Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Principles of AAVTC
Session Title: Using a Camera
Lesson Duration: Three class days
Day One – Using a Camera presentation
Day Two – Camera Usage Lab
Day Three – Camera Usage Quiz
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to evaluate a setting or scene and
adjust camera settings to create the best shot possible.
Specific Objectives:
1. Identify types of cameras and discuss their differences.
2. Identify, define, and discuss the most common settings present in cameras.
3. Describe basic camera care.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.82(C)
(1) The student applies English language arts in Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and
Communications cluster projects. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate use of content, technical concepts, and vocabulary.
(5)
The student understands Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications cluster
systems. The student is expected to:
(D) analyze and summarize evidence of interdependence between the technical and the
artistic sides of this career cluster.
(6)
The student applies safety regulations. The student is expected to implement personal and
classroom safety rules and regulations.
(10) The student applies technical skills for efficiency. The student is expected to employ
planning and time management skills to complete work tasks.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
1. Cambridge in Colour. Sean McHugh. 2012
2. Puntti, Tanya. “What is ISO and how to use it.” SLR Photography Guide Tanya Puntti. 20072011.
3. Search for online resources related to TV production and camera basics.
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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Instructional Aids:
1. Using a Camera slide presentation
2. Camera Usage Lab
3. Camera Usage Assignment
4. Camera Usage Quiz
5. Camera Usage Quiz Key
Materials Needed:
1. Pen/pencil
Equipment Needed:
1. Several types of cameras (still or video) – one camera for every two to three students
2. Media for cameras (videotape, media card, built-in hard drive)
Learner
Basic experience using a camera or camcorder recreationally.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
ASK: Have you ever taken a photo of a friend and it came out badly?
[Allow students to share experiences. Guide students to say things like the subject or
the photographer moved at the last minute, everything was blurry, or the picture had
a blue tint or yellow tint to it.]
SAY: These are common mistakes that amateur photographers and videographers
make. It’s a matter of not understanding how to properly use a camera. Sure,
most amateurs are using basic, easy-to-use cameras where you just “point
and shoot”. But professionals don’t use this type of equipment. Professionals
use cameras that require a lot more technical skill and understanding to get
the results they want. Today, we’re going to discuss some of the differences
between types of cameras and, more importantly, how to use them
properly…the way professionals do.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
I. Identify types of cameras and discuss their
differences.
A. Still – Fixed Lens Cameras
B. Still – DSLR Cameras
C. Video – Studio Cameras
D. Video – Camcorders
E. Video – HDSLR
If possible, have several different
types of cameras/camcorders on
display. Allow students to
hold/handle them to get a feel for
them and for comparison
purposes.
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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II. Identify, define, and discuss the most
common settings present in cameras.
A. Resolution
B. White balance (WB) – sets all colors
based on the environment’s light
1. Connection to lighting
2. Multiple WB modes
3. Manually setting WB
4. Illustrate proper/improper WB settings
C. ISO (film speed) – Determines how
sensitive the camera’s image sensor is
to light
1. Relationship between ISO and picture
quality
2. ISO recommendations
D. Iris – measured in f-stops
1. Aperture – opening created by iris;
controls light
2. Relationship between iris and lighting
3. Measurement
4. Illustrate proper/improper iris settings
E. Shutter speed – setting that allows for
shooting moving objects without blurring
1. Relationship between shutter speed
and moving subjects
2. Measurement
3. Relationship between shutter speed
and incoming light
4. Illustrate proper/improper shutter
speed settings
F. Gain – measured in decibels
1. Relationship between gain and
picture quality
2. Measurement
3. Illustrate gain settings
G. Neutral Density (ND) filter
1. Filters out bright sunlight to avoid
overexposure
2. May be a camera setting (video)
3. May be an actual filter placed on the
front of the lens (photo)
H. Focal length – distance from the lens to
the imaging sensor
1. How to zoom
2. Optical zoom – true zoom; when the
focal length of the lens changes
3. Digital zoom – camera enlarges
image, impacts image resolution
4. Zoom range
I. Focus – sharpness or clarity of an
For all demonstrations, send a
video signal from the camera to
a video monitor/projector to
show the process if possible.
Resolution: Use the images in the
slide presentation to show a
comparison between 72 dpi and
300 dpi. Discuss the differences.
White balance: Demonstrate
proper white balance of a camera
(or cameras).
ISO: ISO is pronounced “EYE-so”.
Iris: Demonstrate proper iris
adjustment of a camera (or
cameras).
Shutter speed: Demonstrate
proper adjustment of shutter
speed.
Gain: Bring attention to the fact
that “gain” rhymes with “grain”…as
the gain is boosted, grain
becomes more visible.
Demonstrate proper adjustment of
gain.
ND Filter: Demonstrate how to
apply the ND filter. If you have a
selection of ND filters for SLR
lenses, have them on display for
students to see.
Focal length: Illustrate difference
between optical and digital zoom.
Focus: Using the images, discuss
how focal length changes
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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image
1. Selective focus
2. Rack focus – shifting focus between
foreground and background
3. MOD – minimum object distance;
point at which a subject is too close
to the camera lens to focus
4. Macro
III. Demonstrate basic camera care.
A. Proper handling
B. Lens care
C. Operation
D. Battery installation
E. Storage media installation
F. On/off switch
G. Zoom
H. Image resolution
I. White balance
J. ISO
K. Iris
L. Focus
(zooming in/out) affect an image.
If possible, demonstrate how to
create selective focus and how to
rack focus between two objects.
Demonstrate proper handling and
camera care before moving to the
Guided Practice activity.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Guide students through the proper steps for manually adjusting the camera settings
outlined in the lesson plan on classroom cameras. Allow students to practice and
then evaluate proficiency by using the “Camera Usage Lab.”
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
In pairs, students will be assigned a camera kit and complete the “Camera Usage
Assignment.” After students have completed the assignment, they will need to view
their shots. Students may view their work on the camera or use some other type of
external viewing device, such as a monitor and videotape player or a computer and
card reader.
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Have students create flashcards (using words and imagery) for all vocabulary terms
and lesson concepts. Students will take turns quizzing one another to review for the
quiz.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Students will evaluate their shots from the “Camera Usage Assignment” identifying
proper and improper camera settings.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
The teacher will assess understanding of objective concepts using the attached quiz.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Students may redo certain shots from the assignment with the intent of using the
best possible camera settings for the scene.
Students may use the cameras throughout the course to complete assignments and
projects and to document work for a portfolio.
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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Camera Usage Lab
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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Total Score
Demonstrate
adjusting manual
focus.
Manually adjust
the camera’s iris.
Manually adjust
the camera’s ISO
or camcorder gain.
Manually adjust
the white balance.
Adjust image
resolution.
Turn camera on
and demonstrate
zoom.
Insert tape/media
card in camera.
Students from
period ____
Place battery on or
in camera.
INSTRUCTIONS: Have students demonstrate their understanding of camera use by performing
the following tasks and adjusting the different manual controls of a camera/camcorder. Check
for completion of the task. If possible, set up two objects (with distance between them) to be
used for students to demonstrate selective (rack) focus. If the student demonstrates the task
without help, place a + in the box (worth 12 pts). If the student demonstrates the task with
minor assistance, place a  (worth 10 pts), and if the student has difficulty demonstrating the
task even after being shown, place a - in the box (worth 8 pts).
Camera Usage Assignment
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
Name: _______________________
Date: __________________
Kit # _______
INSTRUCTIONS:
You and an assigned partner have one class period to complete this assignment.
Get the following shots in the order they are listed on this paper. You will take turns using the
camera; one of you will take all the even-numbered shots, the other will shoot the oddnumbered shots. All of the shots should be of your partner unless specified otherwise. All shots
should be white balanced, in focus (manual focus only), and adjusted for lighting (iris, ISO, gain,
ND filter). If you are using a camcorder rather than a still camera, set up the shot and record for
10 seconds.
WHITE
BALANCE
(3)
1
Your partner in the classroom
2
Your partner by the flagpoles in front of
the school
3
Your partner in the library
4
Your partner walking by a row books in
the library
5
A call number label on the spine of a book
6
Your partner in the gym
7
Your partner at a vending machine
8
Your partner at a table in the cafeteria
9
Your partner talking to someone else
10
Your partner entering the school
LIGHTING
FOCUS
(3)
(iris, ISO, gain,
ND Filter)
(4)
TOTAL:
(Maximum 40 points)
After completing the assignment, view your shots on the camera or an external
monitoring system. Using the above criteria, give each shot a point total for white
balance (up to 3 points), focus (3 points), and lighting adjustments (4 points). Turn in
this sheet when completed.
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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Camera Usage Quiz
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
NAME ______________________________
DATE ___________________
Matching
1. ____ ISO
2. ____ White balance
3. ____ Digital zoom
4. ____ Shutter speed
5. ____ Focus
6. ____ Focal length
7. ____ Decibels
8. ____ f-stops
9. ____ Aperture
10. ____ MOD
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Distance from the lens to the imaging sensor
Point at which a subject is too close for lens to focus
Sharpness or clarity of an image
Determines sensitivity of image sensor to light
Measurement used for gain
Opening created by the iris, controls light
Measurement used for iris
Sets all colors based on environment’s light
Setting that allows for shooting moving subject
without blurring
J. Camera enlarges image, affects image resolution
True/False
11. ____ DSLR and HDSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses.
12. ____ Shutter speed has no effect on how much light enters the lens.
13. ____ Digital zoom isn’t a true zoom and creates quality loss of the image (resolution).
14. ____ ND filters are used to make video look old.
15. ____ To clean the camera lens, use Windex or some other type of glass cleaner.
16. ____ Pointing the camera at the sun is okay, as long as it isn’t for an extended period of
time.
17. ____ Do not operate the camera in extreme temperatures.
18. ____ If your outdoor picture has a blue tint to it, this is a sign that your white balance was
correct.
19. ____ A macro can decrease the lens’ MOD, making it able to focus on subjects closer than
normal.
20. ____ The dpi for printed images should be set at 72.
Fill in the blank
21. If a lens has a zoom range of 18mm-135mm, 18-35mm would be considered
angle.
22. The opening of the iris is known as the
23.
.
is a technique that allows you to shift focus between
foreground and background.
24. Considered a true zoom, the
lens changes.
25.
zoom is when the focal length of a
cameras are designed for studio use and do not record audio.
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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Camera Usage Quiz – KEY
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
Matching (4 points each)
1. D
2. H
3. J
4. I
5. C
6. A
7. E
8. G
9. F
10. B
True/False (4 points each)
11. T
12. F
13. T
14. F
15. F
16. T
17. T
18. F
19. T
20. F
Fill in the blank (4 points each)
21. wide
22. aperture
23. Rack focus
24. optical
25. Studio
Principles of AAVTC: Using a Camera
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