread topic or section.
- Organize and label photos in your shared folder.
- Choose your top 3 and write a caption for each.
Be ready to build your first spread in TreeRing next week.